Dr. John P. Fairweather

Pastor John Fairweather has had three careers: college professor, human services administrator, and pastoral minister. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School and went on to earn a Ph.D. in theological ethics from Vanderbilt Graduate School of Religion. That launched a teaching career that included Luther College, Drake University, Simpson College, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and the University of Iowa.

Wanting to make a difference in society at large, he became a county director of human services in Iowa and then was called to Des Moines to be the Bureau Chief of Public Policy, the major responsibility involved being the legislative advocate for the Iowa Dept. of Human Services. His career in human services lasted nearly 20 years during which time he continued to teach in the religion departments of various colleges and universities.

In 1996, at the urging of family and friends, John decided to “follow his heart” and enter pastoral ministry. He was ordained in 1997. Shortly after, he enrolled in the Interim Ministry Network and received specialized training in serving churches in crisis or transition. All of his careers have immersed him in communities of diverse ideas and values. Teaching, diplomacy, and conflict resolution continue to be important elements in his style of ministering to churches that are intentionally moving towards a future of finding new ways to communicate the eternal love of God within a changing world.

John is married to Carol Fredrich. Carol was called to be the Executive Director of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry in Cleveland in 2005. Upon moving to Ohio, John was called to be the interim pastor for Ridge Road United Church of Christ in Parma. John and Carol live in Cleveland near Carol’s agency. Both report they have fallen in love with the area.

John has two children, Susan and Scott. Susan has given him three grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emma, and Jakob. All of them live in Iowa, as does John’s mother, sister, brother, and a host of extended family.

Click HERE to contact John.