About the Commentator

For nearly five decades, John Bennison has been a pastor, preacher, teacher, trainer, conference leader, carpenter, coffin builder, counselor, spiritual advisor, ethicist, writer and lyricist, musician and entertainer, assembly-line union worker, small business entrepreneur, residential real estate specialist, corporate cog and executive director of a few faith-based and other non-profit organizations.

He's authored eight publications and numerous commentaries on faith and values, and as an ordained minister served as a parish pastor over 25 years. He earned his Doctorate in religion from Claremont School of Theology, as well as his BA degree in philosophy and religion from Lake Forest College.

John contributes his leadership experience as Executive Director and Lead Teacher at Pathways Faith Community; as he writes these Words & Ways commentaries, in order to engage others in meaningful dialogue. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Mountain Shadow Film Society.

Meanwhile, he also continues to provide professional client services to buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area markets (see Imagine Coming Home).

Having raised two daughters, he resides with his spouse and golden retriever in Walnut Creek, California.

“So order too this life of mine, direct it all my days,
The meditation of my heart be innocence and praise,
My rock and my redeeming Lord, in all my words and ways.”
- hymnwriter Timothy Dudley Smith