From Campus to Calling: John MacTaggart’s Journey from PBA to Pastor

Years after his graduation from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in 2008, John MacTaggart has returned to his roots-nearly. As the student life pastor at Family Church, located directly adjacent to PBA's campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, he shepherds students on the doorstep of his alma mater. While MacTaggart didn't expect his calling as a pastor to bring him back to PBA, he sees it now as an ordained step of his journey.

Tracing the Steps

MacTaggart felt God calling him to become a pastor after giving his life to Christ at 15 years old. Sharing his story of salvation with others opened his eyes to how God works in people's lives, sparking his interest in pursuing ministry. He began looking for Christian leadership programs and enrolled at PBA after his cousin, a former student, recommended the school.

"Knowing I wanted to pursue ministry and stay in the state of Florida, the list was pretty short," MacTaggart recalls. "It was the beauty of the West Palm Beach area that locked me in."

During his time as a student, MacTaggart found many service opportunities on the leadership team for Anchor Worship and as a discipleship leader and member of the Steering Committee and Impact Leadership Team. He also participated in a prayer group called "The Crazy 8s."

The Road After PBA

After graduating, MacTaggart's path took him to various positions across the country. He started in academia, serving as an area coordinator at Samford University in Alabama before transitioning to student ministry. After leading ministries in California, Texas, and Alabama, he felt drawn to return to West Palm Beach.

"I've been connected to a lot of Christian colleges since graduating, and PBA is just different," he says. "I think the thing about PBA is that it pulls people from all over the place."

Most of the students MacTaggart ministers to at Family Church come from PBA. He also gets to interact with the students as an adjunct professor in PBA's School of Ministry.

"It is sentimental to be around campus and shepherd over 400 students through college ministry," MacTaggart says. "I try to speak into their lives, as many adults and professors spoke into my life. Most of my conversations are developmental conversations, helping students discover their God-given purpose based on their gifting and a clear understanding of the mission God has called us on."

The Path Forward

John hopes to continue to recruit, equip, and develop student pastors through student ministries. He wants to build a strong youth ministry not just for Family Church, but one that can serve as a helpful model for other churches. He also wants to continue to connect college students to the local church. When asked what his next steps for his career are, John replied, "I am living a bigger dream than I could have imagined, so right now I am living in my next steps."

Learn moreabout PBA's ministry programs.