MILLIGAN, Tenn. (March 25, 2026) — Milligan University has selected John Emmert as the university’s next director of the Ministry Leadership Program (MLP), effective April 15.
Launched in 2018, Milligan’s MLP program is designed to prepare a new generation of experienced church leaders by combining the university’s academic excellence with immersive, hands-on ministry experience and intentional mentorship.
“We are overjoyed to welcome John into this role,” said Stephen Waers, president of Milligan University. “He has deep ministry experience and a passion for forming the next generation of Christian leaders. We are confident that John will build upon the success of the Ministry Leadership Program and that his work in that role will be a blessing to our churches.”
Emmert brings more than 25 years of ministry experience in preaching, teaching, leadership development and discipleship. He currently serves as discipleship and programming lead minister at First Christian Church in Johnson City, where he provides strategic oversight alongside executive leadership, coordinates ministry-wide discipleship initiatives, and regularly preaches and teaches. He has also led volunteer teams, guided staff development efforts and helped oversee campus expansion and ministry restructuring.
Prior to his current role, Emmert served as lead pastor of Jefferson City Christian Church, where he provided church leadership, launched small group ministries and developed community partnerships. He also served in worship leadership and associate ministry roles, focusing on mentoring staff and building ministry teams.
“John has a deep commitment to the Church and a clear passion for investing in people,” said Rich Aubrey, vice president for academic affairs and dean. “He brings a thoughtful, relational approach to ministry leadership and a strong track record of equipping others for service. I am excited to see how his experience and vision will continue to strengthen the program.”
Emmert earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion from Carson-Newman University and a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan. He has contributed to ministry scholarship as a published author and has received recognition for leadership and community partnerships.
“The Ministry Leadership Program at Milligan University is a tremendous and distinct training ground among our nation’s Christian universities, and I am honored to join in and build upon the outstanding investment Milligan is making in future ministry leaders,” said Emmert. “My family loves Milligan, and we are thrilled to join the Buffs!”
The MLP program allows students to learn from ministry leaders from around the country, visit churches and ministries, and receive mentorship throughout their college experience. Students may pursue majors including biblical and theological studies, church leadership, student ministry, children’s ministry, worship leadership and intercultural studies.
Students in the program can complete both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Divinity through Emmanuel Christian Seminary in as few as six years. Additional scholarships are available for qualified students.
For more information about Milligan’s Ministry Leadership Program, visit milligan.edu/academics/programs/ministry-leadership.