No stranger to failure, burn-out, and pastor-fatigue, John Paul even survived the 2010 earthquake in Haiti as a Th.M. student on a short-term Erskine Theological Seminary sponsored mission trip. John Paul has continued stumbling along through various academic adventures completing his Ph.D. studies at Aberdeen University writing on the “Father of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South.” Besides serving as the Associate Dean and teaching ministry and Presbyterian history courses, his other pastime and day to day routine is devoted to writing puppet sketches, jumping ditches while being chased by a local dog, and honking on a saxophone – all part of his serving as the minister of Troy Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. These experiences (and more) gird the entertaining educational atmosphere of his courses.