DR. JOHN DOWNING
Dr. John Downing
About me
In my early years after graduating from high school, I worked as a commercial deep sea and abalone diver, and as a construction worker. I was converted in October of 1961 at age 20. In early 1963, God called me into the ministry and I went to Bible School at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. for three years. My first pastorate was in Lompoc, CA, my home town. I returned to BBC after marriage to continue in graduate school and study the languages. I left after one semester, following my mentor, Dr. Peter Connolly to TX. I graduated from the Bible School there [Texas College of Theology] and taught for three more years. My wife and I returned to CA and I taught at Sacramento Baptist College and also pastored a country church. We left for the Bay Area in 1974 and have remained here ever since, pastoring one church for 20 years and then establishing another, which I pastored for 28 years. and established a small seminary to train men for the gospel ministry. After a break down in health [strokes], I had to retire in 1981. I continue as a part-time preacher for a church of elderly people and shut-ins, and also minister monthly at a rescue mission.
Education
Th.G, 1966, Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO. 1970, BA, Baptist Christian University [Louisiana Baptist University], 1972, Granted the Th.M. degree through Texas College of Theology for previous academic work. 1972, granted an honorary D.D. degree from Shreveport Bible College. Graduated with an MA in Ed. From Chapman University, Orange, CA. 1975, graduated with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Baptist Christian University [Louisiana Baptist University].
First Book
The first book has been the most published and useful: A Catechism on Bible Doctrine, which was written in 2008. It has been translated into Spanish, Nepalese, Russian and Portuguese. Now, Brother Jacowitz and FirstLove Publications have reformatted and published it under their auspices.
PUBLICATIONS
A Catechism on Bible Doctrine
Using a catechism format, this book contains an overview of basic Christian doctrine and systematic theology presented in a rich and comprehensive way. Profuse with scripture, each page is written with the sharpness of a theologian and the experience of a pastor. Dr. Downing has provided the church with a reference manual that is easy to use for believers of all denominations.