John May
Staff
Executive Director of Church Ministries
Network Youth Director
John and Denise May have been married for 31 years and share a passion for ministry and family. They met at Southeastern University and have since built a life of service together.
John served as the Associate/Youth Pastor at Culpeper Assembly of God in Culpeper, VA for 6 years, followed by becoming one of the first Youth Alive Directors in the country. He has spent 13 years as a Network Director and currently serves as the Church Ministries Director for the Potomac Ministry Network, a role he has held since 2018. John is also a seasoned speaker and coach, dedicated to equipping and mentoring young leaders.
Denise has been an elementary school teacher for 27 years and is also an author and speaker. She has a heart for sharing her wisdom with others and works alongside John in ministry. Together, they have raised two children—Reagan, a registered nurse married to youth pastor Kyle Hogan, and Ryder, who is also serving as a youth pastor.
The Mays enjoy spending time with their family, especially on vacations to the beach. They also love taking long walks, enjoying great food, and relaxing together while watching Sunday afternoon football. Their lives reflect a deep commitment to faith, family, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
More About John
Dream Vacation- Trip to Italy or Caymen Islands
Starbucks Regular- Non- fat white chocolate mocha or black ice tea with 2 sweet n low
My Favorite…. thing is relaxing on the beach with my family.
Peeves are? Being late and obnoxious talkers in a restaurant
In my Spare time I like to? Watch a Good movie
Something that most people don’t know about me? I like to camp
When was I saved? I was saved at 9 years old on my way to kids camp
People who inspire me? My wife, certain friends
My favorite scripture? Jeremiah 29:11
Life Changing event that happened? The birth of my kids changed everything.
Ben Engle
Assistant Network Youth Director
Ben Engle currently serves as the Assistant District Youth Director. Before coming to the District Office he served as the Youth Pastor at Victory Church in Winchester, VA. for three years. Ben also served as a Youth Pastor at Central Assembly in Springfield MO and Abundant Life Community Church in Newburgh IN. He is a graduate of Central Bible College. He is married to the love of his life, Lisa, and is a proud father of his two daughters, Olivia and Maci.
More About Ben
Dream Vacation- Taking my wife to Italy and spending 3-4 weeks.
Starbucks Regular- I’m to young to drink coffee, but I’ll take there Strawberry Lemonade Refresher any day!
My Favorite…. snack of all time is Chips and Cheese Dip.
Peeves are? When people can’t set up straight rows of chairs for a youth service. (Setting up chairs for youth service for 15+ years).
In my Spare time I like to? Spend time with my wife and kids, and play around with graphics.
Something that most people don’t know about me? When I was in 8th grade I ran the 800m in track. I was supposded to run in the state championship meet for the 800m. 3 days before the meet I was mowing my neighbors lawn with her old lawn mower. As I pushed the mower up the hill the left handle of the lawn mower broke. As I was walking the mower came up off the ground and my foot went under the mower and the blade fileted my big toe open. Needless to say I didn’t run the 800m at the State Championships. 🙁
When was I saved? When I was 8 years old I remember going to the altar at Church on a Sunday night with my Dad and asked Christ into my heart.
People who inspire me? Growing up it was Michael Jordan. I ate, breathed, slept basketball. By the way, Who is Lebron? Greatest basketball player ever: Michael Jordan!!
As a youth pastor: Blaine Bartel and 180 Student Ministries inspired me to dream bigger of what God could do in my local youth ministry.
My parents: They are my hero’s! They have always inspired me to do my very best, and have been an incredible model to pattern my life after.
As a youth pastor: Blaine Bartel and 180 Student Ministries inspired me to dream bigger of what God could do in my local youth ministry.
My parents: They are my hero’s! They have always inspired me to do my very best, and have been an incredible model to pattern my life after.
My favorite scripture? Psalms 34:6 – This poor man called out to the Lord, and the Lord heard his cries and answered him.
Life Changing event that happened? In 2007 my wife Lisa and oldest daughter Olivia were in a serious car accident. I was following in my car and saw the whole thing take place. My wife broke her foot and her rib. Olivia fractured the front of her skull and bruised her inner thalamus. She was in a comma for 2 days When she came out she had left-side neglect where your brain forgets to tell your body how to work. The doctors said she would always have problems in school, and could never participate in physical acitivity that she could hit her head. But God healed her. Within a few month, she made a full recovery. All restrictions have been lifted off of her. She is an incredible soccer player and had been a cheerleader. God has been good to my family!
Katie Buckley
Church Ministries Administrative Assistant
Katie Buckley serves as the Church Ministries Administrative Assistant. She is a graduate of Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Katie was born in the Potomac district but spent the next 20 years traveling around the world with her military family. She’s excited to be back in the DC area to be serving the churches of her home district.
More About
Dream Vacation- Going to Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii!
Starbucks Regular- Cold Foam White Mocha Iced Latte
My Favorite…. Snack of all time is Buffalo Chicken Dip
Peeves are? People who chew their food loud
In my Spare time I like to? Walk through Target!
When was I saved? 2013 at Youth Camp!
My favorite scripture? Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advanced for us to do.
Life Changing event that happened? When I received my calling to work in ministry! I was attending Lee University and studying as an Elementary Ed Major. During my senior year, I was finishing up school but I felt the Lord tell me that where I was going was not where He wanted. At that time, I was an event coordinator for a Greek club and during an event I felt the Lord’s peace and challenge to use my giftings in Event planning to support a ministry or non-profit. I stepped out in faith, changed my major and God guided me to PYN. My life was completely changed when I followed God’s direction. Step out in your calling!
Arin Nicholson
Potomac District Youth Alive Director
Arin is a Florida boy and graduate of Southeastern University where he met his wife Shauna Nicholson. He began his ministry in Chestertown Maryland at Hope Fellowship Church as the Student Ministries Pastor. Currently he is serving as the Youth Alive Missionary for the Potomac District and enjoying the married life with Shauna and their dog Nala.
More About Arin
Dream Vacation- My dream vacation would be to take a month long trip with Shauna to see the United Kingdom: Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales. Flying first class is also on my bucket list so if I could fit that in the dream trip I think that would make it perfect.
Starbucks Regular- I don’t do coffee so I’ll take a hot chocolate in the winter and strawberry acai refresher in the summer.
My Favorite…. go to food is chicken wings
Peeves are? : I hate when people make a lot of noise while they eat, but people using their phone at the dinner table is up there too.
In my Spare time I like to play golf. All sports are good but golf is my favorite to play
Something that most people don’t know about me? I like musicals
When was I saved? I was three years old when I decided that I wanted to love Jesus, was 17 when I realized that meant my life would be dedicated to him completely
My favorite scripture? Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Life Changing event that happened? Getting married to Shauna Nicholson 10.11.14