Years after graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in 2008, John MacTaggart has returned to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he now serves as the student life pastor at Family Church. The church is located next to PBA’s campus, allowing MacTaggart to work closely with students from his alma mater.
MacTaggart’s interest in ministry began when he became a Christian at age 15. Sharing his experience of faith led him to pursue Christian leadership programs. He chose PBA after his cousin recommended it and was drawn by the location. “Knowing I wanted to pursue ministry and stay in the state of Florida, the list was pretty short,” MacTaggart said. “It was the beauty of the West Palm Beach area that locked me in.”
While studying at PBA, MacTaggart participated in various service roles, including Anchor Worship’s leadership team and several other student groups focused on discipleship and leadership development.
After graduation, MacTaggart worked in different states, starting as an area coordinator at Samford University in Alabama before moving into student ministry positions across California, Texas, and Alabama. Eventually, he returned to West Palm Beach.
“I’ve been connected to a lot of Christian colleges since graduating, and PBA is just different,” he said. “I think the thing about PBA is that it pulls people from all over the place.”
Most students under MacTaggart’s guidance at Family Church are from PBA. He also teaches 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 said. “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.”
Looking ahead, MacTaggart plans to continue developing student pastors through youth ministries that can serve as models for other churches while connecting college students with local congregations. When asked about future career plans, he stated: “I am living a bigger dream than I could have imagined, so right now I am living in my next steps.”
