John Vermilya
Forge Speaker
Resisting spiritual apathy and getting in the game
Interested in John for your event?
Motivating full abandon
to jesus christ
When it’s tempting to sit as a spectator in the stands, John Vermilya challenges audiences to resist spiritual apathy, stagnancy, and religiosity—and instead, to get in the game by following Jesus Christ with full abandon.
Through storytelling and humor, he reflects on his own Christian walk and his experiences as an athlete, including four years as a professional soccer player for the Charlotte Eagles, and more than a decade as a soccer ministry tour leader with Missionary Athletes International.




About John

John approaches his role as a Forge speaker like a spiritual coach, motivating and training youth and adults to become gospel-driven disciples who strive passionately towards Kingdom goals.
He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and serves as Lead Pastor of a church in Buckley, Michigan.
John and his wife, Darcey, have five children.

“Following Jesus means fighting for
the heart of your king, and it is a life-and-death proposition.”
Additional Resources
from John Vermilya
Eight Marks Messages & Study Guide
A resource that teaches the 8 marks of a disciple in short 7-10 minute tracks



Interested in John for your next event?
Fill out the Speaker inquiry form or call us today!