Rev. Dr. John Alexander Leaston, affectionately known as Dr. Al in the spiritual leadership community, serves as the pastor of First Congregational Church (FCC) in Raleigh, North Carolina. A second-generation preacher, Rev. Dr. Leaston is the son of the Reverend John Arthur Leaston and Doris Leaston. His commitment to ministry and service reflects a legacy of faith.
Prior to serving in the pastorate, he faithfully served on the ministerial staff at Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Harry L. White Jr., and as Minister of Youth and Young Adults at Oberlin Baptist Church.
Rev. Dr. Leaston’s vocation seamlessly blends ministry, education, and technology, with an integrative perspective guided by faith, he combines deep knowledge across multiple fields to profoundly impact service and leadership. As a pastor, college dean, and university adjunct professor, he is passionate about empowering others, and his desire to serve flows through every role he holds. With a heart for people, Rev. Dr. Leaston combines his expertise with a deep commitment to nurturing personal and spiritual growth. Whether leading in the lecture hall or the pulpit, he strives to make a lasting impact by developing minds, encouraging faith, and guiding others toward their purpose. His professional background in technology allows him to bring innovation to the church, reaching younger generations and enhancing worship and ministry with digital tools. Rev. Dr. Leaston is a published author whose book has been adopted by numerous colleges as part of their curriculum, extending his influence in academic communities. As a result, he has become a sought-after speaker and presenter, regularly invited to conferences to share his expertise and insights on ministry, education, and technology.
The consummate lifelong learner, Rev. Dr. Leaston focuses on educational advancement in every field of endeavor to better serve others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from North Carolina State University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Strayer University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. In 2017, he was accepted into Princeton Theological Seminary’s cohort-based program in Princeton, New Jersey—an intensive, year-long study of Scripture, theology, and spiritual practices—earning a Certificate in Theology and Ministry. In May 2024, he was conferred a Doctor of Education Degree with a concentration in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Leaston is currently enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary, pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Black Church Studies.
Rev. Dr. Leaston has made a lifelong commitment to enriching and serving his community. His commitment to civic engagement and social equity began while serving as president of the NAACP NC State University Chapter and has continued through his recent roles on the NAACP’s Religious Affairs Committee and as Social Justice Ambassador for the National Society of Black Engineers. As a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he actively participates in numerous civic, social, and philanthropic initiatives.
He draws his greatest inspiration from his family, including his wife, Katrice, and three sons, Jonte’, Justin, and Julian.
