John Recktenwald was born in Washington, DC on May 5, 1961. After graduating from JEB Stuart High School, he received his B.B.A. from Baylor University. He worked in public and corporate accounting before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received the Masters of Religious Education degree in 1991. He was called to serve as Minister of Education and Outreach at Bonsack in May 1998. He is married and has three children.