History: his story
John Roughton was born and brought up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the son of a local businessman. He was raised in a traditional denominational church. But while a student in college, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit. This was a major turning point in his life.
During this time, the Lord began to deal with him about serving in the ministry. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music, he attended Rhema Bible Training College in Oklahoma. He finished his studies in 1987 and began taking short-term mission trips.
In Calcutta, India, he met his wife, Zhepitoli Zhimomi. They were later engaged and married in Virginia. John worked in the family business, and Zhepi was a homemaker and mother.
In 1994, at the direction of the Lord, they moved back to India to work in the full-time ministry in Zhepi's home state of Nagaland in the northeast. (To the right is John & Zhepi in traditional Naga costume).
In the same year, they started Spirit of Faith Church, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church for people of all tribes and ethnic backgrounds.
From small beginnings, the church began to grow. Today, the Spirit of Faith campus consists of a large auditorium that can seat over 1,000 people, a guest house, offices, a four-story dormitory, and a large multipurpose building. In addition, Spirit of Faith has four branch churches in the area.
In 2006, John started Spirit of Faith Bible School. Today, SFBS graduates are serving the Lord in nearly all parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and other countries.
John & Zhepi have three children.
In 2024, John was deported from India because of his Christian ministry, after serving for over 30 years. But the work continues, stronger than ever.
Core Assignment
John Roughton is considered by some to be an excellent teacher of the Word. He has often said he feels his role is simply to help Christians understand the Bible. His teaching often focuses on the principles of faith, the power and person of the Holy Spirit, and righteousness, along with other subjects.
In the Bible School, he often teaches for three or more sessions a day for weeks at a time.
However, he also ministers the Spirit. Over the years, with God's help, he has become proficient in getting believers filled with the Spirit. (He has often stated that was the turning point in his life.) And the Lord uses him in ministering healing to the sick.
Having pioneered several works and having pastored for over 30 years, he also has good insight into church growth.
Milestones
A legacy of faith, spanning three decades of taking the Gospel to the nations and transforming lives through the power of God's Word.
1994
Spirit of Faith Church Established
The first non-denominational Word of Faith church in Nagaland, India, starting with just 8 people in a small rented room.
2006
Bible School Founded
Launch of Spirit of Faith Bible School, which has since graduated nearly 2,000 students serving God globally.
Present Day
Global Outreach Ministry
Continued impact through traveling ministry in America and other nations, with branch churches thriving in Nagaland.
Let's Connect
We would love to hear from you. Whether you have a prayer request, a testimony, or would like to invite John to minister, please reach out. Let’s labor together for the kingdom.