Hear from Willy Rice

“I have known Johnny for decades… He is one of those rare guys who has experience in local church ministry, non-profit work, and he has been involved in the business world. He has taken the experiences of all three of those spheres and put it into a training program to help equip leaders… We have had him in to do training with our staff as well as local associations… If you are looking for something for your staff, if you’re an Asscociational Mission Strategists looking for something to help your pastors in your area, check out my good friend, Johnny Carr of Heart2Serve Ministry,”

Pastor Calvary Church, President of the Southern Baptist Convention

“Johnny Carr uses the principles from two Heart2Serve books, that were created and used by Chick fil-A, to pour into pastors & leaders through cohorts with six pastors each year. The curriculum is top notch and it stresses leadership truths that Jesus taught and modeled. The pastors are impacted by the truths they learn, but also by the encouragement they receive from Johnny. And today, pastors need genuine friendship and encouragement more than ever. Johnny meets twice a year in person with the entire group and ten times a year via Zoom with each individual pastor. We have partnered with Johnny Carr for five years and plan on continuing to do so for years to come.”

Associational Mission Strategists, Tampa Bay Baptist Association

“This past week, I spoke with two pastors who participated in a Heart2Serve cohort several years ago, and both shared how profoundly it continues to impact their lives and ministries. Their gratitude was a powerful reminder that the investment Johnny makes in pastors has lasting fruit. I will never forget how the first meeting of our very first WCBA cohort quickly became a sacred moment as pastors opened their hearts and encouraged one another.”

Associational Missional Strategist, West Cullman Baptist Association

“What stood out even more was Johnny's personal investment. He met monthly with each pastor over Zoom for one-on-one conversations, encouraging them, challenging them, and helping them navigate the real-life opportunities and struggles of ministry. Those relationships became just as valuable as the group sessions, and I watched these pastors grow in both their leadership and their confidence.

Johnny has a heart for pastors, and it shows. He doesn't just teach leadership. He invests in people. His authenticity, humility, and desire to see others succeed make him someone pastors naturally trust and respect.”

Former Associational Mission Strategist, Marshall Baptist Association

“Johnny Carr’s ministry through Heart2Serve has been such an encouragement to me! Pastoral leadership can sometimes be lonely, stressful and discouraging. But Johnny comes alongside you and lets you know that you are not alone. His insight on life and ministry has helped me to better handle specific situations that I’ve faced. He is always positive and very relatable. It’s rare that a ministry like this that is limited for the most part to zoom calls can grow into a true friendship but Johnny’s heart for pastors makes it possible. I’m proud to call him my friend!”

“All I can say about the heart of leadership and the opportunity to be taught and encouraged about leadership over this past year with Johnny Carr has been a blessing! I have learned so much about myself and been challenged in so many areas! This cohort is 100% worth it and it is most definitely life changing! I never truly understood servant leadership until I met Johnny and saw how he leads and how he cares. I would recommend this to anyone that is a pastor!”

“Sometimes being a bi-vocational pastor can be lonely and listening to the group I have realized what a large support team that we have. We all seem to have very similar struggles and listening to how so many have overcome has been huge.

Using the leadership workbook, and reading materials, has also not only helped me in my pastoral duties, but also in my full-time job. Johnny has such a passion for growing God's people. I appreciate all the work and time that has been put into this ministry.”

“I wanted to let each of you know Heart2Serve has been a tremendous blessing for me, my family, and the church I pastor. I have been both challenged and encouraged to continuously pursue Christlikeness with a servant mentality as I lead in any and all aspects of life and church. The books have reinforced the need to check my attitude and love unconditionally those I have the honor of leading. As well, I have been repeatedly reminded to build relationships with those I lead because all people matter to God. Brother Johnny Carr has led this adventure with a deep concern for the ministry God has given me; for this, I am truly thankful. Finally, for the gifts of blessings I received throughout this cohort, I am extremely grateful. To God be all glory!”

“As I look back over this past year walking with Johnny through the Heart2Serve process, I received more than I bargained for. Last year at this time I was hesitant if this leadership cohort was worth the investment of time before I committed. I now see this process has given me better tools to love, serve, lead, and multiply other servant leaders. I have gained a lifelong friend in Johnny as he has loved me as a true brother. We walked through the passing of our mothers and wrestled with being the husbands and dads that Jesus has called us to be. Because of the investment of prayer and resources of others, I will become a better pastor, leader, and follower of Jesus. Philippians 1:3”

“I was able to join the Heart2Serve Group this past year, and I wanted to take just a moment to give my thoughts about this ministry. Pastors in ministry spend themselves ministering to, and shepherding people. They put out and give out/of themselves. The truth is that Pastors need someone putting into them, ministering to them, praying for them, encouraging them, and someone that they can confide in. The H2S Ministry does just that. It provides leadership training through a book study, but it actually goes far beyond that. Through the contacts with Bro. Johnny, a kinship develops. Brother Johnny prays for and encourages, he is a friend that understands the burden of ministry, he is the often-needed sounding board, and in a way he pastors Pastors. This is a much-needed ministry, and I am thankful to those who support the H2S Ministry, those who make possible what this ministry does. You will never know the impact that this makes on individual ministries across the nation.”