The ministry of John W. Sykes has spanned more than 34 years. He is the founder and senior pastor of Grace Community Bible Church of St. Louis Missouri.

His ministry has been a source of healing, deliverance, encouragement, and enlightenment to pastors, ministers, leaders, lay persons and youth throughout the Body of Christ.

Pastor Sykes’ intellect, spiritual approach and intense oratorical skills continue to stimulate and challenge the hearts of people on all levels of life. Known for his practicality, boldness, candor, humor and cutting-edge approach; he is also an ardent, and careful student of the bible, with a deep commitment to truth, and a great understanding of the people who hear it.

His apostolic anointing enables him to teach and preach timely and relevant messages that are creative and thought provoking; continually transforming the lives of many. In 2015, he authored the book “They Way of an Eagle”  which consist of messages which are designed to enable readers to leave his/her nest of mediocrity; and soar into the horizons of their God ordained destiny!

Hs is a friend of all who dream of fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives; and is known for teaching the hearer how to put tough times in proper perspective.

Pastor Sykes was married to the late, Patricia Ann Sykes for 42 wonderful years; and is the father of two sons; Thaddeus and John; and grandfather to Thaddeus II and Carrington, Jackson and Savannah.

In May of 2016 He was blessed to be united in holy matrimony to the lovely First Lady Maureen C. Sykes, who has proven to be an invaluable asset to her husband and to the GCBC family.

In 2020, he authored the book God's ThunderClap! which was born out of a series of sermons delivered during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic and America's Cultural Crisis .