John J. Scalzo, Jr.

Biography

A life centered on Christ, Scripture, and letting God love us

● 1975

Came to the Lord
John’s personal encounter with Jesus marked the beginning of a lifelong walk rooted in intimacy with Christ and the transforming power of the gospel.

● 1976

Founding Member — Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group
Founding member of the Catholic Charismatic prayer group at Our Lady of Grace in Brooklyn, New York.
The community grew to over 200 members, centered on Spirit-led worship, prayer, and authentic Christian fellowship.

● 1978 – Present

Christ-Led Bible Teacher
Serving as a Bible teacher focused on helping people encounter Scripture not as information, but as living truth that reveals the heart and character of God.
His teaching emphasizes relationship over religion and learning to let God love us.

● 1982 - 1986

Associate Pastor | Worship Leader | Youth Pastor
Served at New Jerusalem Christian Church, shepherding believers into deeper discipleship, worship, and spiritual maturity.

● 2008 – Present

House Church Ministry
Hosting Christ-centered house church gatherings rooted in prayer, Scripture, and authentic community, modeled after the simplicity of the early church.

● 2012 – 2017

Care Center Ministry
Alongside his wife Tina, John served as a spiritual leader and friend to a local care center for individuals with severe disabilities and chronic diseases—offering music, prayerful presence, encouragement, and compassionate fellowship to residents and caregivers.

● 2020 – 2025

Prison Ministry — New Jersey
Led Christ-centered groups within a New Jersey prison, sharing the gospel and teaching the central message:
“Let God Love You.”
This ministry was shared with Tina, who taught Bible studies based on the teachings of Ed Miller, calling men into restored relationship with the Lord.

● 40+ Years

One-on-One Discipleship
Walking alongside individuals in personal discipleship relationships, helping believers grow in spiritual maturity, freedom, and intimacy with Christ.

● Ongoing

Jesus Raw Ministries
Founder of Jesus Raw Ministries and JesusRaw.com, where John shares Bible studies, podcasts, and teachings devoted to stripping away religious performance and restoring a personal, living relationship with Jesus.

● Biblical Hebrew Studies

Student of Biblical & Paleo-Hebrew
Exploring the deeper and more authentic meaning of Scripture through original language and pictographic foundations, sharing these insights within Bible studies to illuminate God’s Word while always pointing back to Christ.

● Book Contributions

Contributor — Ed Miller
Contributed to the following books:

• Reading Psalms to Know God

• Reading Job to Know God

• Reading Ephesians to Know God