John Robert Christiansen, a compassionate, caring pastor, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 80, to join his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ in Heaven.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy, and their three children: David (Kim), Josh (Murray), and Katie Carter (Ben). John cherished his role as "Papa" to eight grandchildren: Owen (22), Mary Reed (22), Dane (20), Braeden (19), Noah (18), Dawson (16), Laney (16), and Logan (16).
Born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1945, John lost his father, Don, at age three and was lovingly raised by his mother, Helen, alongside his two older sisters, Sandy and Chrissy.
John and Nancy's story began at the University of Wisconsin in 1965, where he worked as a server at her Pi Beta Phi sorority house. During his time at Theta Chi fraternity, he experienced a profound spiritual transformation through Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduation, the couple relocated to Texas, where John pursued theological studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
His pastoral journey began in 1973 when he established Northland Community Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida, starting with just four families at English Estates Elementary School. Seeking a more intimate worship experience in 1982, he founded Orlando Community Church and moved his family to College Park. John dedicated 40 years to ministry before retiring in 2013. While recognized as a gifted Bible teacher, his greatest passion was helping others discover and develop their spiritual gifts.
John was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching their soccer teams and faithfully attending countless games. He also served with Kairos Prison Ministry and the Walk to Emmaus, and was well-known in College Park for leading "Walk Through the Bible" home study groups.
John and Nancy spent their final years together in Saint Augustine, near the beach, treasuring regular visits from their children and grandchildren.
An enthusiastic athlete, John completed multiple marathons, including Boston. He was a devoted reader of classical literature and maintained a lifelong discipline of reading through the Bible annually. His pleasures included gardening, grilling Wisconsin-style bratwurst, and sharing delicious desserts. John embraced life's adventures—sailing the Bahamas, skiing in Colorado, kayaking the Suwannee and Green Rivers, and traveling extensively with Nancy. Treasured family memories include trips to New York City and annual July gatherings in DeBordieu, South Carolina, for crabbing and shrimping with the Bywater and Jones families.
John had a genuine interest in people's spiritual journeys. He listened with compassion rather than judgment, offering guidance only when invited. His faith deepened throughout his life, and his greatest hope was that others would experience the same blessing.
The family extends their gratitude for the love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
The "Celebration of Life" for John Christiansen
Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1 PM
Church on the Drive
1914 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the following:
Orlando Community Church - Sharing Fund
(In memory of John C.)
PO Box 547412
Orlando, FL 32854
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy, and their three children: David (Kim), Josh (Murray), and Katie Carter (Ben). John cherished his role as "Papa" to eight grandchildren: Owen (22), Mary Reed (22), Dane (20), Braeden (19), Noah (18), Dawson (16), Laney (16), and Logan (16).
Born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1945, John lost his father, Don, at age three and was lovingly raised by his mother, Helen, alongside his two older sisters, Sandy and Chrissy.
John and Nancy's story began at the University of Wisconsin in 1965, where he worked as a server at her Pi Beta Phi sorority house. During his time at Theta Chi fraternity, he experienced a profound spiritual transformation through Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduation, the couple relocated to Texas, where John pursued theological studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
His pastoral journey began in 1973 when he established Northland Community Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida, starting with just four families at English Estates Elementary School. Seeking a more intimate worship experience in 1982, he founded Orlando Community Church and moved his family to College Park. John dedicated 40 years to ministry before retiring in 2013. While recognized as a gifted Bible teacher, his greatest passion was helping others discover and develop their spiritual gifts.
John was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching their soccer teams and faithfully attending countless games. He also served with Kairos Prison Ministry and the Walk to Emmaus, and was well-known in College Park for leading "Walk Through the Bible" home study groups.
John and Nancy spent their final years together in Saint Augustine, near the beach, treasuring regular visits from their children and grandchildren.
An enthusiastic athlete, John completed multiple marathons, including Boston. He was a devoted reader of classical literature and maintained a lifelong discipline of reading through the Bible annually. His pleasures included gardening, grilling Wisconsin-style bratwurst, and sharing delicious desserts. John embraced life's adventures—sailing the Bahamas, skiing in Colorado, kayaking the Suwannee and Green Rivers, and traveling extensively with Nancy. Treasured family memories include trips to New York City and annual July gatherings in DeBordieu, South Carolina, for crabbing and shrimping with the Bywater and Jones families.
John had a genuine interest in people's spiritual journeys. He listened with compassion rather than judgment, offering guidance only when invited. His faith deepened throughout his life, and his greatest hope was that others would experience the same blessing.
The family extends their gratitude for the love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
The "Celebration of Life" for John Christiansen
Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1 PM
Church on the Drive
1914 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the following:
Orlando Community Church - Sharing Fund
(In memory of John C.)
PO Box 547412
Orlando, FL 32854
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Robert Christiansen, please visit our flower store.
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