Brother John Allen was born in New Britain, Connecticut to Thomas and Annie Allen.  He attended New Britain public schools and is a graduate of New Britain High School.  After graduating Brother Allen enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1983-1990.

John grew up attending Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church with his family as a youth and was baptized at Spottswood.  As an adult John attended other churches and accepted Christ as his savior twenty-five years ago.  A few years ago a profound experience brought him back to Spottswood.  John suffered a serious stroke where he actually flat-lined twice.  During that experience God spoke to John and showed him heaven and hell, and a “grey area”.  God told John that he could either serve Him or the world but he couldn’t stay in the grey area.  John chose to serve God, and at that very moment John knew he would answer God’s call to service.  While he was recovering, a woman prayed for John and told him he should return to Spottswood because there would be some things happening there that he needed to be a part of.  In his obedience to the Lord John did return to Spottswood in 2016 following his recovery.  After returning, John answered the call to the ministry in response to an alter invitation by Rev. Jacqueline King who was the pastor of Spottswood at the time.  John was recommended for, and received the title of Exhorter at the following Quarterly Conference.

John is actively involved in numerous ministries and boards at Spottswood.  He was elected President of the Lay Council for the 2018 conference year.  John is currently leading the Outside Outreach Program and is the Chaplain of the Men’s Ministry (Men Of Hope).  Brother Allen is also a member of the Steward board where he attends to the financial matters of the church.  John has continued to study the word of God and under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, and leadership of Pastor Blanks, John received his Local Preacher license in January of 2021.  

John is truly the definition of an imperfect person risking it all to make Jesus real, one life at time.  He is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve Him and he gives God all the glory!