Rev. John Burger is a seasoned pastor and missionary with over 30 years of experience in ministry. A graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he has served congregations across Texas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. In 2018, with the support of fellow pastors and church members, he founded Metanoia Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the Gospel with unbelievers. After transitioning from parish ministry in 2020, Rev. Burger embraced a unique calling as a “Missionary at Large,” combining his passion for outreach with his work as a trucker. Through this unconventional mission field, he partners with Christians of all denominations to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the unchurched.
Rev. Burger’s ministry is deeply rooted in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s confessions and teachings, which he continues to uphold through Metanoia Ministries. Whether teaching Luther’s Small Catechism to future pastors in Vietnam, helping a struggling individual on the road, or sharing faith at truck stops, Rev. Burger exemplifies how every vocation can be a platform for God’s work. He and his wife, Angie, have raised three daughters and share a commitment to serving others, both in their local community and around the world.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Rev. John Burger’s day revolves around his dual role as a trucker and missionary. He integrates his faith into his work by viewing trucking as his mission field. His productivity stems from intentionality—starting the day with prayer, meditating on God’s Word, and being deliberate about looking for opportunities to serve and share his faith.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Rev. Burger brings ideas to life by acting on his faith and trusting God to guide him. Whether it’s forming Metanoia Ministries or helping someone in need, he believes in taking practical steps while relying on God’s provision and timing.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing openness to faith conversations in unexpected places excites him. He sees how simple acts of kindness and service can open doors to share the Gospel, even in secular environments like truck stops or repair shops.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Starting the day with prayer and Scripture meditation is a cornerstone of his productivity. This habit helps him stay focused on his mission and remain open to opportunities to serve others.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Trust God’s plan and timing more fully. Don’t be afraid to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.”
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Rev. Burger believes that every vocation, no matter how mundane or secular it seems, is a mission field where God places us to serve and witness.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
He recommends starting each day with prayer, asking God to open your eyes to opportunities to serve and share His love. He believes this simple practice transforms daily life into a mission.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Rev. Burger turns to prayer and Scripture for clarity and peace. He also reflects on God’s faithfulness in past challenges, which helps him regain focus and trust.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building relationships and serving others selflessly has been his key strategy. Whether as a pastor or trucker, he focuses on meeting people where they are and showing Christ’s love through action.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One challenge was transitioning from pastoral ministry to full-time mission work during the COVID-19 pandemic. When his initial plans were disrupted, he adapted by entering the trucking industry, which became a new mission field. The lesson: God’s plans often differ from ours, but they are always better.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
He suggests creating a mobile ministry for truckers, offering spiritual support, Bible studies, and prayer at truck stops. This could be a powerful way to reach a transient and often overlooked community.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Rev. Burger uses GPS and logistics apps to manage his trucking routes efficiently. These tools help him stay organized and maximize his time on the road, leaving room for ministry opportunities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
He values Luther’s Small Catechism for its clear and concise teaching of Christian doctrine. It has been a foundational resource throughout his ministry.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Rev. Burger enjoyed The Chosen for its powerful and relatable portrayal of Jesus and His disciples. It inspires him to see how ordinary people can be used for extraordinary purposes.