Labels are limiting but perhaps the quickest way to describe the thinking underpinning the 'Permission to Speak' ministry of John is that of a 'post-modern theologian'. As part of Permission to Speak John preaches, delivers seminars and workshops, writes articles and books. In 2008 he undertook a preaching / seminar tour in USA and Canada, and returned for an extended preaching / seminar tour in 2010 which included taking part in the Theologian in Residence Program at the First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado. He is the current Chair of the Progressive Christianity Network Britain.

John is an ordained Methodist Minister with a teaching support ministry especially to those on the edge of Church life or who have fallen off to become members of the  Church Alumni; to seekers after a Jesus-based spirituality who may not necessarily want to be associated with any traditional, institutional Church; to those of other faith communities who wish to dialogue as partners in living the values of the Eternal Sacred. Much of his ministry is now Internet based.