An Alabama native raised in a pastor’s home, D.J. came to know Christ personally as an eight-year-old boy. His call to ministry became very clear during college. Growing spiritually but struggling with feelings of unworthiness to pastor people, D.J. began to really grasp the greatness of the grace of God. This revelation set his heart on fire to use his gifts of preaching and leadership to help others know and experience the amazing reality of God’s grace in Christ.

Dr. Horton is the Senior Pastor of Church at The Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina. During his 20-year tenure of leading the church, Church at The Mill has been consistently recognized as one of the fastest-growing churches in North America. In addition to his pastorate, D.J. is a frequent speaker at FCA camps, NCAA and NFL chapels, and pastor’s conferences. An Alabama native, he earned a B.S. from Auburn University, where he was a member of the football team. He received an M.Div from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate degree in preaching from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He has been happily married for over 23 years to his wife, Laurel. They are proud parents to six children: Ty, Micah, Lily, Grey, Rhett, and Evy. When he is not preaching or pastoring, D.J. is a passionate outdoorsman who loves his time in the woods or the water with friends and family.