Volunteer Spotlight: JT Haun

For more than 15 years, JT Haun has faithfully served the Discovery community, leaving a lasting impact on hundreds of lives. A graduate of Discovery Class 41, JT has remained actively involved since 2010 because he has witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when people experience healing and begin walking in their purpose.

Over the years, JT has connected hundreds of explorers to Discovery, encouraging them to take courageous steps toward freedom, restoration, and a deeper understanding of who they were created to be. While he celebrates the life-changing experience that takes place during Discovery, what is even closer to his heart is what happens after the weekend ends. JT believes true transformation occurs when people continue walking together in discipleship, accountability, and purpose.

As JT says, “God is the vessel and Discovery is the tool.”  JT’s commitment to his purpose extends far beyond Discovery. As Missions Pastor at Encounter City Church in Killeen, Texas, he oversees outreach initiatives and community service programs designed to meet both physical and spiritual needs. He is also the founder of Armor of God Outreach, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring lives through God’s love. Through this outreach, JT has become known for walking side by side with people who are struggling. The organization serves individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, mental health challenges, and other life crises throughout Central Texas. In addition to his ministry work, JT stays busy managing multiple businesses, including house flipping projects, rental properties, and a car and truck dealership. Yet even in business, his focus remains on serving others. He intentionally uses the resources and opportunities created through his businesses to help young adults aging out of foster care find stable housing and establish a foundation for their future.  For JT, business is not simply about success, it is another avenue for ministry and an opportunity to help people discover their value and purpose.  JT understands that many of the people he serves carry deep wounds and difficult life experiences because he has traveled his own journey of brokenness and healing. Rather than standing on the sidelines, he walks beside them, offering hope and the assurance that there is redemption for even the most difficult chapters of a person's story.

JT has been married to his wife, Maria, for 12 years. Their shared journey with Discovery began when JT attended Class 41, followed by Maria in Class 42. Together, they have built a family centered on faith, service, and purpose. They are the proud parents of five children: twin daughters, Faithlynn and Melissa, and sons Conner, Caleb and Bryant.  The Haun family experienced profound loss when Conner tragically passed away in a car accident. In the midst of their grief, JT chose to honor his son's legacy in a way that reflected the values Conner embodied. Through a Legacy Donation made in Conner's memory, more than 40 individuals were given the opportunity to attend Discovery and begin their own journeys of healing, growth, and purpose. What could have remained a story of loss became a lasting legacy of hope, ensuring that Conner's impact continues to be felt through the lives transformed by Discovery.

What makes JT’s ministry especially impactful is that he lives out Discovery’s R.E.A.L. core values every day. He is Respectful, treating every person with dignity regardless of their circumstances. He is Empowering, helping people recognize their value, discover their purpose, and take steps toward a better future. He is Authentic, sharing his own story and connecting with others through honesty and vulnerability. Most importantly, he is Loving, demonstrating love through service walks and a genuine commitment to walking alongside people through life’s challenges. JT’s life reflects the message of Discovery in action, "to inspire people to live with greatness".

JT is more than a volunteer, he is a catalyst for transformation. His influence extends far beyond Discovery, touching the lives of countless individuals who have been inspired by his example of service, compassion, and purpose. Through his work, he continues to show how one person's commitment can create a ripple effect that strengthens communities and changes lives.

Thank you, JT, for your years of faithful service to Discovery and for the countless ways you invest in others. Your compassion, authenticity, and commitment to helping people find hope and purpose have left a lasting mark on our community. The Discovery family is grateful for the legacy of service and transformation you continue to build.