Brother Jonathan’s life reflects his unwavering dedication and commitment to a higher calling. His ministry journey began in 1996, when he preached his first sermon at Green Valley Congregational Holiness Church near Glencoe, Alabama, marking the beginning of his deep commitment to ministry. This pivotal moment also provided an opportunity for Jonathan to learn the foundational aspects of preaching and leadership. In January 1999, he received his local preacher’s license, followed by ordination in January 2000.
After completing the Ministerial Internship Program, Jonathan became the Youth Pastor at Tredegar Chapel CH Church in Jacksonville, Alabama, in 1999, where he served until 2001. This role allowed him to gain firsthand experience in leading young people in their faith. Following this, Jonathan served as Senior Pastor of Pine Grove Congregational Holiness Church in Webster’s Chapel, Alabama, from 2001 to 2005. During this time, he was elected to serve as Evangelism and Home Missions Director for the North Alabama District, expanding his leadership capacity while learning to oversee local church and district-wide initiatives.
In 2005, Jonathan accepted the position of Senior Pastor at Bethel Temple CHC in Habersham County, Georgia. During his tenure, he led the church through significant growth, including the construction of a new family life center. In 2009, Jonathan was elected as the second assistant superintendent for the North Georgia District while also serving on the General World Missions Board under then Director Charles Hanson. These roles sharpened his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of both district-level leadership and global missions. Jonathan served as second assistant superintendent until 2015, when he transitioned to West Sunny Side Community Church in Griffin, Georgia.
While continuing to pastor Bethel Temple, Jonathan returned to Lee University in 2012 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, balancing academic rigor with ministry responsibilities. In 2015, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Ministry Leadership and was named a Pi Delta Omicron Scholar by the School of Religion. That same year, Jonathan became the Senior Pastor of West Sunny Side Community Church, where he served for six years. During this time, he continued his education and earned a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama in 2020, where he was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Jonathan was elected to the General Executive Board of the Congregational Holiness Church, serving from 2017 to 2021. This experience provided valuable insight into denominational-level leadership and national and global church issues.
Since August 2021, Jonathan has served as the General World Missions Director for the Congregational Holiness Church. In this role, he is focused on equipping and empowering churches globally to spread faith, hope, and love to those in need, furthering his passion for missions and ministry on a worldwide scale.
Jonathan’s journey also includes distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting in January 1988, he completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and served in Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, California, from 1988 to 1992. During his four years of active duty, he worked on repairing amphibious assault vehicles. Jonathan continued his service in a reserve Marine artillery unit until 1994, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. His military service instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and teamwork.
Jonathan and his wife Kristie, married on August 26, 1995, have raised two daughters, Jordan and Joshlyn, who both inspire young minds through their careers in education. Their family also includes their first grandchild, Riley Nathanial Carter, born on Christmas Day 2024. Jordan is married to Jordan Carter, the Owner and President of WinAir, a heating and air conditioning supply company in Baldwin, Georgia, and Joshlyn is married to Hunter Vaughn, a law enforcement officer and certified K-9 officer with the Butts County, Georgia Sheriff’s Department.
Through these experiences, Jonathan has learned, and continues to learn, that in life, especially in ministry, we will face hardships, setbacks, and discouragements. However, God’s grace is always sufficient to help us keep going and moving forward.
Jonathan’s life is a testament to faith, learning, service, and family—showing that through dedication and a heart for others, we can make a meaningful impact in the world.