For Jonathan Nash, life is a great teacher. It teaches you what you don’t want to do and what you do want to do. And if you’re listening, God adds His message sometimes maybe two or three times.
Since 2009, Nash has been the youth pastor at Cornerstone United Methodist. Before that he volunteered with Chi Rho Crew, Cornerstone’s youth group. He brings to the job a passion to help lead his Middle and High School students on their personal walks with Christ. This is a 24/7 responsibility, Nash explains since he’s available for important telephone calls and visits from students. This reflects their need to connect and talk things out.
Currently, Jonathan is also working to complete his degree at Youth Ministry Institute as well as one with Southwestern College. The Youth Ministry Institute according to Nash is very intense and hands-on. Drawing from Jonathan’s experience in an earlier career that of building and remodeling houses, he likens this education to a tool belt containing every tool you need. But, knowing what to do with them and when is an invaluable art and learned skill. The job of youth pastor has elements of counseling and leadership along with laughter and empathy.
Prior to working at two local churches in youth activities and his current responsibility at Cornerstone, Nash thought he’d be a full-time firefighter. This entailed required study for the quick response needed fire and EMT, Emergency Medical Technician. That experience is a useful addition to his tool belt.
Nash feels strongly about breaking down the walls that divide people of any age or origin. He believes in and works to implement the value of family and community inherent in the body of Christ.
In addition to his God’s calling to work with youth, Jonathan is on the Resource Management team at Corkscrew Swamp under the auspices of the Audubon Society. This entails monitoring roughly 13,000 natural acres. In true Biblical spirit, they protect the welfare of the plants, land and animals, such as watching the panthers to help protect their territory, eradicating invasive weeds, keeping track of changes..
Jonathan places great importance of walking with Christ, living as an active disciple and always seeking through prayer and reflection His plan for our lives.
Jonathan is married to Dominique, the Kid’s Care Director at Cornerstone. They are parents of three children: Devon, Haley and Emily.
