About Me.
Experienced Pastor and Author | 25+ Years of Leadership
Greetings! I'm Jonathan Winningham, an experienced pastor and community builder with over 25 years of dedicated leadership. As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I have a clear call to vocational ministry, and my journey has been deeply rooted in faith and service.
With experience as a senior pastor, family minister, and interim pastor, I bring a wealth of experience in church management, financial operations, and effective leadership. While known for my compelling public speaking, I've shared impactful messages beyond the pulpit. I've also authored two books, extending the reach of my passion for communication and connection. Beyond traditional ministry, I've successfully ventured into academic teaching roles in both private and public sectors.
Even more significant than my professional journey, I've been happily married for 33 years to my beautiful wife, Debra, and am a proud parent to an amazing daughter. This enriching personal life complements my sincere and compassionate approach to ministry.
I was raised as the son of a Baptist pastor and wife. Being in church life I heard the gospel many times and made an initial confession of faith at age 7 following a revival meeting. Still, at age 16, the Spirit of God was convicting me of my need to go deeper in my understanding of my own sin, the cross of Christ, and of genuine discipleship. At a teen retreat in New Brunswick, Canada, I called out to God, repented of my sins, and embraced fully the grace of God and the joy of a personal relationship with Him through Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior and since that day, I have not doubted His Spirit’s work in my heart to bring me to Himself.
In my senior year of High School, I sensed God’s desire to use me in church ministry. Having seen and been impacted by some of the negative aspects of ministry life, I did not initially submit to His call. I formulated a plan to move into a different vocation but was in the midst of great mental turmoil. Finally, during a bible conference at my father’s church, the speaker took me aside in private and lovingly confronted my conflict with God. I confessed it to be so, repented, and surrendered my life to God for whatever He desired for me. I cancelled my own plan and embraced plans to study the Scriptures. Though the journey has been difficult at times I continue to express my gratitude to God for His plan to use me in serving His Son, and His people.
In 1992, I was duly ordained to the Gospel ministry while on staff at the Crestview Baptist Church in Irving, Texas. My father, Cleo L. Winningham, a pastor for over 50 years, was present for both my council and ordination service.
Education
2009-2015
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min), Applied Theology
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Lousiville, KY
1990-1995
Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity - Lynchburg, VA
Master of Divinity (M.Div), Bible/Biblical Studies
1987-1989
Liberty University - Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science (B.S), Church Ministries