Anthony Jones

I was born in Seattle, WA and became a Christian and came into the church the summer before my freshman year of high school. In High School I attended Seattle Pacific University studying Theology and Youth Ministry. While in college I started volunteering with Bethany Presbyterian Church's youth ministry program and have been a Presbyterian ever since. I spent a few years working as the middle school coordinator, then a year as the Interim Youth Director at Bethany Presbyterian Church.   

 

After college, I married my wonderful wife Courtney, and we moved to Spokane, WA shortly after. In Spokane, I was the Director of Faith Formation to Youth at Whitworth Presbyterian Church. I loved my time at the church and it was there that I was blessed with a wonderful supervisor who helped me deepen my understanding of pastoral ministry. Through his and other's guidance I decided to pursue further education to be ordained in the PC(USA). 

​

In the Fall of 2018, I enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary where I earned a Master of Divinity as well as a Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation. While in Seminary I was a Seminarian Intern for the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. Through my time and training at Brick Church I gained confidence in my preaching voice as well as my love of a worship serviced centered and grounded in liturgy. 

 

During seminary, I also served for two years at a Presbyterian college ministry, The Christian Association at The University of Pennsylvania. I was an intern my first year, then I was the Associate Campus Minister. While there I saw the "other side" of youth ministry, what the work of youth looked like with college ministry.  

​

Before graduation from seminary my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our son. He keeps us busy, honest, and full of laughter. Upon graduation I was fortunate enough to receive The Gerald R. Johnson Memorial Award in Speech Communication in Ministry and the Robert E. Speer Award in College Ministry.

​

After seminary, I took my first ordained called at Ojai Presbyterian Church in Ojai, CA, where I currently serve as Associate Pastor of Youth. Ojai Presbyterian is a wonderful place to serve as a pastor. I have been blessed with a congregation and head of staff that is deeply committed to youth ministry, to me, and my family. While here I have been given the opportunity to grow and reshape the youth ministry program. I have worked to connect to the broader community by being a Cross Country coach at the local high school and partner with the Boy Scouts Group.

​

Outside of my life as a youth pastor, I love nothing more than being with my family, training for the next long distance running event, and attending concerts.