Loving God. Loving People. Loving Place.
"Seek the peace and welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, pray to the Lord on its behalf for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7
Speaker
Pastah J is a sought after speaker and writer. Along with numerous blogs and articles he has contributed to multiple books including: Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development edited by Dr. Wayne Gordon and Dr. John Perkins. Liberating Leadership: Refection on the Struggle of Our Time edited by Leroy Barber and The Least of These edited by Ann Ward.
In 2018 Pastah J released his debut book published by Intervarsity Press. Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods
Jonathan has a Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University, Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University and Master of Divinity from Northern Seminary in Christian Community Development. He hopes to merge his academic knowledge, practical tools and ministry training in order to turn his convictions into tangible solutions which will help change the Greater Englewood neighborhood for future generations.
Speaking Topics Include:
Christian Community Development Philosophy
Rebranding the Urban Pastor/Church
Church-School Partnerships
Reconciliation: Everybody's ministry
Hip-Hop Culture and the Church
Hip-Hop as Worship
Bi-Focal Perspective: Seeing the World as God does...
Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods
Church Based Reparations: Practical Ways to repair the damage of America's Original Sin.
BOOKS, BLOGS & ARTICLES
THE FASCINATING PODCAST
What does it mean to be called to a place? In our latest megashow, we’re joined by three authors who have been called to very different neighborhoods. Jonathan “Pastah J” Brooks, author of Church Forsaken, pastors in West Englewood, in Chicago. Jose Humphreys, author of Seeing Jesus in East Harlem, pastors in Harlem in New York City. And Ashley Hales, author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs, serves in the suburbs of Los Angeles. We investigate our own places, and how we are listening for God’s call.
THEOLOGY ON MISSION
“Theology on Mission” is a podcast by David Fitch and Mike Moore, broadcasting from Northern Seminary. Fitch and Moore bring their experiences as pastors and professors to bear on issues of church, mission, and theology.
REVEALING THE TRUTH
The media branch of Igniting A Nation Ministry devoted to reaching the church with the truth of the Bible from a Jewish believer's perspective.
FEATURED BLOGS & INTERVIEWS
RED LETTER CHRISTIANS INTERVIEW ON MASS INCARCERATION
http://www.redletterchristians.org/prisons-overwhelmingly-filled-people-color-just-unjust/
RED LETTER CHRISTIANS BLOG ON RACIAL RECONCILIATION
http://www.redletterchristians.org/ok-white-folks-heres-can-really-help/
CALVIN WORSHIP INSTITUTE INTERVIEWS
CHRISTIANITY TODAY "QUICK TO LISTEN" INTERVIEW ON CHRISTIAN PROTEST AND CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
CHRISTIANITY TODAY "THE CALLING" INTERVIEW: HOW A TRUSTED PASTOR CAN TRANSFORM A COMMUNITY
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT PASTAH J?
"Pastor Brooks uses his talents and abilities, not only in the pulpit but outside the churches walls, to promote the Kingdom agenda and see lives redeemed among the poor which will in turn redeem whole communities."
- John Perkins, Activist, civil rights hero, founder of CCDA
"I recently preached at an African-American church being led by a dynamic, energetic, pastor on the south side of Chicago named Jonathan Brooks. I have great hope this ministry will do some serious kingdom damage in that neighborhood." - Noel Castellanos, Former CEO of Christian Community Development Association
PASTAH J SPEAKING AT A YOUTH RETREAT AT TROUT LAKE CAMPS FOR WOODALE CHURCH IN MINNESOTA
Domestic Missions Fest at Christ Church of Oakbrook
Inhabit Conference sponsored by the Parish Collective
HEAR PASTAH J SPEAKING AT
AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Pastah J with David Bailey (Arrabon/ Making A Melody), John Perkins (Perkins Center/CCDA) and Lisa Sharon Harper (Freedom Road) on Voices Project Reconnect HBCU Tour.
Pastah J speaking at the CCDA Conference in Memphis, TN
Pastah J speaking at Moody Bible Institute
PASTAH J SPEAKING AT VOICES RECONNECT HBCU TOUR