In addition to blogging for Patheos, Jonathan serves as Director of Music Ministries in a PCUSA congregation. Before entering full-time ministry, he taught elementary music in the public school system for six years, while serving the church in part-time, interim, and internship capacities. A Houston, Texas native, he holds the Bachelor of Music degree in Applied Voice from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he studied with legendary voice teacher, John Van Cura. After Baylor, he completed the Master of Arts in Theology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and the Master of Science in Educational Management from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, studied choral conducting with Charles Hausmann at the University of Houston, and recently completed the Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Jonathan lives in the Houston area with his wife, their adorable son and daughter, and a beautiful apricot miniature poodle. In his spare time, he enjoys baseball, visiting churches, the Houston Symphony, and singing hymns with his kids.