Get to Know Pastor Jonathan

Pastor Jonathan Tharpe

Biblical Truth. Faithful Living. Eternal Hope.

Pastor Jonathan Tharpe has devoted his life to the preaching of God's Word, the ministry of the local church, and the pursuit of God's will. His passion is to see lives transformed through the truth of Scripture and to encourage believers to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jonathan answered God's call to preach at the age of fifteen, beginning a journey of ministry that has shaped his life and calling. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the Scriptures and a desire to serve the Lord through preaching and teaching.

He graduated as valedictorian of Knoxville Baptist Christian School under the leadership of Dr. Bob Bevington. His commitment to biblical education continued through years of study at several institutions, including Pellissippi State Community College and Liberty University, where he graduated in 2009 with an Associate of Arts in Theology. He later continued his theological studies at Crown College and Andersonville Theological Seminary. He has also earned multiple certificates through the Knoxville School of the Bible and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On January 28, 2007, Jonathan was ordained into the Gospel ministry and began serving as a Youth Pastor. In 2010, he became the Senior Pastor of Outreach Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he faithfully served for fourteen years. Those years provided opportunities to preach, shepherd families, invest in people's lives, and develop a deeper appreciation for the privilege and responsibility of pastoral ministry.

In September 2024, Calvary Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennessee, extended a call to Pastor Jonathan to become its Senior Pastor. The congregation called him with a unanimous 100% vote, marking a new chapter in his ministry journey. Today, he continues to serve as Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, with a desire to see the church grow in its love for Christ, commitment to the Scriptures, and passion for reaching others with the Gospel.

Beyond the ministry, one of the greatest blessings in Jonathan's life is his family. In March 2010, he married Beth, the girl who first caught his attention back in elementary school. What began as a childhood crush became a lifelong love built on faith, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord.

Together, they have two daughters, Abigail Kate (Abby), born in April 2012, and Aubree Charlotte, born in February 2016. Beth and their daughters are a tremendous source of encouragement and support in Jonathan's life and ministry. Their family shares a heart for serving others and being involved in the work of the Lord.

Beth is actively involved in the ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, where she leads the Women's Ministry. She also hosts an annual Ladies Conference featuring guest speakers, special prizes, fellowship, and a wonderful luncheon. Through her leadership and dedication, she encourages women to grow in their faith and discover the purposes God has for their lives.

At the heart of Pastor Jonathan's ministry is a desire to remain faithful to God's calling and fully engaged in the work of the Gospel. He believes the local church is God's ordained institution for reaching the world, discipling believers, and proclaiming the truth of His Word. His love for Scripture extends beyond the pulpit into personal study, theological writing, devotional ministry, and the development of resources designed to help others grow in their faith.

Through preaching, teaching, writing, and pastoral encouragement, his desire is to communicate biblical truth in a way that challenges, strengthens, and encourages others. Whether preparing a sermon, writing a devotional, studying a passage of Scripture, or encouraging someone along life's journey, his prayer is that every opportunity entrusted to him will point people toward Jesus Christ.

His life verse and ministry philosophy can be summed up in the words of the Apostle Paul:

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." — 2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)

Connect With Pastor Jonathan

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Pastor Jonathan and his ministry. Whether you have a question, would like to share how an article or devotional has encouraged you, or wish to inquire about a ministry opportunity, he would welcome hearing from you.

Email: pastor@cbclc.org

Website: JonathanTharpe.com

May the Lord use His Word to encourage your heart and strengthen your walk with Him.