Dr. Jonathan G. Smith is a husband, father, and man on a mission – to see lives transformed. He is the pastor of Redeemer Church of Orlando and founder of Higher Purpose Coaching.
Dr. Jonathan has been involved in local churches throughout his life. Raised in a large suburban evangelical church, he received the gospel of Jesus early in life and shaped by its truthfulness. After graduating from college, he married the love of his life, Ivey Rose. Together they have three children – Jillian, Sterling, and Chamblin.
At the beginning of his career, Jonathan worked for eight years as a sales professional and trainer for the pharmaceutical giant, Merck & Co. During this season, Jonathan earned his business degree in management and finance.
Early 2008, he sensed a call to vocational Christian ministry. He and his wife both agreed to pursue this calling together and Dr. Jonathan left his career. He entered into seminary to begin formal ministry training. Upon graduating from seminary, he was offered an opportunity to become the founding Dean of Distance Education at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, FL. While serving at Knox, he continued to pursue advanced studies in theology and ministry culminating in doctoral studies.
It was during this time that he felt called to pursue pastoral ministry. He was ordained as an Anglican minister in 2011.
Committed to the truth that God changes lives through faith in his Son Jesus Christ, he transitioned from academic to pastoral ministry. He’s been pastoring in Central Florida since 2014.
