Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Rev. Jonathan F. Brewster is the pastor of the Monticello First United Methodist Church.
He was influenced into pastoral ministry as a result of his involvement in campus ministry. He attended the FSU Wesley Foundation campus ministry from 2003 to 2008 and developed a call to preach, teach and serve others in the community and church.
Even though he graduated with his MSW and became a social worker for the three years after he graduated, Rev. Brewster shares that he always knew a future in pastoral ministry was something that he would eventually pursue.
He served as an addictions counselor for an organization called Operation Par, working with all age ranges as well as with the Florida Department of Corrections.
“Ministry is about helping people connect with a story,” he says. “God’s story of salvation.”
So, as a United Methodist Pastor, Rev. Brewster believes his highest calling is rooted in discipleship, which is loving God and our neighbors (as commanded in Matthew 22:34-40).
Most recently, he has visited many parishioners in their homes for pastoral care, prayer and spiritual formation. He loves seeing people understand their place in God’s redemptive story and what it means for their lives.
Rev. Brewster calls Shalimar, Fla., his hometown. He has lived in Tallahassee for the past four years and only recently moved to Monticello to serve at First UMC Monticello. He was sent to this church by the Florida Bishop, who appoints all clergy in the conference.
He longs to see all people, young and experienced in age, understand God’s love and how we can live as faithful disciples of Jesus.
“I was heavily involved in campus ministry, so this has a special place in my heart. I have also participated in children’s advocacy work.”
Rev. Brewster has a Bachelor's and Master’s degree that he received from Florida State University. He has a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and trained in MET/CBT counseling from 2008 to 2011. At some point, in the future, he says he would consider working on achieving a Doctorate.
First United Methodist Church is a county-seed church that is almost 200 years old. Although he has served this church for only three months, he shares that this church has a heart for worship, discipleship, community, families and mission work.
Church functions consist of Sunday morning worship, Sunday school, Wednesday and Sunday Bible studies, Wednesday night dinner, missionary and evangelical outreach, community service and care.
“The members of the church love one another, and it is a great place to experience community in Monticello,” he concludes.
Rev. Brewster met his wife, Sarah, when they were students at FSU. They've been married for 12 years, and are the proud parents of three children: Charlotte Brewster (9), Weston Brewster (7), Adeline Brewster (2), and their fourth child is expected in February of 2020.
He enjoys the cinema, spending time with his family, reading, the outdoors, walking, and fellowship with friends. He also enjoys watching sports and playing golf. He is an active member of the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
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