Rev. Jonathan W. Bradford, Sr. was born August 28, 1959 to the parentage of Morgan & Willie Bradford in Dahlonega, Georgia.  At the age of 18 he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and became a candidate for Baptism at the Zion Hill Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. While serving in Bethel Baptist Church, of Columbus, Ohio, Jonathan was called into the Gospel Ministry.

 

On Sunday, December 27, 1987, Rev. Jonathan W. Bradford, Sr. united with Bethany Baptist Church by letter from Bethel Baptist Church and was immediately placed in line-up with other Associate Ministers to preach on Sunday morning at 8:00 Worship.

 

May 25, 1995, Rev. Bradford was ordained to the Gospel Ministry through EUMBA under the Pastorate of the Late Dr. A. Wilson Wood of Bethany Baptist Church.  He was ordained and licensed by Pastor A. Wilson Wood, appointed by him to be Assistant to him, and remained in that position for 20 years.

 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Rev. Bradford was elected by majority vote to become the Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, and he was installed as Pastor Sunday, September 30, 2012.

 

EDUCATION:

Rev. Jonathan W. Bradford, Sr. is a product of the Columbus Public School System,  graduating from East High School in 1977.  His degrees are pending. He received his Religious Training from Eastern Union Bible College; Columbus State Community College; University of Cincinnati; Ohio Wesleyan University; and Grace Theological Seminary.

 

FAMILY:

Rev. Bradford is married to the former Jane Talley.  They have 3 sons:  Brandon, Jonathan, Jr., and Marcus.  They have 6 grandchildren.

 

OTHER EXPERIENCE:

Former Church School Superintendent and Christian Education Instructor; former 1st Vice President of the Baptist Ministerial Alliance and Vicinity; former Bible Study Instructor; former 3rd Vice President EUMBA Congress of Christian Education; former Bursar Eastern Union Bible College; and currently, Financial Secretary of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, Inc.

 

 

RETIRED FROM:

State of Ohio Department of Commerce after 30 years, July 31, 2012.

 

Favorite Scripture:  Nehemiah 8:10:  “The Joy of the Lord is your Strength”.

 

My philosophy of life is:  Truth crushed to the ground will rise again!