Pastor Jonathan Tharpe was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was blessed to grow up in a Christian home surrounded by the truth of God’s Word. He trusted the Lord as his Savior on September 21, 2001. At the age of 15, he publicly announced his call to preach, and from that moment forward, he has passionately followed the Lord’s calling on his life.
In 2006, Pastor Jonathan graduated as valedictorian from Knoxville Baptist Christian School under the leadership of Dr. Bob Bevington. With a heart for spreading the gospel, with the help of the Lord he launched the radio ministry Heaven-Bound Ministries in 2004, which reached listeners until 2012. He was ordained into the gospel ministry in January 2007 and began serving as youth pastor at Outreach Baptist Church.
In March 2010, he married his school crush and best friend, Beth Stooksbury. That same year, he stepped into the role of Senior Pastor at Outreach Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for many years. In April 2012, they welcomed their first daughter, Abigail Kate, followed by their second daughter, Aubree Charlotte, in February 2016. Jonathan is a devoted husband and father, and his family remains his greatest earthly joy.
Pastor Jonathan is committed to lifelong learning and has obtained multiple degrees and theological training from institutions including Liberty University, Crown College, Knoxville School of the Bible, Andersonville Theological Seminary—where he is currently completing his Doctorate degree.
In 2024, Pastor Jonathan was unanimously called by a 100% vote to serve as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a role he considers a great honor and responsibility. His ministry is Christ-centered, Bible-based, and focused on seeing souls saved and believers strengthened in their faith.
In addition to pastoring, Pastor Jonathan is involved in a variety of ministry endeavors including writing Christian books, hosting his podcast Voice of Calvary, and publishing a weekly devotional newsletter called Midweek Manna. He also serves as a funeral assistant with Mynatt Funeral Home, ministering to grieving families with compassion and care.
When he’s not preaching or writing, Pastor Jonathan enjoys camping, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife and daughters. He believes that the local church is still the hope of the world through Jesus Christ, and he is deeply passionate about leading Calvary Baptist Church into a fruitful season of growth, outreach, and revival.
Calvary Baptist Church
301 W. First Ave. Lenoir City, TN.