Jon is a native of Sanford, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Methodist College in Fayetteville (B.A. Religon/Philosophy). In 1986, he graduated from the Duke University School of Divinity (M. Div.). Jon has served on the N.C. Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and recently completed the year-long Reynolds Leadership Program sponsored by Duke Divinity School, and The Center For Creative Leadership. Jon has served in a variety of churches across eastern North Carolina. Prior to coming to Benson Memorial, he served as founding pastor of a new congregation in North Raleigh.

He loves to travel, tell stories, and to make music. In 1998 Jon completed a recording project, "Still In ONE Peace". Proceeds from the sale of this CD have been directed to Project Agape: Armenia.

In 2006, Jon was a visitor in The Republic of Belarus, traveling with a children's mission organization (ABRO: American Belarussian Relief Organization). While there, he visited in a number of orphanages, and preached in a Belarus congregation with the aid of an interpreter.

Jon and his wife, Diana have been married for 25 years and have three daughters: Erica, Rachel, and Caitlyn. Diana works as a preschool teacher in Raleigh. "I am honored to serve as Senior Pastor of Benson Memorial UMC" Jon notes. "This congregation is warm, compassionate, giving, and inviting. I hope you will visit with us soon."

E-mail: jstrother@bm-umc.org