Senior Minister · Anchorage, Alaska
An ordained minister with over 20 years of experience across three continents, committed to radical welcome, inclusive theology, and communities where every person is honored as sacred.
From the Blog
Reflections on inclusive theology, pastoral life in Alaska, and the ongoing work of building beloved community.
Featured Essay
After twenty years of ministry across three continents, one conviction has never wavered: the unconditional worth of every human soul. Here is what that looks like in practice in an Anchorage congregation.
Read Essay →Pastoral Care
How Adler's insight into social belonging and inferiority can reshape how we design church communities — and care for those on the margins.
LGBTQ+ Theology
My doctoral work explored queer inclusion in the body of Christ. These are the questions that drove three years of research — and the answers that surprised me.
Ministry Life
Ministry across Australia, Scotland, and Alaska has gifted me with a wide-angle view of how faith communities shape — and are shaped by — their cultures.
"One major lesson I have learnt — every single human being is sacred and deserving of my respect."
— Rev. Dr. Johnathan Jones
Available For
Whether you need a thoughtful officiant for a life milestone or a compelling voice for your conference or congregation, JJ brings depth, warmth, and pastoral care to every engagement.
Inclusive, personalised wedding ceremonies for all couples — crafted with care and theological depth.
Learn more →Keynotes, workshops, and consultations on queer theology, faith and sexuality, and inclusive church culture.
Learn more →Compassionate, dignified services that celebrate a life and offer genuine comfort to those who grieve.
Learn more →Get in Touch
Whether you have a ministry question, a speaking invitation, or just want to connect — the door is open.
Send a MessageBlog
Pastoral reflections, theological essays, and personal stories from life in ministry.
Featured Essay · Theology
After twenty years of ministry across three continents, one conviction has never wavered: the unconditional worth of every human soul. What does radical welcome actually look like in a congregation navigating its own history?
LGBTQ+ Theology
My doctoral work at Chicago Theological Seminary explored queer inclusion in the body of Christ. These are the questions that drove three years of research — and the answers that surprised me most.
Pastoral Care
Adler's core insight — that human beings are fundamentally social, and that pathology arises from failed belonging — has profound implications for how we design and lead church communities.
Ministry Life
Ministry across Australia, Scotland, and Alaska has given me a wide-angle view of how faith communities shape — and are shaped by — their cultures. A personal essay.
Church Life
Churches that claim to be open and affirming face a constant challenge: moving from declaration to practice. Here is what I have learned leading FCCAK, Anchorage's progressive congregational church.
Youth Ministry
My decade of work with Amundsen Youth Services confronted me with a hard truth: the church has often been the reason queer youth lose their homes. This is what we owe them.
Ritual Studies
Ritual is not mere ceremony — it is the architecture of meaning. Exploring why contemporary faith communities should recover, not abandon, the power of embodied practice.
This blog is actively growing. New essays and reflections added regularly.
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Portfolio & Background
Minister · Advocate · Academic · Community Builder
About JJ
Rev. Dr. Johnathan Jones — known to his congregation and community as "JJ" — is an ordained minister with over twenty years of pastoral experience across Australia, Scotland, and the United States. Originally from Australia, he trained at Sydney College of Divinity before serving in LGBTQ-affirming and ecumenical ministry contexts on three continents.
He is currently the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Anchorage (FCCAK) — an open and affirming congregation affiliated with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), guided by the motto "Guided by Love, Open to All." He was formally installed in that role in September 2024.
JJ holds a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary, where his thesis — "Honest, Healthy, and Whole: Queer Inclusion and the Body of Christ" — examined the practical and theological dimensions of genuine LGBTQ inclusion in Christian congregations. He also holds a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology from Adler University, with a concentration in gender and sexuality. His MA thesis investigated the causes of the decline of the Catholic Church, confirming through original research what many have long suspected: that the clergy sexual abuse scandal and its subsequent institutional cover-up is the primary driver behind dwindling membership, priestly vocations, and public influence. He also holds a Bachelor of Divinity from Sydney College of Divinity, with a concentration in pastoral theology.
In 2025, JJ was presented with the Charles R. Rush Award by the NACCC — an honour given to minority persons working with Congregational Christian churches toward worthwhile social and personal goals, exemplifying the spirit of Christian social involvement.
Beyond the pulpit, JJ co-founded Amundsen Youth Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing housing assistance for LGBTQ and allied homeless youth in Anchorage. He has served as Alaska Pride Co-Chair, Regional Director for InterPride, Equality Project Manager at the Alaska Civil Liberties Union, a member of the Scottish Parliament Roundtable on Human Sexuality, and a volunteer with Identity Inc. throughout Alaska for over two decades.
He has spoken at churches, universities, colleges, schools, and training programmes on LGBTQ sensitivity, faith and sexuality, and queer youth issues. His published works include contributions to When Our Children Come Out (Finch Publishing, 2005) and Ministry: In and Out (Gahan & Jones).
Experience
Senior Minister
First Congregational Church of Anchorage
Leading an open and affirming congregation in Anchorage, AK. Formally installed September 2024. Recipient of the 2025 NACCC Charles R. Rush Award.
Interim / Locum Senior Minister
First Congregational Church of Anchorage
Served in an interim and locum capacity before being called as permanent Senior Minister.
Graduate Student — Applied Psychology
Adler University
MA in Applied Psychology, concentration in gender and sexuality. Thesis research confirmed the clergy sex abuse scandal and institutional cover-up as the primary cause of the Catholic Church's decline in membership, vocations, and influence. Applied Adlerian frameworks of social trust and belonging to institutional religious contexts.
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Amundsen Youth Services, Inc. 501(c)3
Founded and led a nonprofit providing affordable housing and assistance for LGBTQ and allied homeless youth in Anchorage, Alaska.
Distribution Manager (Food Pantry)
Lutheran Social Services of Alaska
Managed food pantry distribution during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing food for over 100 families per day.
Interim Pastor
First Congregational Church of Anchorage
First interim engagement with FCCAK, earning Intentional Interim Minister certification.
General Manager
Thomas Center Alaska (Senior Living)
Oversaw operations of a senior living facility, meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the senior community.
Equality Project Manager
Alaska Civil Liberties Union
Managed equality advocacy programmes for the ACLU in Anchorage.
Assistant Campaign Manager
One Anchorage
Assisted in managing the One Anchorage equal rights campaign in Anchorage, Alaska.
Interim Senior Minister
Metropolitan Community Church, Edinburgh
Served as interim senior minister in Edinburgh, Scotland. Member of the Scottish Parliament Roundtable on Human Sexuality.
Senior Minister
Metropolitan Community Church of Anchorage
Served as senior minister of an LGBTQ-affirming congregation in Anchorage, Alaska.
Ecumenical Youth Officer
National Council of Churches in Australia
Youth ecumenical worker based in Sydney, coordinating inter-church youth engagement nationally.
Youth Minister
Metropolitan Community Church of Sydney
Youth minister and ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament. Completed a Bachelor of Divinity (Pastoral Theology) at Sydney College of Divinity alongside parish work.
Services Available
JJ is available for pastoral rites, speaking engagements, and consultations. All services are offered with genuine care and without judgment.
Pastoral Rites
JJ officiates inclusive, personalised wedding ceremonies for all couples. Whether you are seeking a traditional religious ceremony, an interfaith service, or a secular celebration of love, JJ will work with you to craft something meaningful and deeply personal. All couples welcome — including LGBTQ+ couples.
Enquire about a wedding →Baptism services for children and adults, conducted with warmth and theological depth. Whether you seek a traditional sacrament or a more contemporary service of blessing and welcome, JJ will honor your tradition and wishes.
Enquire about a baptism →Compassionate, dignified funeral and memorial services that celebrate a life lived and offer genuine comfort to those left behind. JJ brings twenty years of pastoral care experience to these most vulnerable moments.
Enquire about a funeral →Speaking & Consulting
JJ has spoken at churches, universities, colleges, schools, and professional training programmes across the US and Australia. He brings academic depth, pastoral warmth, and lived experience to every engagement.
An exploration of faith and sexuality: how queer people have always been part of the Christian story, and how congregations can move from tolerance to genuine affirmation. Informed by JJ's DMin research and two decades of ministry.
Book this topic →Drawing on a decade of founding and leading Amundsen Youth Services in Anchorage, JJ speaks on LGBTQ youth homelessness, mental health, faith rejection, and what communities of faith — and civil society — must do to protect and affirm queer young people.
Book this topic →Practical, theologically grounded guidance on growing healthy congregations in a secular age. JJ draws on his experience revitalising communities in Australia, Scotland, and Alaska to speak on culture, mission, and sustainable congregational growth.
Book this topic →A unique offering combining JJ's MA in Applied Psychology from Adler University with his pastoral experience. Explores how Adlerian concepts — social interest, belonging, encouragement, and inferiority — can reshape pastoral care, leadership, and congregational culture.
Book this topic →JJ has taught this topic at churches, universities, schools, and professional development settings for over two decades. A careful, scholarly, and accessible look at what the biblical text actually says — and doesn't say — about same-sex relationships.
Book this topic →Have a different need in mind? JJ is open to discussing custom engagements — panels, interfaith dialogues, retreats, clergy training days, and more. Reach out and start a conversation.
Get in touch →Sermons
Most of JJ's sermons are available on the FCCAK YouTube channel. A selection of recent messages is highlighted below.
All Sunday worship services, including JJ's sermons, are livestreamed and archived on the FCCAK YouTube channel. New videos every Sunday at 10:30 am AKST.
Visit the YouTube ChannelInstallation of Rev. Johnathan Jones as Senior Minister
September 15, 2024 · Special Service
"The Choosing Church"
June 9, 2024 · Sunday Worship
"Actually… It's Not Really the Greatest Story Ever Told"
December 24, 2025 · Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
"Too Much Wine??"
April 28, 2024 · Fifth Sunday of Easter
Welcome Message from Rev. Johnathan Jones
December 2023 · Welcome Video
View All Sermons on YouTube →
Full archive at FCCAK YouTube channel
Sunday worship at FCCAK is at 10:30 am AKST, in person at 2610 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99508 — or online via YouTube livestream.
Visit FCCAK.org →Writing & Publications
Books, chapters, essays, and academic works by Rev. Dr. Johnathan Jones.
Books & Chapters
Honest, Healthy, and Whole: Queer Inclusion and the Body of Christ
Doctor of Ministry Thesis · Chicago Theological Seminary
JJ's doctoral research examines the practical and theological dimensions of genuine LGBTQ inclusion in Christian congregations. Drawing on qualitative research, biblical scholarship, and pastoral experience, the thesis offers a framework for honest, healthy, and whole community.
DMin ThesisWhen Our Children Come Out
Chapter contributor · Edited by Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli · Finch Publishing
A pastoral and practical resource for parents navigating their child's LGBTQ identity. JJ contributed a chapter drawing on his ministry experience and theological perspective. Published by Finch Publishing, Australia.
Book ChapterMinistry: In and Out
Chapter contributor · Gahan & Jones (eds.)
A volume co-edited by Jones exploring ministry at the intersection of faith and sexuality. JJ's chapter contributes to the growing literature on LGBTQ affirming pastoral practice.
Book ChapterOver This Violence Thing
National Council of Churches in Australia, Youth Network
Published during JJ's tenure as Ecumenical Youth Officer at the National Council of Churches in Australia, this piece addressed youth violence from a faith and community perspective.
Essay / PublicationAcademic Work
Congregational Inclusivity in Practice
Research outcome tool · DMin cohort work, Chicago Theological Seminary
A practical assessment and implementation tool developed from JJ's doctoral research on congregational inclusivity and queer belonging.
Research ToolSacred Strategies: Voices and Vision
Presentation · Conference Address
A presentation drawing together JJ's research and pastoral experience on strategies for inclusive and vital congregational ministry.
PresentationJJ is actively engaged in writing projects including essays, pastoral reflections, and theological commentary. If you are an editor or publisher interested in his work, please get in touch.
Contact JJ →In the Press
News coverage, references, and recognition of Rev. Dr. Johnathan Jones's work in ministry, advocacy, and community leadership.
Awards & Recognition
Media & Online
YouTube · FCCAK
Installation of Rev. Johnathan Jones as Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Anchorage
The full service marking the formal installation of Rev. Johnathan Jones as Senior Minister, broadcast live and archived on the FCCAK YouTube channel.
Facebook · FCCAK
"Meet our Senior Minister, Reverend Johnathan Jones, a.k.a. J.J."
FCCAK's video introduction of Rev. JJ to the congregation and online community. Featured as part of FCCAK's ongoing digital ministry presence under the banner #GuidedByLove #OpenToAll.
FCCAK.org
Senior Minister — First Congregational Church of Anchorage Staff Page
Rev. Johnathan Jones is listed as Senior Minister on the official staff page of First Congregational Church of Anchorage, an open and affirming congregation Guided by Love, Open to All.
Reddit · r/Anchorage
First Congregational Church recommended as "a denomination with a progressive orientation" in Anchorage
Community members in Anchorage's online forum recommended FCCAK as one of Anchorage's progressive, inclusive faith communities, describing it as situated "just east of the Lake Otis and Northern Lights intersection."
GoFundMe
Amundsen Hostel Youth Services — Community Fundraising Page
The nonprofit co-founded by JJ in 2014 to provide housing and support for LGBTQ and allied homeless youth in Anchorage, Alaska. Featured on GoFundMe as a community-supported cause.
Have you written about JJ, interviewed him, or featured his work? Get in touch to have it added to this page.
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