New president: God remains in charge

Dr. Jonathan Brown, President of City Gospel Mission

I am incredibly excited, enthusiastic, and humbled to become President of City Gospel Mission and to lead such a venerable organization.

I express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Roger Howell, who has led City Gospel Mission for the past 30 years.

During Roger’s tenure, City Gospel Mission has experienced significant growth and expansion of services by operating in strong faith throughout Greater Cincinnati.

PASTOR, EDUCATOR, LEADER

For the past 8 years, I have served as the Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, located in Cincinnati. I am unashamedly and unapologetically led by the Holy Spirit to minister to the needs of God’s people.

I firmly believe God has led me to City Gospel Mission.

With more than 32 years of experience in K-12 education, I have been a transformative leader. It’s my prayer that my strategic skills and successful record of positively changing the trajectory of students, schools, and school districts transfer to City Gospel Mission.

THE MISSION REMAINS THE SAME

As incoming President, my goal is the same goal that City Gospel Mission has had for 99 years: “To break the cycle of poverty and despair … one life at a time.”

This will be accomplished through ongoing prayer, hearing the Word of God, and empowering staff and volunteers to transform lives through the love of Jesus Christ. It is my goal to increase partnerships with churches and volunteers to support life ascension of God’s people.

I am looking forwarding to leading and collaborating with each member of a faithful and God-fearing staff. I am thankful to have the support of Board members who believe and trust in the Lord. And I am honored to partner with a strong community of people passionate enough to volunteer their time and resources.

A HAND UP

As I embark on this full-time ministry, I am reminded of Alex Haley, the author of Roots, who kept a picture of a turtle sitting on a fence in his office. Haley stated that each time he looked at the turtle sitting on a fence, he was reminded that, like the turtle, he did not arrive on top of the fence by himself.

As I look in the rear-view mirror of my life, I am reminded that I did not get to where I am today by myself. God has helped me and others have helped me.

Just as God helps the 10,000 people whom City Gospel Mission serves to find hope, healing, and purpose.

GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE

Our commitment to uplifting people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, unemployment, and food insecurity will be stronger than ever.

Leadership may be changing at City Gospel Mission, but God is still in charge.

I wholeheartedly believe that we are called, instructed, and commanded to help others. It is with this spirit of servant leadership and ministry that I help begin the new chapter of City Gospel Mission.

I’m asking everyone who supports our organization to continue along with us as we are led to write God’s next story.

New City Gospel Mission President Dr. Jonathan Brown can be reached at jbrown@citygospelmission.org. Click here to see Dr. Brown’s full bio.