"Seek the peace and welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, pray to the Lord on its behalf for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7"
Meet Jonathan Brooks.
Pastah J has been teaching and working with youth and young adults for over fifteen years. He began as both a youth pastor and an elementary school teacher and continues to pour passionately into young people whenever given the opportunity.
He is currently a trainer, coach and presenter for the Christian Community Development Association and leads many workshops on the Philosophy of Christian Community Development around the country. This interactive workshop teaches churches, community organizations and community leaders how to build on the assets of their communities and stay true to their roots of faith.
 Mr. Brooks, former music teacher & Daystar Academy Students support their classmate at the Uniting V |  CCDA Youth intensive Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
 Hip-hop worship for Daystar with DJ Rock On aka Dr. Gadsden on the 1's and 2's! |  |
 CCDA Youth intensive Memphis, TN |  |
 |
Top Row
Mr. Brooks, former music teacher & Daystar Academy Students support their classmate at the Uniting Voices Chicago Paint the Town Red Concert.
CCDA Youth intensive Raleigh, NC
​
Hip-hop worship for Daystar with DJ Rock On aka Dr. Gadsden on the 1's and 2's!
​
Middle Row
CCDA Youth intensive Memphis, TN
​
Jonathan working as the Chicago City Director for Mission Year
​
Bottom Row
​
Pastah J at Kusanya Cafe
​
Pastah J an Adjunct Professor for Chicago Semester
​
Pastah J aka "Mr. Brooks" leading Daystar Academy in Hip-hop Worship. "If you love Him and you know it".
Along with years of teaching art for Chicago Public Schools and music for Daystar Christian School, Jonathan is also an adjunct professor for Chicago Semester, an off-campus program with 40 years of experience providing students the opportunity to live, learn, and work in Chicago. Through a partnership with Trinity Christian College Jonathan teaches their Metropolitan Seminar entitled "Urban Planning, Development and the Sustainable City".
Jonathan also worked as the Chicago City Director for Mission Year a one year service learning program for young people ages 18-30 whose mission is to see people fall in love with Jesus and the city, come alive in their gifts and purpose, build beloved community across all dividing lines, and become advocates for God’s justice in our neighborhood and world.