Elder Jonathan L. Jackson, also known affectionately as Pastor J, was born into a home on the south side of Chicago where both his father and mother were preachers.  His mother prophesied to him when he was four years old that he was called by God to be a preacher, and that God would reveal his ministry to him.  Jonathan got saved when he was six years old.  He was both baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost later that year. That same evening in a dream, God revealed a vision of Jonathan speaking in front of a crowd with no end.

After experiencing what he would call a "multitude of life experiences", Jonathan finally heeded the Lord's call and was licensed as a minister in 2012, while starting his vocational career at AT&T. In 2013, Jonathan married the love of his life, Dr. Mykah R. Jackson – not only aligning their destinies but their ministries as well. He faithfully served as an associate minister at Grace & Truth A.O.H. Church of God,
Rantoul, IL.; as well as aided in ministry at Harris Temple A.O.H. Church of God, Chicago, IL. In 2019, Jonathan was ordained an Elder by the A.O.H., and Dr. Mykah was licensed as a minister. Elder Jackson is an anointed and dynamic preacher and teacher, and his gifting has afforded him the opportunity to minister God’s word in churches all over the country.

Besides preaching, Pastor J was anointed with a gift from God to sing, create, and produce songs. He has sung in and directed many choirs at various conventions. He also participated in gospel workshops with multiple gospel artists such as: Karen Clark-Sheard, James Hall, Richard Smallwood, DeAndre Patterson and others. Pastor J has since branched out with his talent, and has created beats, written songs, and produced songs for secular and gospel artists.

Pastor J received the divine vision for the Exceed Church ministry early on in his ministry – it had no name, only foundational constructs. God showed Pastor J that the work itself would be a “greater work”, and that whatever city he planted in God has given “dominion”. When Pastor J shared with Dr. Mykah what God was revealing, there emerged one message from their prayers… Exceed.

Pastor J has a heart for God’s people, God’s gospel, and their success. He is a devoted and loving husband, father, mentor, beloved colleague, and the consummate professional. Pastor J believes that it is the birthright of all of God’s people to Exceed: spiritually, vocationally, mentally, and socially. The evidence of his resolve is maintained by the efforts of the divinely inspired ministries of the church and the various community efforts that Pastor J and Dr. Mykah participate in.