Pastor Jonathan Poarch
Pastor Jon began his ministry at Eastland UMC in July 2024. To contact him, please email jonpoarch@vaumc.org
​
Pastor Jon was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. As a lifelong United Methodist, he grew up knowing God's love and discovered his call to ministry at St. James UMC in Bellevue, Nebraska while in high school. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015 after studying both Geography and Religious Studies. In 2018, Jon graduated from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2023, he became an Ordained Elder by Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson at the Virginia Annual Conference. Jon is passionate about engaging with the community by creating new forms of church through Fresh Expression ministries, House Church, building community relationships, and cultivating a culture of discipleship in the church.
Jon met his wife Vanessa while at school in Lincoln and they married in 2017. They are the proud parents of their dog Toto and cats Swiftie and Alfred. Jon enjoys spending time outdoors, going mountain biking, and viewing wildlife. He is a big sports fan and if you give him the opportunity he loves talking about all things motorsports.
