The Reverend Jonathan Paredes: Pastor
Rev. Jonathan Paredes serves as the Pastor of Bethany First Congregational Church, UCC, bringing a deep commitment to life-affirming ministries, congregational growth, and transformative community engagement. Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2024, Rev. Paredes is passionate about guiding the church to be a catalyst for societal change, embodying God’s love through justice, mercy, and compassion.
Rev. Paredes holds a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, where he was recognized for academic excellence with the Edith and Robert T. Fauth Prize and the Frederick Shaffer Prize in Church and Community. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministries from Northpoint Bible College and a Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling from Gateway Community College. His dedication to spiritual leadership is further reflected in his formation through the Nollau Leadership Institute as a UCC Diaconal Minister and his participation in the Preaching Justice Fellowship through the Faith and Justice Network .
Prior to his call at Bethany First Church, Rev. Paredes served as Bridge Pastor at Salem UCC in Rohrerstown, PA, and as Designated Associate Pastor at Church of the Apostles UCC in Lancaster, PA, among other pastoral positions. He also completed a chaplaincy internship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where he provided compassionate spiritual care to patients and families through the COVID pandemic. His ministry is marked by a commitment to fostering authentic worship, promoting social justice, and encouraging spiritual practices that deepen the faith journey.
Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Paredes is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion. He has been a Hispanic Summer Program Scholar and a recipient of both the Lilly Endowment Scholarship and the Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons Academic Scholarship. When he’s not engaged in pastoral ministry, he is an avid rugby fan, from his past life as a rugby player—a testament to his belief in the power of community both inside and outside the church.
Rev. Jonathan Paredes’ ministry is enriched by the love and support of his wife, Lucy, and their lively home life with twin toddler boys. Together, they embrace the beauty and chaos of parenthood, finding joy in the small moments—whether it’s constantly chasing after their little ones or building epic Matchbox car tracks. Lucy’s warmth and wisdom are a grounding presence in their family’s journey of faith, and their shared commitment to service and community is reflected in their daily lives. In the midst of a busy household, the Paredes family strives to live out God’s grace with love, laughter, and an open heart.
Rev. Paredes’ ministry at Bethany First Church is rooted in the belief that God calls the church to listen deeply and respond actively to the needs of the world. He invites all to join in the journey of faith—a journey where listening to God’s voice leads to tangible acts of love, justice, and grace.
You can connect with Rev. Paredes through the church office or by email at Pastor.Jonathan@BethanyFirstChurch.com.