Jonathan became a follower of Jesus at a young age while attending Awanas. As a young teenager, he confirmed this profession of faith and committed his future to Christ’s purposes. While attending Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, Jonathan served at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church in multiple capacities from 1997-2010. He started as a youth intern and then as a pastoral intern while helping with communications and IT. After graduating from seminary, Jonathan served as the Assimilation and Missions Pastor. During this time, he co-founded Global Partners in Peace and Development (GPPD). In 2010, Jonathan resigned his pastoral position to begin serving with GPPD full-time. GPPD is a local non-profit organization based out of Blue Ridge, VA which exists to glorify God through making His name known among the nations. 

The same year that GPPD was established (2003), Jonathan and Heidi were married. Since that time, they have been blessed with 8 wonderful children, 3 of which are adopted: Grace (15), Elijah (15), Jeriah (13), Ricky (12) Perpetua (10), Nations (9), Addie (6), and Evie (4).  From 2014-2020, the Grooms Family lived in Amman, Jordan serving Iraqi and Syrian refugees. 

Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family, going on dates with Heidi, playing disc golf with his boys, exploring new places in the USA and partnering with GPPD’s Staff, Associates, and National Partners to share and show God’s love to the impoverished and those who have little or no access to the Gospel.