I was lucky enough to grow up with two hard-working, loving parents who taught me about honesty, hard work, and being aware of your neighbor’s needs. I was raised in beautiful, rural Mississippi with farmers, factory workers, and friends who still impact me with their kindness, storytelling, and faith.

While in high school I sensed a call to ministry, and for nearly 3 decades I have been involved in it in some form. I love to read, think, speak, and write about faith in simple terms.

I received a Bachelor's in Biblical Studies from Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, MS. I hold a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Theological Seminary (now Gateway), in Marin County, California. I’ve pastored churches in rural and urban centers, church plants, and one founded 16 years before George Washington was born. My calling has taken me coast to coast and exposed me to the rich tapestry of our global faith.

I now minister for The First Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie, New York, founded in 1716. I’ve been fortunate enough to serve as President of the Classis of Mid-Hudson Classis (regional governing body) and also serve on the board of the  KSwish Foundation a non-profit that helps children and families impacted by cancer by utilizing one of my passions, basketball.

Enjoy my personal entries below.

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The Girl
Personal Jason Elder Personal Jason Elder

The Girl

I wrote this poem after my wife and I spent part of an evening talking with a little girl begging for money of the street. The money she collected was taken by them.

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