Hi there! My name is Jon Oldham, and I am the Pastor here at Zion UCC in Baroda, MI!
Let me first introduce you to my wonderful family. My wife's name is Christina, and she is the love of my life. We met when we were 18 years old in Holland, MI, while we were Freshmen at Hope College. She is originally from the Philippines and moved to the Metro-Detroit area when she was five years old. We have been married since June 21st, 2014. Christina is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, an adjunct Clinical Professor, and leads Zion's Sunday School program. We have three very energetic children. Our oldest child is Teddy, and he enjoys LEGO, watching movies, and riding his bike. Our middle child is Sophia, and she enjoys singing, dancing, and everything "girly." Our youngest child is Bella, and she enjoys Bluey, playing outside, and agitating her siblings :). I introduced my family first because they are such a big part of my life, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
But you may still be wondering who this Jon guy is. Well...I am many things. First and foremost, I am a child of God—the chief sinner among sinners who is saved by the blood of my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I wasn't always a pastor, and for many years of my life, I ran from Jesus. At my lowest point, I had a spiritual encounter with evil that shook me to my core. Thankfully, God's grace never stopped pouring over my brokenness, and I slowly turned back to my heavenly Father. I ended up feeling God call me to be a pastor. And what does that call entail? I am called to tell people the truth of the Gospel. The truth of the Gospel is that Jesus died for all of us so that the bonds of our sin could be broken. Sin is what separates us from God, but thanks to Jesus, we can all experience wholeness with our Creator.
Even though I am a very spiritual guy, I don't have my head in the clouds 24/7. I have all sorts of interests and hobbies. On any given day, you might find me watching Michigan Football, reading a sci-fi novel, or spending time outdoors. I am not very athletic, but I do enjoy going to the gym and listening to podcasts while I lift weights. Before I was a pastor, I was a Registered Dietitian, so cooking is one of my passions. My specialities include smoking meats, grilling, and baking desserts. So, what would my happy place be if Happy Gilmore asked me? My happy place would be sitting on my couch and watching TV with my family while we all eat tortilla chips and ice cream. Ultimately, I am a simple guy who loves Jesus, my family, and my country. To get to know me more, come and visit Zion :). I might be biased, but I am telling you, this is one of the best churches you will ever find.
Curriculum Vitae
Ordained in the Church of God (Anderson) November, 2025.
Dec 2024 Master of Divinity in Theology
Anderson University at Anderson, IN
● Full Ride Scholarship Recipient
May 2013 Master of Public Health in Human Nutrition
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI
● Dean's Scholarship Recipient
May 2013 Master of Science in Kinesiology
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI
May 2011 Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Hope College in Holland, MI
● Presidential Scholarship Recipient
Awards:
Distinguished Senior Award - 2025
Clarence and Goldie Ellis Preaching Award - 2023