Meet Jessie Gonzalez | Pastor of Student Ministries / Young Adults at The Potter’s House of Fort Worth

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
The answer to this question lives in the reality of purpose. If there is nothing greater, if there is nothing more, than everything we do is for us and the little worlds we live in. But if purpose is greater than myself, then giving isn’t an option. It’s a matter of legacy, determination, calling and fulfillment. I keep going because God never gave up on me. We also must consider what showing up consistently for the generations behind us looks like. There were adults that were there for me as a young teen, and even young adult, trying to navigate through life, and I believe that purpose has the power to place us in positions where the complications of life are clarified based on our willingness to walk through certain doors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have the heart of a pastor. I am passionate about teaching God’s word in a way that captivates the hearts and minds of all generations. What I am most proud of, is the people that I am able to do life and ministry with. I do not view people as a means to push the ministry forward, the people ARE the mission. I am excited about the growth and impact of our church community. We are championing innovative ways to engage the youth through empowerment, discipleship and authentic relationships, and our youth department has a great deal of youth engagement. We believe in student-led ministry with partnerships with volunteers who have shared callings and, of course, the parents and guardians.

I came into this role after decades of serving my local church throughout the years of my life. Eventually, those various leadership roles led me here, to Fort Worth, Texas, where I know oversee middle school, high school and young adult ministries.

This journey has not been easy, but when God calls you, you have two choices; to obey or to live in the fog of regret.

None of it was easy, but it wasn’t supposed to be. If it’s easy, it becomes easily lost. I call it “good-hard” – it’s hard because it’s good, and good because it’s hard. These are the challenges that make life meaningful.

I want the world to know that our broken idea of God, and even the distorted idea of church, does not have to be the final picture. I want the world to know that God restored me; he restored my identity in him and restored my marriage. In November, we’ll be married for 16 years, Linda and I… and all of that is because of God’s mercy toward us. When God begins to change you, He works on the inside first.

Lastly, the message I want to send is that there is still more work to do. We have a responsibility to the youth of today to set examples of consistency, to model humility and to be present with them through the different seasons of their lives!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I enjoy nature, Eagle Mountain Park is a peaceful place where I like to reset my mind from the chaos of a busy week. I would take them to explore the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, where there are plenty of food options and fun things to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out two specific people in my life who have been instrumental. First is, is my beautiful wife, Linda Gonzalez. Her love, support and wisdom have been a pillar in my life, without which I would not be here today. She edifies our home like a true woman of God. She believed in me when no one else did, and she has demonstrated her unconditional love with an unwavering commitment to the call of God over our lives.

Secondly, I would like to shoutout my Pastor, Patrick E. Winfield II. His example and humility have helped me navigate through the complexities of leadership and church oversight. I’ve seen him from afar and I break bread with him, and he is an honest man with integrity and character. He continues to believe in me, pushing me and challenging me to challenge the status-quo of the world we live in. His presence in my life has revolutionized the way I approach ministry, and his influence will have a lasting impact on my life through the generations.

Instagram: @disciple_of_devotion