Pastor Profile: Jonathan Pokluda
When it comes to young adults, there are few people I can say have almost perfected the ability to reach them. Jonathan Pokluda (JP) is one of those people.
With almost a sixth sense for understanding and helping young people, JP has had a thriving ministry in the Dallas and Waco area. Heck, JP has personally talked with me about issues I’ve had on multiple ocassions. He’s become a good friend of mine, and an important voice in my life.
So lets get into it.
(It’s an Orient Annual Calendar, don’t @ me)
Something You're Passionate About:
I'm passionate about seeing people set free—not just spiritually, but emotionally, mentally, and relationally. It's what drives everything I do in ministry. Whether it's teaching through a sermon, writing a book, or meeting with someone, I’m always thinking, "How can I help this person experience the freedom that Jesus offers?" There's something powerful about helping others overcome the things that are holding them back—whether it's addiction, anxiety, or even the lies they've been believing about themselves or God. I love being able to point them to the truth of the gospel and watch as their lives transform.
Something Peculiar About You:
I got my first tattoo when I was 15 as a red space because I thought I was a gangster. I was also in 4-H and FFA (programs that taught you how to be a farmer), while I drove an 1979 Mercedes that said “Superfly” on the back window. My biggest hobby is buying and selling things on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Something Personal: If you had your entire life to do it all over again, would you still choose to go into ministry? Why or why not?
Absolutely. My journey into ministry wasn’t what I originally planned, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Early on, I thought my life would be about making money and climbing the corporate ladder. But God had other plans, and I’m so thankful He did. Seeing lives changed by the gospel is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. Would I choose ministry again? A hundred times, yes. It’s messy, it’s hard, but it’s also the greatest adventure. Knowing that God uses even our brokenness for His purposes—there’s nothing better than that.
Would you consider yourself a celebrity pastor? Does that term offend you?
I wouldn’t say I’m a celebrity pastor, and honestly, I’m not trying to be. The term does not offend me, but I’m not sure what it means. The focus should always be on Jesus, and not the person behind the pulpit. Any ministry platform is simply a tool to leverage. I desire to live an interesting life- I did that when no one knew who I was. I’m a chump from a small town with a 2-year degree in art from a school you’ve never heard of. I can barely read. There’s a million reasons not to follow me, so if people do, I assume it’s simply the favor of God. I’m trying to be faithful with the opportunities He has given me. If people know my name, I hope it’s because they’ve heard me point to Christ, not because I’ve built a brand. There’s a danger in chasing fame in ministry, and I try to guard myself against that daily- and yet I know how corrupt my own heart can be when I’m not surrendered to The Spirit of God.
Something Playful: What’s your favorite kind of food, and where’s the best place you’ve had it?
I’m a sucker for Jumbo Chinese buffets, where you can load up on all the favorites- orange chicken, tapioca pudding, or beef and broccoli. Some people sky dive for thrills, I eat sushi off buffet lines. And when it comes to food, I’ve got a major sweet tooth, so anything with sugar gets my spoon- especially ice cream.
Where’s some place you’ve always wanted to go?
The Maldives…I love the ocean. The pics of an over-water bungalow always look incredible.
What’s a hobby that people would be surprised that you enjoy?
One thing that might surprise people is that I enjoy buying and selling things. It’s funny because I started out in sales before going into ministry, and I’ve kept that part of me alive. For me, it’s more than just making deals—it’s a way to meet new people and sometimes share the gospel. It’s amazing how God can use something as simple as a transaction to open the door for a deeper conversation about faith. You’d be surprised how many people you can connect with over a Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace deal!
Something Watch-Related: What’s your grail watch?
If I had to pick a grail watch, it would probably be the Rolex Bruce Wayne GMT. It’s classic, functional, and has a timeless design- and also a somewhat modest “grail” piece. I’m all about getting value out of what I own, and the GMT is one of those pieces that lasts forever. Plus, it’s just a beautiful watch! But if someone gave me an AP Royal Oak, I wouldn’t turn it down.
Would you consider yourself a watch collector? Why or why not?
I wouldn’t call myself a watch collector, but I do appreciate a good timepiece. I have a few watches that I’ve picked up over the years, but I’m more about quality over quantity. I don’t have anything valued over $2,000 and my nicest watches have been generous gifts from dear friends. I’d rather have a couple of pieces that I love and wear all the time than a whole collection that sits in a case and spins.
You’ve really found a unique vibe between Millennials and Gen Z crowds, especially in an era of social media. From moving on from The Porch in Dallas to Harris Creek in Waco, have you seen a change in the role of social media in reaching these generations?
Social media has become even more central in reaching Millennials and Gen Z. When I transitioned from The Porch to Harris Creek, I saw that both generations crave authenticity, especially online. They can spot fake from a mile away. They’re drawn to raw, real content that’s honest and transparent. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great tools to reach them, but it’s important to point them to deeper, life-changing relationships—not just surface-level engagement. Social media opens the door, but discipleship has to move beyond that screen. When I moved to Waco I planned to delete Instagram. But on my first Friday of work I realized the office was closed and so I went home and answered questions on Instagram. This became “Friday Q&A” and to date I’ve been asked over 500,000 questions.
Personally, I’ve seen a lot of success with Becoming Something (BESO) outside even the confines of Harris Creek. Would you have any advice for the pastor or minister out there looking to break outside of the walls of their home church?
My advice is to stay grounded in your local church while also using the platforms available to you to reach a broader audience. Becoming Something has been a way to reach people beyond Waco, but my priority is always my local church. The key is finding that balance—being faithful where you are while also stewarding the opportunities to minister to a wider audience. Start small, be patient, be consistent and focus on content that’s gospel-centered and helpful. It’s not about building a brand; it’s about spreading the message of Jesus.
Your new book, "Your Story Has a Villain," is coming out quickly on the heels of "Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?" What do you want people to connect with in your new book?
In "Your Story Has a Villain," I want people to recognize that the struggles they face aren’t just random—they’re part of a larger battle. There’s an enemy out there, but more importantly, there’s a Savior who’s already won the war. This book dives into the lies we believe, the internal battles we fight, and how to overcome them with the truth of the gospel. My hope is that people will walk away empowered, knowing that they have the tools to face their villains because of what Jesus has already done.
