Jerod grew up in a small town near Youngstown, Ohio. He was saved at the age of eleven at a VBS. He graduated high school and went on to attend Walsh University, playing for their baseball team. He knew he was called to preach when he was nineteen years old however, it was not until he was in his mid-twenties when the LORD directed him to the call of Pastor and opened doors for him to receive a Biblical education and training for the ministry.

He and his wife, Nikki, were married in 2015 and serving with the youth at Truth Baptist Church under Pastor Teague before they moved to Geneva, Ohio. It was in 2017 at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Ashtabula where they began to be a part of the process for a new church plant under the vision of Pastor Jones – in Rome! After phases of renovations, teams of preachers, teachers, musicians, and many workers and door knockers coming down to help spread the word, the church began looking for permanent and independent leadership in 2019. In May of that year, Jerod agreed to become the interim pastor and then in November, he accepted the permanent position. He graduated from the Lighthouse Baptist Church Ministry Institute and was ordained there the same year.

The LORD has blessed Jerod and Nikki with two boys who love soccer, fishing, and legos. They are excited to welcome a baby girl this summer!

Pastor Jerod has a passion to reach people for CHRIST and to help them have a real and vibrant relationship with the LORD. His favorite verse is Romans 10:14.

“How then shall they call on HIM in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in HIM of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”