Reverend Jonathan Avendano, M.Th., C.C.C., is a nationally recognized Latino faith leader, speaker, and advocate based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV). He currently serves as Associate Pastor at Iglesia Maná del Cielo in Northern Virginia and holds the historic distinction of being the youngest Latino ever ordained by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC). His leadership bridges the spheres of faith, education, and public policy, making him a transformative voice for the next generation.

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A passionate advocate for education equity and leadership development, Reverend Jonathan has served over seven years in public education, specializing in Special Education services for underserved communities. As Executive Director of Instituto Bíblico Maná del Cielo, he led a significant expansion of the seminary throughout the DMV region, equipping hundreds of Spanish-speaking leaders for theological and ministerial excellence.

He has also served as Director of Programs and board member for Opportunity Scholars, where he championed pathways for students from low-income backgrounds to access high-quality education and launch into high-demand careers. As co-founder of a national Hispanic-led leadership institute, he mentored emerging Latino leaders in the areas of biblical worldview, civic engagement, and public policy. Many of his alumni now serve in strategic roles across ministry, government, and academia.

CIVIC & FAITH AMBASSADORSHIP
Jonathan’s public presence as a faith ambassador has earned him national respect. He has delivered ceremonial invocations and benedictions for distinguished leaders such as Dr. Ben Carson and Former Vice President Mike Pence. In 2022, he made history as the first young Latino minister in Virginia to give the benediction at the Gubernatorial Inauguration of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Personally invited by Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, he also led the invocation for the opening of the Virginia General Assembly that same year. Nationally, he served on the Philos Project Advisory Board, advancing initiatives that promote support for Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

POLICY & ADVOCACY
Reverend Jonathan is a sought-after voice in public policy spaces, building partnerships with officials at the local, state, and federal levels. His tireless advocacy for religious liberty and Latino community empowerment has led him to consult and collaborate with leading policy organizations nationwide. Appointed by Governor Youngkin, he serves on the Virginia Governor’s Latino Advisory Board and was later elected Vice-Chair—becoming a critical bridge between the Commonwealth’s leadership and its growing Hispanic population.

MEDIA & CONSULTING
As a public thought leader, Reverend Jonathan has appeared on major platforms including Fox News, The Washington Examiner, CNN, The Epoch Times and a range of radio and international news outlets. He regularly provides strategic faith-based consulting to government officials, nonprofit leaders, and even film executives, including those at Sony Pictures and Affirm Films.

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Reverend Jonathan holds a Master’s degree in Practical Theology and is certified in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration. Jonathan has also completed his studies in Business and Marketing at the University of London. He is an active member of several honor societies, including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Society of Leadership & Success. His theological affiliations include the Society of Christian Philosophers, the Society of Pastoral Theology, and the American Academy of Religion.