By Susan Edmonston, Editor Emeritus
The city of Protection now has pastors in all its churches, the latest being Jonathan Archer at the Grace Bible Church.
An opportunity to meet him will take place this Sunday, Nov. 1, when the men of Joyful Noise – two of the eight singers are David Selzer, of Protection, and Zack Ellis, of Wilmore – will entertain during worship service that begins at 10:45 a.m. Everyone is invited to hear them sing.
It was one year ago when Archer was returning from Plainview, Texas, to his home in Minnesota. He drove by Protection and fell in love with the area. Later, upon seeing on the internet that a pastor was needed, he applied.
His family visited Protection in August, and the church welcomed him as their new pastor shortly thereafter.
Archer and his wife, Crystal, have been married for 20 years. They have two children: Pearl, 10, and Jeremiah, 6. Pearl likes art, while Jeremiah enjoys building things. Both are being homeschooled by their parents.
Jonathan has a true heart for serving God and loving people. He has been able to share God’s Word in various settings with many people including senior living, homeless shelters, a troubled youth home and multiple churches.
Preparing for Ministry
Archer has been serving God in ministry for more than 10 years. He prepared for this work by attending Shasta Bible College & Graduate School in Redding, Calif. Their mission is to educate and equip Biblically-committed Christian leaders who will impact the world for Jesus Christ.
Redding is a community of 90,000, and is three hours north of Sacramento. The Archer family was there from 2021-2025. During his time there, Archer was a pulpit supply fill-in within a 100-mile radius around Redding. In the spring of 2023, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Christian professional studies.
While Archer was an online student studying for his masters, Crystal’s parents (retired) invited their daughter and family to come live on their multi-generation dairy farm in Ada, Minn. Ada is a community of 1,700 in the northwest part of the state, not far from Canada.
In 2026, he received a master of arts in Christian ministry. He is continuing his education online for an MDiv in chaplaincy.
The Archers are grateful that the Lord has given them a place to call home with His church family at Grace Bible Church. They look forward to growing together in knowing Jesus and making Him known.
Tour in Turkey, Greece
In late February of 2023, while attending Shasta Bible College, he and 20 other students spent a couple of weeks overseas in Turkey and Greece – an opportunity to retrace the steps of Apostle Paul.
It was a 13-hour flight to Turkey, a beautiful country in southeastern Europe.
The jet landed in Istanbul and they spent the first week touring Turkey’s historic cities, ancient ruins, and natural wonders. The second week was spent in nearby Greece with 6,000 islands/islets. That country has 200 more archaeological museums than any other place in the world.
Greece is known as the birthplace of democracy. When the group arrived in Athens, a huge protest was going on by the train car workers. The police did allow the college students to continue their trip to the temple. It was rainy while in Greece and temperatures were in the 50s.
The students did go to the place that makes Turkish rugs using silkworms to weave the rugs by hand.
They also visited the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father, King Philip II of Macedon. It is located inside the Great Tumulus (Royal Tombs) at Aigai, near the modern town of Vergina in northern Greece.
Archer had been on jets before as his professors accompanied him or sent him to theology conferences in several states. This was part of the college curriculum to provide experiences for their students. He also has used jet flights to take himself to visit family.
Family History
Archer grew up in the states of Idaho and Minnesota. He was born on Nov. 30, 1985. He has a younger sister. Their dad is a hospital administrator in a small town.
In May of 2004, he graduated from high school in Ortonville, Minn., population of 2,000. That fall he enrolled at University of Mary, in Bismarck, N.D., a private school with a total enrollment of 4,000 students. That included undergraduate, graduate and online learners.
While there, he met his wife-to-be, Crystal, from Utah. Both wanted to be elementary school teachers. After two years of college, Archer took on a variety of odd jobs.
Church Activities
Grace Bible Church in Protection has a weekly women’s Bible study at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
On Wednesday evenings, during the school year, the church continues to have an hourly program for children. This year it is being held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Kindergartners through sixth graders. Of course, other youth of any age can come. The adults (Christa Taylor, Ashley Bratcher, Levi Miller and Pastor Archer) always appreciate extra help with the games, the lesson and the music.
Sunday school classes each week begin at 9:30 a.m., with worship service at 10:45 a.m.
The churches in Protection provide a service for the residents at Protection Valley Manor. It is held from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Archer goes there every other week. Ten minutes is spent singing and the other 20 minutes he shares about Jesus.
Interests
Archer is a storm spotter who reports to the Dodge City National Weather Service.
Some of his interests include astronomy, meteorology, history, playing board games and spending time with family and friends.
For fun, Archer likes creating art, using a pencil to sketch animals and landscapes and shooting baskets. He likes being outdoors and taking walks.
Jesus is the most important person in his life, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Bible and teaching about Jesus.
He and his family are looking forward to meeting the residents of Comanche County, especially those in Protection.
