Witnesses Show

In this dramatic and very intimate performance, Swenson portrays eight different characters (historical and imagined) as each responds to Jesus. Through the eyes of these characters, both comic and serious, the audience is challenged to see Jesus from fresh perspectives; not cold and distant, but as one who was deeply involved in the “nitty-gritty” of life.

Jonathan Swenson is a Professional Speaker, Actor and Ordained Pastor with over 30 years of experience in public speaking, theatre, ministry and leadership development. In 2011, after 20 years in parish ministry, Jonathan combined his lifetime passion for drama and creative communication with ministry to become the Founding Director of Paraphrase Theatre.

Since then, he has travelled extensively to hundreds of conferences, retreats, associations, hospitals, schools, and churches throughout the country, using his unique and highly engaging blend of drama and interactive teaching to share the love of Jesus and the invitation to deeper walks of discipleship. He also served for 8 years as the Director or Summer Programming at Mount Carmel Ministries in Alexandria, MN

As a passionate encourager of people, Jonathan has a special place in his heart for professional caregivers – healthcare workers, ministers, and educators - people who serve faithfully in highly-demanding, servant-hearted roles that help others while often going unnoticed, underpaid and under-appreciated themselves. His great joy is to use his gifts to affirm, inspire and reignite these weary and wounded heroes to rediscover the joy of their life calling. Jonathan speaks in both secular and faith-based settings with presentations appropriate for each context.

Jonathan is graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College (B.A. in Psychology, Theater and Music, 1988) and Luther Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1994). He has served as an ordained minister for over 25 years. As a professional actor he has most recently appeared in the feature film, “Miles Between Us” produced by ii Films. This past Holiday season he toured professionally in the title role of “Christmas with C.S. Lewis”, under the direction of internationally known British actor and playwright, David Payne.

Jonathan is married to Jana Swenson, his partner in life and ministry. The Swensons live in Bloomington, MN and together they raised two daughters, Christina and Caitlyn who are now both married and creating new life adventures of their own.

For more information visit www.paraphrasetheatre.com or www.jonathanswenson.com or call 319-431-9934.