Rev. Dr. Jonathon D. Counts currently serves as the proud Pastor of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church in New Britain, Connecticut. He is also the Dean of Conference Studies for the New England Conference and the Dean of Chapel for the Northeastern Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church. A licensed Social Worker and scholar, Dr. Counts is deeply committed to transformational leadership at the intersection of ministry, mental health, and community empowerment. 

Born in Trenton, New Jersey and raised in South Brunswick, NJ, he is a graduate of the South Brunswick Public School System. Dr. Counts earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree with honors from Clark Atlanta University and his Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, specializing in Children and Families. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Ashland Theological Seminary. He recently completed a national Transformational Leadership Certificate through the Hope for the City: Transforming Urban Leaders cohort. 

Dr. Counts accepted his call to preach at the age of 13 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Keith D. Tillett at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Ewing, NJ, where he was spiritually nurtured. He has faithfully served congregations as an Associate Minister including Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church and Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church. Dr. Counts has pastored Abundant Life A.M.E. Zion Church in Howard County, MD, SG Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church in Landover, MD, and Homewood A.M.E. Zion Church in Pittsburgh, PA each experiencing growth under his pastoral leadership. 

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Counts is a clinician with experience in foster care, nonprofit, outpatient, and school-based settings. He provides individual, group, and family therapy, and brings a clinical lens to ministry that supports holistic healing. He currently serves as a Doctor of Ministry Advisor at Ashland Theological Seminary, a Field Supervisor at both Wesley and Pittsburgh Theological Seminaries, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. He has also presented at the national Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) conference and the North American Association of Christian Social Workers as a consultant for the intersection between spirituality and mental health. 

Dr. Counts is currently pursuing his second doctoral degree in the Ph.D. in Social Work program at Sacred Heart University, continuing his commitment to scholarly excellence and service to underserved communities. 

A published writer and thoughtful leader, his theological and clinical insights have appeared in academic journals and edited volumes. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and lives out its mission and values in his daily walk. 

Dr. Counts is joyfully married to the former Ashley N. Perry, and together they are the proud parents of Joi, Gabrielle, and Jaiden. He is a family man, preacher, teacher, pastor, practitioner, worship leader, prophetic voice, intercessor, mentor, and consultant, but above all, he is a Friend of God.