My name is Jonathon Wolf and I am a retired music teacher. I taught for 36 years and have been the minister of music at my church for over 30 years. I grew up in Denver, Colorado and lived there until my wife and I married and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. My wife and I grew up in the church. My father and my wife's father were in the ministry as preachers. We were always referred to as "preacher's kids".
There are seven children in my family and I am the youngest. Before I was born, my parents decided that music was going to be a large part of our family life. My mother sang beautifully and even when she was pregnant I was hearing her sing. She also played the organ and piano in church and I truly believe that hearing all of that music started me on my musical journey. In addition, my older sisters and brothers were all taking music lessons and playing and singing around me every day.
We were brought to church from as far back as I can remember and taught right from wrong. However that didn't mean I was automatically going to embrace the gospel as it was presented to me by my parents. One day when I was about 10 I realized that I had to choose for myself If I wanted Jesus to come into my heart. I was lying in bed and called my mom to my room. I asked her to pray with me and right there, kneeling at my bed, God made a change in my heart. I am so glad I chose to give the Lord my heart that night. Life hasn't always been easy, and there have been bumps and detours along the road but God has always been there for me. My salvation experience shaped me into the person I am today. It has been the guide that put me on my path to pursue music not only as my passion, but as my vocation.
After high school, I entered college as a music major and I studied vocal performance, conducting and music education for 5 years. I married Cheryl during my Junior year in college. A year and a half later I had my college degree in performance and education. Not long after graduation we felt that God was calling us to move. We moved to St. Louis and God gave us the priviledge to become minister of music in the church after we moved, and I also started my teaching career.
Sharing my story with you today is important. It was my upbringing and my relationship with Jesus that gives me the passion and drive that makes me the musician and person I am today.