Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly is the lead pastor of Chicago West Bible Church. He was born in Chicago and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up, he spent most of his teens in and out of juvenile detention centers as he tried not to get killed in the streets. As a 19-year-old, he found himself in prison for his role in a shooting that left a young man dead. It was in his prison cell that he received a copy of God's Word and began reading. After reading from Matthew to Hebrews, Jon's eyes were opened. He was immediately gripped by his sin and his need for salvation in Christ. He gave his life to Christ in his prison cell. Expecting to spend the rest of his life in prison, Jon was shown mercy and received a 6-20 year sentence. After serving six years, Jon was released on parole and began attending church. He has a B.A. in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, an M.A. in biblical studies at Wheaton College, and a doctorate in global missions from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jon has a heart for serving families that have been affected by incarceration and who are often forgotten. He and his wife, Danielle, have three sons.