Pastor Jono Row

Jonathan Row is the Youth & Families Pastor at Bangalow Byron Bay Uniting Church, serving the Bangalow community alongside his wife, Kimberley.

Jonathan’s early career began with a Bachelor of Engineering, followed by work in civil construction project management. While he valued the structure and problem-solving of that world, he gradually felt drawn toward work centred on people, community, and pastoral care. That led him into student and residential life leadership as Director of Students at Wesley College, University of Sydney, where he supported young adults navigating study, identity, and life transitions.

He later completed an Executive Master of Arts and Social Science, with a special interest in peace and conflict studies, which has continued to shape his approach to ministry and public life. His faith was formed in the life of Leichhardt Uniting Church, where he and Kimberley met and were married in 2022. That community helped shape his understanding of discipleship as something active and public: a way of following Jesus that prioritises justice, compassion, and solidarity with those on the margins.

Jonathan and Kimberley welcomed their twins in 2023, a season that has deeply shaped their family life and perspective on ministry.

More recently Jonathan has worked in the Advocacy team of Uniting NSW.ACT, contributing to the Uniting Climate campaign and broader social justice initiatives. He also serves part-time as a youth justice chaplain, supporting young people in the justice system through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

He is passionate about creating spaces where children, young people, and families can explore faith in ways that are honest, grounded, and hopeful, and where questions are welcomed as part of spiritual growth.