About
College Grove Methodist is a historic Christian church that has been part of the College Grove community for generations. We are a congregation where the Bible is taken seriously, grace is lived out, and people are encouraged to grow in their faith and love for God and others.
We are a Methodist church in the Wesleyan tradition, which means we believe God’s grace is available to everyone, faith in Jesus Christ transforms lives, and following Christ shapes how we live each day. As an independent church, we are locally governed while remaining firmly rooted in historic Christian and Methodist beliefs. Everything we do is guided by our desire to love God, love our neighbors, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
College Grove Methodist is the oldest congregation in the community, established in the 1850s. Our current sanctuary was built in 1888 and stands as a reminder of God’s faithfulness across generations. While we cherish our historic building, we believe the church is ultimately about people—gathered for worship, service, and spiritual growth.
When you visit, you can expect reverent worship, thoughtful preaching, and a welcoming community. Our services follow a traditional format and include a blend of classic hymns and familiar contemporary music. You are welcome to come as you are—no special background or prior church experience is required. If you would like to see what a typical service is like, you may view past services [here].
Whether you are new to the area, exploring faith, or looking for a church home, you are welcome at College Grove Methodist. We invite you to join us as we seek to follow Christ faithfully—honoring our heritage while remaining open to the work God is doing today.
Staff
Pastor Jonathan Tolbert has been blessed to serve in pastoral ministry since 2008 and began serving as pastor of College Grove Methodist in 2025. Having spent most of his life just across the county line (Go Eagles!), he is proud to call this part of Tennessee home.
Pastor Jonathan’s heart for ministry is centered on helping people discover who God created them to be and equipping them to live boldly in faith and love. He is passionate about preaching and teaching in ways that are grounded in Scripture, shaped by the Wesleyan tradition, and accessible to everyday life.
A self-described “nerd” at heart, Pastor Jonathan holds multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry. He loves learning and enjoys sharing biblical truth in ways that are both relevant and often humorous, believing that faith should be thoughtful, engaging, and lived out beyond Sunday mornings.
Outside of ministry, Pastor Jonathan enjoys visiting historic sites, exploring state parks, and flying small airplanes. He is married to Brittany, and together they have three daughters, a son-in-law, and a spoiled Golden Doodle. He considers it a privilege to serve the College Grove community and welcomes all who are seeking a church home.
Jonathan Wilson
Pianist
Jonathan Wilson has served as the pianist at College Grove Methodist since the early 2000s. Originally from Chattanooga, he began learning piano at a young age and went on to play for school choirs through high school and college. Music has always been a meaningful part of his life, and he enjoys using it to support worship and bring people together.
Jonathan is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Communication with a focus on Music Production. He later obtained his MBA from Tennessee Tech University.
He married his wife, Jamie, in 2006, and they have two children, Benjamin and Caroline. Jonathan and his family live in Murfreesboro, and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the College Grove Methodist congregation through music.
Kirsten Jones
Administrative Assistant
Kirsten lives in Thompson’s Station with her husband, Mike, their son, Thomas, and their goldendoodle, Ryleigh. She values quality time with her family and enjoys staying actively involved in her community. When she’s not spending time with her family, you’ll often find Kirsten cheering on the Tennessee Vols or leading and supporting fellow moms through her involvement in a local moms group.