WESTGATE STAFF:

Jon Talbert
Compassion Pastor

jon@westgatechurch.org

Vitals
Married to Cheri.  We have four kids Jaclyn 19, Lauren 17, Cathryn 14, and Samuel 12.  I was born is Dallas, and lived in Southern Cal most of my life.  I knew the Lord called me into full time ministry when I was 13.  I graduated from Biola University and have my masters from Talbot Theological Seminary.   

A Few of my Favorite Things
I love to champion my kid’s passions.  They love music, sports, singing, and fashion… so I spend a lot of my time investing in music, sports, singing, and fashion.  I love to hang out with my wife and do “couples stuff” (i.e. shop, walks with the dog, coffee at Starbucks, cool junk like that).  I love my animals… we have a Great Dane named Madison, and Persian named Phoebe.  I really, REALLY like pizza, (it’s kind of a weakness), I love brownies and chocolate chip cookies (another weakness).  I love to read.  I read biographies and books on leadership, history, archeology, sociology, and theology.  One of my favorite things to do is to write.  I write short stories, devotionals, and Op/Ed pieces that I submit to newspapers and periodicals.   I love to travel around the world, meeting new people, experiencing other cultures, foods, sights and sounds.    I really enjoy comedy.  I do stand-up in local clubs around here (the Improv, Rooster T’s) and have done numerous venues in Southern California.  I listen to lots of music… too many venues/artist to list.  I’m also a Raiders, Lakers, and Angels fan. 

What Ifs?
What if you weren't in ministry?
“Aren’t we all in ministry?... do you mean what if I wasn’t paid to do this what would I do?” 

I think that I would do stand-up and television sitcoms… I kinda dig the entertainment thing.  I would also continue to write, but push my stuff to get published.  I thought about running for mayor… I still may do that.  The best would be working as a super hero… saving people, fighting evil, never a dull moment.  Hey! That sounds like ministry!!

What if you could spend time with any famous historical person?
Are you asking which ones?  Or just “what if…?”  like “hhmmm… what if!”

Which ones… in no particular order.  Jesus, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, George W. Bush, William Wallace, Bono, Bret Favre, Spiderman… there’s really too many to name.