IN THE BEGINNING...
SWAT was founded in 1992 by Jon Messarra out of Colbert, GA. Jon had a vision for students leading students at Disciple Now; however, this strategy was unheard of at the time. But, God knew what he was doing. Jon started his first Disciple Now with 15 students. 6 months later, it grew to 60 students, then 120 students, and ultimately over 200 students were attending Disciple Now weekends at Colbert Baptist Church. Jon’s vision for students leading students has now become commonplace on Disciple Now Weekends.
YEARS LATER
SWAT has grown over the years and we provide more resources than just Disciple Now for the local church. Our experience has given us the ability to launch new events to equip the next generation to live drastically different lives than what the world is telling them. Each of us has been commanded to go and make disciples (Matt 28:19-20). We want to provide the tools and resources to help individuals and the local church fulfill that commitment.
Discipleship is at our innermost core. We want each person we interact with to walk away feeling more encouraged to pursue Jesus. It starts with our staff leading our interns and SWAT Leaders and trickles out into each of our personal relationships. For us, it’s not just our job, it’s our lifestyle.
INVESTING IN THE VALUE OF THE NEXT GENERATION AND EMPOWERING THEM TO AUTHENTICALLY LIVE OUT THEIR PURPOSE.
GEORGIA
JON MESSARRA
Executive Director
AMY MAJOR
Initiatives Director - Georgia
JONATHON ROSENAUER
Initiatives Director - Texas
Favorite coffee is definitely a latte!
SWAT has changed the way I see others, their gifts and talents, their joy and their struggles. SWAT changes people, it introduces them to Jesus and to themselves. It has shown me the value of the body of Christ and the many different perspectives we all bring to life. All these perspectives are important and have shaped me.
Favorite coffee is a vanilla latte, but if I'm getting it out of the pot then I like it plain with LOTS of cream :)
I am passionate about SWAT because I have seen this ministry first-hand impact and empower my students when I served on student ministry staff at a local church. The SWAT leaders that came to work our Disciple Now weekends poured into our students year after year, some coming back each year and forming relationships that carried over into day-to-day life. The SWAT Staff was always a huge support and encouragement to our church staff and I am honored to get to be on the other side now serving and encouraging the student ministry staff at different churches.
Favorite coffee is mocha latte with coconut milk.
Jonathon was born and raised in small town Gonzales, but I’ve truly been everywhere man. I graduated from Mary Hardin - Baylor with a marketing degree and met my wife (Taylor) in the process. We’ve been married since June of 2017 and have two boys. I obtained my Masters in Theology from Howard Payne in 2018. Having served in various ministry positions for 10+ years, I felt it was time to serve the church in another way. SWAT gives me the opportunity to love and encourage church staff, students and college leaders in a whole new way now. I’m passionate about SWAT because I’ve seen the impact it has on students, leaders and the church as a whole.
THOMAS DAVIS
State Director - Georgia
Favorite coffee is a cold brew.
I grew up attending SWAT weekends and led many weekends and a college student. God used so many people and experiences to shape me into the man I am today. Now I have the chance to develop others to live out their purpose and share the love of God with everyone they meet.
TEXAS
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I THINK THE GREATEST THING ABOUT SWAT IS THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.
- Chris Trent, Next Gen Catalyst - GBMB