Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Soto.
Hi Jonathan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised in Paterson, New Jersey, in a family where faith and service were a way of life. My parents founded our church in 1982, and from an early age I was shaped by both the message of the Gospel and a deep commitment to the city of Passaic.
As a young adult, I felt called to leadership in the public sphere and was elected to the City Council at 27. It was an incredible opportunity, but my journey took an unexpected turn. I went through a very public fall from grace—one that forced me to confront myself, my decisions, and ultimately my need for God in a deeper way.
What could have been the end of my story became the turning point.
In that season, my faith became real—not inherited, but personal. God began to rebuild my life from the inside out. Over time, that transformation led me back to the very place where it all began: the church my parents founded.
Today, I serve as Senior Pastor of Prince of Peace Church in Passaic, leading what I often describe as the second chapter of a legacy that started over four decades ago. My focus is on building a strong, Christ-centered community, raising up leaders, and being a positive spiritual voice in the same city where my story unfolded.
Looking back, I see that every chapter—both the highs and the lows—has been part of a greater redemptive purpose. And today, I have the privilege of serving God and the people of Passaic with a renewed sense of calling and clarity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
Some of my greatest challenges have come through very public failure and the weight that comes with it—personally, spiritually, and in the eyes of the community. Walking through a fall from grace forced me to confront not just circumstances, but my character, my decisions, and my foundation.
There were also challenges in rebuilding—earning trust again, finding my footing, and stepping back into leadership in the very same city where my story had unfolded. That’s not easy. There’s a level of humility and perseverance that’s required when you’re not starting over somewhere new, but choosing to be restored in the same place.
At the same time, leading a church comes with its own set of challenges—navigating people, growth, expectations, and the responsibility of shepherding others well. And doing that while carrying a personal testimony of failure and restoration adds another layer of weight.
But I’ve come to see that those challenges were necessary. They refined me, grounded me, and ultimately deepened my dependence on God. What once felt like obstacles became part of the foundation for how I lead today—with greater humility, clarity, and compassion for others who are walking through their own struggles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Prince of Peace Church?
Prince of Peace Church is a Christ-centered, multi-generational church based in Passaic, New Jersey, with roots in the community going back to 1982. What began through my parents’ vision has grown into a dynamic, bilingual ministry serving both English- and Spanish-speaking communities.
At our core, we are focused on spiritual formation and authentic community. We prioritize teaching the Word of God in a way that is both biblically grounded and relevant to everyday life. Alongside that, we are intentional about building environments where people can grow—whether through Sunday gatherings, small groups, or discipleship spaces that foster real relationships.
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to both legacy and forward vision. We carry the foundation that was built over decades, but we are also actively developing new leaders, new expressions of ministry, and new ways to reach the next generation. Our ministry is deeply rooted in the city—we’re not just located in Passaic, we’re invested in it.
We’re also known for creating spaces of prayer, worship, and unity. Whether it’s gatherings like our monthly young adult prayer nights or citywide moments that bring different churches together, our heart is to see people encounter God in a real way and to strengthen the Body of Christ locally.
What I’m most proud of, from a brand standpoint, isn’t just growth or programs—it’s transformation. Seeing people’s lives changed, families restored, and leaders raised up from within our own community—that’s what defines who we are.
Ultimately, Prince of Peace Church exists to be a place where people can encounter God, find purpose, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow Prince of Peace Church as a strong spiritual and community anchor in the city of Passaic.
We’re planning to expand our outreach in ways that make a tangible impact—serving families, supporting young people, and being present in spaces like schools and community initiatives. Our heart is to reach across cultures, continuing to build a ministry that effectively serves both English- and Spanish-speaking communities, as well as the broader multicultural fabric of our city.
A major priority for us is the next generation. We’re investing intentionally in youth and young adults, creating environments where they can develop spiritually, discover purpose, and step into leadership.
In terms of growth, we’re not just thinking about numbers—we’re focused on depth. That means strengthening discipleship, raising leaders from within, and building a church that is healthy, sustainable, and impactful for years to come.
Ultimately, I’m looking forward to seeing the church become an even brighter light in Passaic—where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and the presence of God is felt not just within our walls, but throughout the city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.principedepaz.org
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/lapaztedoy
