Free Concert
Sunday night, January 18, 2026
Christ Fellowship South Tampa (formerly Manhattan Baptist Church)
4300 S. Manhattan Ave.
Tampa FL 33611
About Jonathan (from jonathanwhitemusic.com):
Jonathan White found a deep love for singing at an early age. He has been singing since he can remember. His mom and dad would stand him up in the front of the Church and have him sing with his brothers and sister. Jonathan’s father was a pastor, and an evangelist. Jonathan would sing along with his siblings and parents, and later in the service, his father would preach. Those first several years were important in developing a heart for ministry in Jonathan. The seeds were planted, though Jonathan never pursued any kind of professional career in music until later in life. In 1991, Jonathan was married to Sheila. However, despite this happy time in his life, tragedy soon struck his family. Eight months after they were married, a drunk driver ran a red light and hit his parent’s car. His father died instantly, and his mother lived for 16 days in the hospital before she went home to Heaven. (Complete story included in the Testimony link) Despite having only been married eight months, Jonathan and his wife Sheila took on a new role, as both his 10 year old sister and 16 year old brother were now under their care. This was a tremendous burden on a new marriage. However, they learned that with God all things are possible, and though it was not what they had planned, they learned to find the “silver lining” and learned what Trusting God was all about. It also helped them learn about His Grace. It was amazing to watch the Lord take care of them during this time.
It seemed like the Whites were entering a new, brighter phase of life when they found out that Sheila was pregnant the year following his parents’ accident. They were so excited, thinking that this would help heal the hurt that had been caused by losing his parents. However, the doctors did not have good news for the Whites. Jonathan and Sheila were soon informed after their daughter’s birth that the baby more than likely had Down Syndrome. Jonathan was angry, disappointed, confused, thinking that God had given them second best. However, God has proven that He knows exactly what He is doing, and He gave them the very best that He had. They have learned that even though some things may seem so hard at first, God has a plan for every circumstance and will see you through, both the good times and bad times. Brittany grew to be a beautiful young lady. She played Baseball on a Challenger Baseball team for 20 years, and also participated in Dance for years as well. Jonathan has written a song about her, and through their situation, they have been able to help others cope with having a child with disabilities. Brittany is such a wonderful young lady, and they wouldn’t trade her for the world. She has been a tremendous blessing to many around the world! A few years later,
Jonathan and Sheila were blessed with another child. Austin was born in February of 1996. He has grown into a wonderful young man. From the time he was very little he has always looked out for Brittany and protected her. He considers himself her big “little” brother. He is a phenomenal athlete. He played Baseball, Football and Basketball for GlenOak High School in Canton, and then attended and played Baseball for Malone University where they won the GMAC regular season Championship Title in 2019. He has since graduated college and married his Sweetheart, Alana Woodard in June of 2020. They live in Hartville Ohio. Austin and Alana have two children now, Zane Michael White, and Sawyer Rose White! Jonathan and Sheila are very proud Grandparents and if you ask nicely, or don’t ask at all, they will gladly show you pictures of their perfect, beautiful Grandchildren! Jonathan and Sheila are very proud of both Brittany and Austin.
It is through trying times that Jonathan has found his goal in life. His main goal in ministry is to encourage Christians in their walk with God, and to let them know that sometimes things happen that may seem horrible, but God can turn it around for good. Some of the things we think are burdens, may turn out to be the greatest blessing we ever receive.
Jonathan has had the opportunity to sing for many different kinds of audiences. From the Grand Ole Opry, to the Bill Gaither Homecoming Concert Series, to the little church down the street. Jonathan is willing to sing for God anywhere, to any size crowd. He sings a variety of styles from Hymns, to Southern Gospel, to Contemporary, to Opera, to Country. He lifts his voice to sing for Jesus in many different styles and venues. He has learned that it’s not about the size of a crowd, it’s about ministering to each individual that has come to the concert. He gives the same emotion and heart regardless of who or how many are there. It’s all about reaching others for Christ. It is so exciting to have someone come forward and accept Christ as their Savior. It continues to amaze him that God would use him in this capacity to further His kingdom
