Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Jones.
Ty, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Robert Jones. All of my friends call me “Ty”. I am the oldest of three boys to the parents of Robert and Twylia Jones. I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. From a very early age, I sensed this call to ministry. I remember being around the age of 12 and struggling with it. I’m not sure I knew exactly what that “call” encompassed but I knew God was calling me to something. However, this wasn’t what I desired for my life. My father was a Pastor. I knew the reality of ministry. I understood early that it wasn’t as desirable as many assumed, it would require serious sacrifice and responsibility. However, time would go on, and the “itch” wouldn’t go away. It was almost nagging at me. For years, I would say that I ran from it. It wasn’t until August of 2004. My father had just preached the Pastoral Anniversary of who I would call my grandfather. I remember that Sunday. I can envision it as I’m responding. The church was PANDEMONIUM that day! Pops preached incredibly that day! Later that evening, as was our custom we would go and get something to eat. My brothers and I sat around the table and our grandfather looked at us and said, “After today, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to write a sermon.”
Those words I would allow to go in one ear and out the other. But it would be Wednesday that same week, my grandfather would pass. Devastated, confused, shaken, but those last words stuck with me. I didn’t believe that it was merely a coincidence that those were his last words to me. Weeks after the funeral, while walking through Wal-Mart, I told my Dad, “Daddy, I think I’m called to preach.” He responded, “Come back when you know.” I simply responded, “Nah daddy, I know.”
That is the entire story in a nutshell. I’m still operating off of his last words to me and here I am today!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all. One of the biggest issues, when one answers a call into ministry at a young age, is navigating your reputation. Everyone has their definition of what a preacher should and shouldn’t do. Depending on the individual, it can become pretty extreme. I remember key moments struggling with other people’s perceptions of me. Still to this day, it is a struggle at times. I think it comes with the territory honestly.
Ministry, in and of itself, is not easy. Anything where you are constantly dealing with people, it can be difficult.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
While I was in South Florida, I was serving as the Youth and Young Adult Minister at a church. It was a privilege and honor to have an opportunity to play some role in the lives of those youth and people. We hosted a conference, had Bible Studies, of course, had service on Sundays.
If I had to say one thing in particular that I am known for: It would be preaching. Most people probably know me for that. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of. It’s something incredible when you can spend time trying to create a message and someone tells you that “you were preaching to them”. I think that is an incredible thing. It’s something that still amazes me to this day. I’m not sure what sets me apart from other than I’m available and accessible to whatever God wants to do.
What were you like growing up?
In school, I was a bit of a class clown at times. I’m not sure why though. However, I was always pretty smart. I never saw an issue with voicing my opinion ever. I love pushing teachers to a point at which they have to explain something. That has worked in my favor and worked against me numerous times.
I grew up loving basketball as a child. That might’ve been my first love. Other than that, I was very much so a nerd. I loved reading and reading large books at that. I believe it set the foundation for what I do now.
From a personality perspective, people are shocked many times to know that I’m an introvert, I just know how to behave like an extrovert when necessary. Too much social interaction takes a lot out of me, I have to go and regroup. And afterward, I’m ok lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @roberttyjones
- Facebook: Robert Ty Jones; DoulosDaily
- Twitter: @roberttyjones
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