About Shawn Thornton

Shawn Thornton is President and Chief Ministry Officer of Joni and Friends, a global, Gospel-centered ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada that offers hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disabilities. Joni and Friends focuses on equipping churches to welcome and include people with disabilities and their families into the life of a local Christian community. Previously, Shawn served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California, where he helped launch a dynamic disability ministry that has become a model for churches nationwide. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of Awana Clubs International and on the Board of Trustees of Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California. Shawn and his wife, Lesli, live in Southern California and have three grown children, Jon, Katie, and Megan (who is married to Wes).