Suvechha Sarkar
Season 1 of Fox’s ‘The Snake’ pits 15 strangers against each other in a high-stakes game of strategy and deception, where one is the snake and can save and send someone home. Jacob, a pastor, was one of the players who brought his faith and determination to the table. From the beginning, he said God would guide his path to victory. While his fellow contestants saw him as a man of honor, he was eager to prove that he was more than just a preacher. He showed sharp instincts early on, sensing danger when he was not included in the first challenge. Jacob had also promptly made an alliance with Derek, a detective. He recognized that having a strategic ally could be his ultimate advantage.
Jacob Buchholz Laid the Foundation For His Future Through Higher Education
Long before Jacob Buchholz stepped into the spotlight, he was quietly building a life rooted in higher education and an unwavering sense of purpose. After graduating from Olathe South High School, he set his sights quite high. The reality star enrolled at Harvard University in 2005 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in the Comparative Study of Religion. During his time at the University, he was an active member of the Harvard Radcliffe Christian fellowship, a group that further shaped his theological understanding. By 2009, Jacob earned his degree and was already stepping towards the next step of his spiritual journey.
Jacob went on to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity in 2012. While studying there, he was a part of the Princeton Theological Seminary Oratorical Society. He first stepped into his professional life in January 2007 while he was still at university. First, Jacob became the Executive Development Director of Deaf International. In July 2010, he also joined as a Senior Co-pastor at the Deaf International Community Church. Ultimately, he left behind both of these positions in September 2013. Three months later, Jacob joined as a Pastor at First-Plymouth Church, a role which he held until July 2016.
Jacob Buchholz is a Strong Voice for Inclusive Faith, Besides Being a Pastor
In December 2016, Jacob moved on as a Pastor to Claremont United Church of Christ (UCC), which is a progressive LGBTQ+ inclusive congregation. Besides this, Jacob is quite active online. On TikTok, he currently has garnered over 2.8 K followers, where he creates short-form content and explores the modern interpretations of the scripture. The Upland, California resident often speaks about social justice through a spiritual lens and even speaks on the importance of embracing all people in faith communities. Jacob is also quite active on Instagram, and the feed goes with the same themes and messages. On the platforms, he provides sermons and insights into how religion intersects with current events and even human rights.
Jacob advocates for truth in political and religious discourse and has never backed down from calling out how scripture is often misused to justify harmful policies. In June 2024, Jacob delivered a heartfelt speech as a guest Preacher at Paradox Church in Redlands, where he openly spoke about his journey. In April 2025, the reality star even joined in on the Hands Off Protest and Sign-Making Party protest, being a prominent voice for protecting trans kids and immigrants. His Claremont UCC community always shows its unwavering support for him. It was quite evident when they cheered for him during his announcement of his appearance on the show. They wrote, “Drumroll, please… This Friday, we’re revealing exactly what special project Pastor Jacob was cooking up during Lent Season! Trust us- you’re going to love it.”
Jacob Finds Unshakeable Strength in His Wife and His Beautiful Daughter
While Jacob has built his life on faith, the heart of his world lies in his partnership with the love of his life, Jen Strickland. More than being just his wife, she is his co-pastor and forever companion for being an advocate of compassion and inclusion. The couple’s journey began in 2014 when they exchanged their forever vows. Ultimately, in May 2025, Jacob and Jen celebrated their 11-year anniversary, marking a major milestone in their personal life. He celebrated the occasion with a heartfelt tribute on social media, where he poured his love into words. He wrote, “Happy 11th anniversary to my best friend, wife, co-pastor, and eternal love. From getting married in Iceland to adventures with Clementine, life alongside you is all I want or need.”
Jacob’s devotion to Jen is quite deep. It is highlighted by the fact that he showed public support for her when critics tried to argue that scripture did not allow women to preach. He called out the misinterpretation and used his social media to educate and uplift on the matter. Jacob’s life is also filled with the everyday joy of his family life, especially with their daughter, Clementine. Jen often shares glimpses of their life together and moments that reflect the love that binds them together. Whether it be planning a fun day at Disneyland, celebrating Easter as a family, or even simply indulging in a sweet gelato date, Jacob always cherishes these small, sacred moments.
Holidays are a significant and magical part of the life of Jacob’s family. He often recalls the childhood thrill of unwrapping a full collection of Space Jam action figures, and now, as an adult, he finds the same spark of joy in gifts from Jen. The family often finds themselves on a spontaneous beach day where the ocean washes away the tiredness of their busy life. They also spend incredible time together, creating meaningful memories, whether it be during a lazy weekend or the Lunar New Year Festival. All in all, Jacob’s life is proof of how love and faith have inspired him every step of the way.
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