Ministry is a calling. That’s where my journey to being a Pastor starts. Yes, I’m a third generation Pastor, the son of two dynamic preachers and leaders; and while that lineage is a great source of pride and an amazing blessing, I realize that God called me to be me and that I have an extraordinary responsibility to maximize the gifts and to amplify the unique voice that I have been favored with.
It is a blessing to serve God’s people. I never take for granted that through the effective and relevant teaching of God’s word, I must be a light in the darkness for my congregation and my community. I am called to nurture the spirit, the mind, and the body, inspiring the masses to grow in faith, to love their neighbor and to serve God.
The pulpit is my platform to address not only matters of faith but issues that are deeply entrenched in the socio-political fabric of our society. I believe that I can and must provide spiritual covering for my people while simultaneously speaking truth to power on matters of social justice, racial equality, and community development.
In today’s world, being a Pastor is so much more than delivering sermons; it’s about connecting on a deeper level with people who are seeking- answers, guidance, hope. I represent God’s face and voice to those who are often wounded, skeptical and lost.
I embrace this divine calling. I find joy in my work. I find purpose in overcoming the weight of spiritual leadership. There is great fulfillment and awe-inspiring appreciation of God’s power in witnessing the transformation of lives and seeing the impact of the seeds I’ve sown in the hearts and minds of those I serve. I am humbled by their faith in the God to speak to the voids in their lives. Each testimony and every breakthrough, is a testament to the God’s power to heal, restore and deliver.
God has been uncommonly gracious and merciful to me and His favor towards me fuels my determination to reach deeper, do more and serve better. To God be the Glory!
Dr. Jamal H. Bryant