Bishop Keith W. Reed Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Sharon Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where he has served faithfully for over 43 years. He is also the Presiding Prelate of the Progressive Holistic Ministry of Churches and Founder of Sharon Bible Fellowship in Maryland. Known for his passion for discipleship, leadership development, and spiritual formation, Bishop Reed has trained dozens of pastors and ministry leaders across the country. His ministry emphasizes building people, not just programs, and taking the Gospel beyond the pulpit into the world. A global conference speaker and respected theological voice, he has lectured at institutions like Baylor University and Truett Seminary. Bishop Reed is committed to equipping leaders with wisdom, integrity, and spiritual depth to navigate the demands of modern ministry while staying rooted in their call.

Richard D. Sanders is the Senior Pastor of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, also known as the Compton Cathedral Worship Center, where he has served since 1983. With over 43 years of pastoral leadership, he has guided the church’s growth from a small congregation to a thriving ministry. He is also the Presiding Bishop/Overseer of Free Church of God Inc.. A nationally respected preacher, teacher, and revivalist, Bishop Sanders is known for his ability to “rightly divide the Word of Truth” with clarity and depth. In addition to ministry, he is a gospel recording artist, author of In His Hands, and founder of multiple community-based organizations focused on youth, economic development, and holistic care.

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke is the Senior Pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, where he has served faithfully since 1982. A trusted voice in the Church of God (Anderson, IN), he is the founder and presiding prelate of the Berean Fellowship, a global network supporting small and mid-sized churches. Known for his powerful preaching, pastoral wisdom, and commitment to mentorship, Bishop Clarke has authored several books and served in key denominational leadership roles. His ministry blends biblical depth with practical insight, offering encouragement to leaders at every stage of the journey.

Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr. is Pastor Emeritus of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, where he served for 50 years, growing the congregation to over 9,000 members and leading the construction of a 4,000-seat worship center. He is CEO of Changes Can Happen, LLC, coaching pastors and nonprofit leaders nationwide. A certified Myers-Briggs practitioner, he is also Presiding Prelate of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors and former president of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. Bishop Thomas is the author of several books, including The THREAD Principle and Spiritual Navigation for the 21st Century. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Maryland, an M.Div. from Howard University, and a D.Min. from St. Mary’s Seminary & University, along with honorary degrees from Virginia Seminary and Bethune-Cookman. He and his wife, Patricia, have three children and a lifelong legacy of ministry and leadership.

Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is a pastor, author, public servant, and nationally recognized voice on faith, leadership, and financial freedom. He served for nearly 30 years as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey, where his ministry emphasized spiritual growth, economic empowerment, and community transformation. Dr. Soaries is the founder of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, which has helped thousands of individuals and churches eliminate debt and build sustainable financial practices. Beyond the pulpit, he has served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, chaired the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and worked as a trusted leader in corporate and nonprofit spaces. A respected teacher, speaker, and author of 12 books, Dr. Soaries is known for his ability to connect theology with real-world leadership, challenging pastors and communities to live and lead with integrity, discipline, and freedom.

Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is a pastor, author, public servant, and pioneer of financial freedom. For nearly 30 years, he served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ, where he championed spiritual growth, economic empowerment, and community development. In 2005, he launched the groundbreaking dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, now a national model helping families and churches eliminate debt and build wealth with dignity. Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Soaries made history as New Jersey’s first African American male Secretary of State and later chaired the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. He also brought reform and integrity to the gospel music industry, managing artists such as Tremaine Hawkins, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Commissioned, and Fred Hammond. An author of 12 books, trustee, and corporate director, Dr. Soaries continues to blend faith, leadership, and advocacy to inspire freedom in every sphere of life.

Dr. Ouida Harding is a worship scholar, pianist, and educator dedicated to strengthening music ministry leadership within the church. She joined the JCSTS team in 2020 and brings extensive academic and practical experience in worship studies and church music. Dr. Harding holds a Master of Arts in Church Music with a concentration in Music Ministry Leadership from the Interdenominational Theological Center and a Doctorate in Worship Studies from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies. A gifted pianist with an international platform, she is known for teaching congregations, students, and leaders the power of unity through music, cultural integrity in worship, and standards of excellence in ministry leadership.

Jesse Mapson III is a creative strategist, media executive, and music producer whose work bridges ministry, culture, and modern communication. Known professionally as J. Melodic, he has produced and created for artists and organizations featured on platforms including Netflix, BET, ESPN, and ABC, and in partnership with global brands such as Apple, Disney, the NBA, and the NFL.

Jesse is the Co-Founder and CEO of MinistryForward Media Group, where he helps churches and faith-based organizations build sustainable media systems and digital outreach strategies aligned with their mission and values.

Raised in the church as a preacher’s kid, Jesse brings a dual perspective to ministry—rooted in tradition and fluent in contemporary media and culture. His work emphasizes people over platforms, clarity over trends, and legacy over shortcuts.

Minister Warren Cooper is a vocal specialist, music media minister, performance artist, producer, broadcaster, and human rights activist. As a member of the JCSTS Executive Team, he brings a dynamic blend of sacred music, cultural advocacy, and media influence to the work of theological formation. Minister Cooper’s ministry bridges worship and justice, using music as both proclamation and protest. Known for his powerful voice and prophetic insight, he challenges congregations and leaders to align sound with substance and platform with purpose, helping the church recover its call to truth, courage, and community.

Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness is the 53rd Pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA, and the first woman to lead the birthplace of African Methodism. A fourth-generation preacher in the AME Church, she answered her call to ministry at age 14 and has become widely recognized for her leadership in ministry, community engagement, and civic collaboration. Prior to Mother Bethel, she served for 10 years as Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, PA, where she led major community initiatives focused on food insecurity, public health, and neighborhood development. Rev. Cavaness is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, where she received the prestigious Hudnut Preaching Award. She is known for bridging faith, history, leadership, and community with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller is Senior Pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where he leads over 15,000 members across two campuses. Since 1994, he has combined preaching, community leadership, and social justice with a vision for holistic ministry. Under his leadership, Enon built a 5,000-seat sanctuary and launched youth, mental health, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. A sought-after preacher, singer, and author, Dr. Waller has ministered globally—from South Korea to Oxford—and champions outreach through over 100 ministries. He helped lead Philadelphia’s COVID-19 testing and vaccine efforts, supports youth education and mentorship, and created Enon’s International Pastors Fellowship. A native of Cleveland, he holds degrees in music, divinity, and ministry. He shares life and ministry with his wife, Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, and their two daughters. He is the author of multiple books and a passionate voice for justice, faith, and moral leadership.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, where she has served faithfully for more than four decades. A visionary leader and trailblazer in ministry, Dr. Hale is also the founder of Elah Pastoral Ministries and the Women in Ministry Conference, organizations dedicated to mentoring, developing, and empowering pastors and women called to ministry. Known for her integrity, compassion, and prophetic voice, she has shaped generations of leaders through preaching, teaching, and public service. Dr. Hale is a respected national speaker, author, and theological voice whose ministry emphasizes spiritual formation, leadership sustainability, and faith in action. She remains committed to building people, empowering leaders, and advancing a holistic Gospel that speaks to both personal faith and community transformation.

Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown is the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, and the first woman to serve in that role in the church’s 117-year history. Called to preach at 13 and licensed by Cathedral International, she’s a gifted communicator, teacher, and leader who has ministered across the U.S. and South Africa. A former three-sport athlete and Provost Scholar at Virginia State University, Dr. Brown brings discipline and clarity to her pastoral leadership. She serves as a D.Min. co-mentor at United Theological Seminary, Secretary of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, and advisor to the Women in Ministry Conference. Dr. Brown is also active in community leadership and civic engagement. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she holds five academic degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Church Renewal. Dr. Brown is passionate about preaching, mentoring, and building thriving ministry teams.

Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley is the Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, one of the oldest and most influential Black Baptist churches in the United States. Since becoming pastor in 2008, he has led the church through significant growth, expanding its reach, impact, and commitment to spiritual formation and community engagement.

A gifted preacher, teacher, and visionary leader, Dr. Wesley is known for his dynamic, biblically grounded preaching and his ability to address both the spiritual and social realities of the church. Under his leadership, Alfred Street has invested millions into outreach initiatives, education, and global missions.

Dr. Wesley is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening the Black Church, and advancing a faith that is both transformative and relevant for today’s world.

Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson is the 21st Senior Pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. A visionary leader, he previously founded Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia and served as President & CEO of Philadelphia OIC, where he led major workforce and education initiatives. A graduate of Morehouse College, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, Dr. Johnson is known for merging faith, leadership, and community transformation. He reaches over 400,000 listeners weekly on WDAS-FM and has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, and FOX. His ministry bridges pulpit and public square, calling leaders to imagine boldly and lead with purpose.

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr. has served as Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood since 1993, leading it through significant growth and transformation. Known for his powerful preaching, vibrant worship, and Spirit-led leadership, he ministers with a deep commitment to engaging the present age. Dr. Taylor holds degrees from Cairn University, New York Theological Seminary, and Palmer Theological Seminary, and teaches as an adjunct professor at Pillar College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. A skilled musician and passionate worship leader, he is guided by John 15:16 and lives by the motto: “Chosen to Serve ~ Challenged to Grow.” He serves in ministry alongside his wife, Leading Lady Gayle Taylor. They are the proud parents of two and grandparents of three.

Rev. Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler is the Historiographer and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving as the chief steward of one of the most historic Black Christian denominations in the world. An ordained itinerant elder with more than three decades of ministry, he has pastored congregations across the country and most recently served as Senior Pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, the founding church of African Methodism.

A respected historian, documentary filmmaker, and radio host, Dr. Tyler is known for his commitment to preserving Black church history with theological depth and moral clarity. His ministry bridges faith, scholarship, media, and social justice, equipping leaders to serve faithfully, courageously, and with a deep sense of purpose.

Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis has served as Senior Pastor of Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since 1997, leading one of the nation’s most dynamic urban congregations of more than 10,000 members. A Baltimore native, he accepted his call to ministry at 17 and previously pastored Shiloh Baptist Church in York, PA. Under his leadership, Mount Ararat has pioneered community-focused initiatives such as the Community Tithe Program, which invests 10% of church offerings into local nonprofits and smaller congregations. A respected voice in national ministry, Dr. Curtis is a former President of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and serves on multiple educational and nonprofit boards. He is co-owner of The Church Online, a media and technology firm serving ministries worldwide, and author of FAITH: Learning to Live Without Fear and Dressed for Victory: Putting on the Full Armor of God.

Rev. Paul Timothy Roberts Sr. is the President of JCSTS, a position he has held since 2010. A visionary leader in theological education and ministry formation, Rev. Roberts has guided the seminary through a season of renewal, expanding its mission to equip leaders for justice-centered, culturally grounded ministry. With decades of pastoral and administrative experience, he is committed to accessible theological education that bridges scholarship, faith, and community transformation. His leadership reflects a deep belief that formation must prepare pastors and leaders not only to preach, but to serve, advocate, and lead with courage in a rapidly changing world.