Who is the Current Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

Jamal Harrison Bryant is the current pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, a charismatic Christian Baptist megachurch located in Stonecrest, DeKalb County, Georgia. Bryant assumed the role of senior pastor in December 2018, succeeding Bishop Eddie Long, who had served as the pastor from 1987 until his death in 2017.

Background and Education

Jamal Harrison Bryant was born on May 21, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended his father’s church, Bethel A.M.E. Church. Bryant’s early exposure to the church and its ministry played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey.

Bryant pursued his higher education at Morehouse College, where he earned an undergraduate degree in political science and international studies. He later furthered his theological education by obtaining a master’s of divinity degree from Duke University and a doctorate of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

Throughout his academic journey, Bryant demonstrated a commitment to learning and a passion for theological studies. His educational background has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a prominent faith community.

Ministry

Prior to his tenure at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Jamal Bryant founded the Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2002. He served as the senior pastor of Empowerment Temple for 18 years, during which the church experienced significant growth and became known for its dynamic worship services and community outreach initiatives.

In December 2018, Bryant transitioned to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, assuming the role of senior pastor. Under his leadership, the church has continued its mission of spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of its congregation and the surrounding community.

Controversies

In 2022, Jamal Bryant expressed his intention to launch a cannabis business as a means of driving membership and promoting entrepreneurship within the Black community. He suggested the possibility of growing marijuana on the land of the church to attract young people to church and provide economic opportunities.

This idea generated controversy and criticism from individuals who believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug with potential negative consequences. Some questioned the appropriateness of associating a religious institution with the cultivation and consumption of cannabis.

Despite the controversy surrounding his cannabis-related aspirations, Jamal Bryant continues to lead New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and engage in various community-focused initiatives.

Sources

1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, December 4). New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Birth_Missionary_Baptist_Church.
2. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, November 30). Jamal Harrison Bryant. In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Harrison_Bryant.
3. Sportskeeda. (2022, November 5). Who is Jamal Bryant? New Birth pastor claims he wants to bring black men to church by growing weed. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/who-jamal-bryant-new-birth-pastor-claims-wants-bring-black-men-church-growing-weed.

FAQs

Who is the current pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

The current pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is Jamal Harrison Bryant.

When did Jamal Harrison Bryant become the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

Jamal Harrison Bryant assumed the role of senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in December 2018.

What is Jamal Harrison Bryant’s background and education?

Jamal Harrison Bryant was born on May 21, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science and international studies from Morehouse College. He also holds a master’s of divinity degree from Duke University and a doctorate of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

What is the history of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1939 in Scottdale, Georgia, as Travelers Rest Baptist Church. In 1983, it moved to Decatur and adopted its current name. Eddie Long became the pastor in 1987. In 2001, the church dedicated a new building with a 10,000-seat auditorium.

What was Jamal Harrison Bryant’s previous ministry experience?

Prior to serving as the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Jamal Bryant founded the Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2002. He served as the senior pastor of Empowerment Temple for 18 years.

What controversies has Jamal Harrison Bryant been involved in?

In 2022, Jamal Bryant expressed his intention to launch a cannabis business to promote membership and entrepreneurship in the Black community. He suggested the idea of growing marijuana on the church’s land to attract young people to church, which received criticism from some individuals who view marijuana as a dangerous drug.

How has Jamal Harrison Bryant impacted New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

Since becoming the senior pastor, Jamal Harrison Bryant has continued the church’s mission of spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of its congregation and the surrounding community. His leadership has brought about various initiatives and programs aimed at spiritual growth and community engagement.

What is the size of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has a membership of approximately 10,000 individuals.