Reverend Earl Jones, Jr. is known to many as a husband, father, preacher, teacher, and a recording artist. He has become the pathway by which many have expanded their personal relationship with God. He is confident that he could be none of these things without first understanding who God says he is and what he has been called to do. It is with confidence in God that he embodies all these roles with the pursuit of pleasing God.
Reverend Jones is the Pastor of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY. In the almost 7 years of his pastorate, he has provided visionary, intentional and authentic leadership. Pastor Jones leads his congregation in creating the conditions through which people can experience the life changing power of God through dynamic worship, warm & welcoming fellowship, and a relevant word. Pastor Jones’ champions the Church’s storied tradition of being an Intergenerational Family Church, with a vision of Connecting, Growing, and Serving. Pastor Jones’ vision seeks to not only to be impactful within the four walls of the Church Building but he seeks to make an impact throughout the Jamaica, Queens community and beyond. The Church focuses on Outreach and has sponsored several “pop-up” food pantries, COVID testing, Community Baby Showers, back to school and Community Days in the Church’s parking lot. He also spearheads efforts to expand the scope of ministry to attract and engage millennials and those who self-identify as non-religious. Under his leadership the Media Ministry was established to capture the virtual church, for those who connect with church via social media and digital applications. Through this effort, Morning Star has successfully reached thousands through their online broadcasts. To assist members in navigating their way through their Christian experience, to encourage their spiritual development and to feel like part of the Morning Star Family, Pastor has worked with Ministry leaders in establishing a revamped New Member’s Ministry, Small Group Classes for Men, Women, Seniors, Young Adults, and Youth, an Intercessory Prayer hour, and a weekly “Thankful Thursday” Meditation from the ministerial staff. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Jones lead the Diaconate ministry in ordaining for the first time in the church’s history, women Deacons and have become a gender inclusive ministry. To God be the glory!
The possibilities are endless as Reverend Jones is energized for the journey ahead and is ready to build God’s Kingdom, one soul at a time. He is a visionary who is establishing a monthly food pantry and is preparing to launch the church’s non-profit arm which will cater to youth and families in the community.
Reverend Jones earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bryant University where he attended on a basketball scholarship.
Reverend Jones is married to Reverend Sheree Jones, and through this union they have three children, Earl Jones III, Melody Sheree, and Grant Judah. It is his belief that through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word and the lifting of praise to God through divinely inspired music, people can receive not only direction for their lives, but also the encouragement needed to live God’s Abundant Life.