Reverend Dr. Wilbur A. Whitehurst, Jr., is the Pastor at Zion Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He is a devoted servant of God who promotes discipleship by tirelessly spreading the Word of God and guiding people to live by faith in Christ. Dr. Whitehurst consistently inspires others with his faith and enthusiasm. He previously served as the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world in 2020, he assisted St. Paul in establishing a media ministry to keep the congregation and community connected through various social media platforms.

The development of virtual worship services emerged from a vision by God. Dr. Whitehurst felt led by God to establish a digital media ministry called Inspirations Online Evangelistic Ministries (IOEM). It aims to spread the gospel, allowing people to experience the Word of God through both in-person and virtual worship services following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Whitehurst has consistently shown an unwavering passion for sharing God’s love through preaching, teaching, discipleship, and community service. His spiritual leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of others, helping them deepen their faith and draw closer to God.

Early on, he discerned and responded to the call of God on his life at the historic Bethany Baptist Church. Blessed with God’s wonderful gifts, he pursued his spiritual calling by obtaining a license to preach the gospel on September 9, 1998. He received ordination from the Bethany Baptist Church on January 29, 2006, at the request and before the passing of his late mentor and Pastor, Reverend Dr. William A. Jones, Jr. This was accomplished under the leadership of the late Interim Pastor, Reverend Dr. Jasper E. Peyton.

Dr. Whitehurst first served as an Associate Minister at Bethany Baptist Church from 1998 to 2002, fulfilling his calling to provide spiritual leadership and guidance to people from all walks of life. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, from 2002 to 2005. While at Emory, Dr. Whitehurst joined Wheat Street Baptist Church under the Pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Michael N. Harris, serving as an Associate Minister from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, he returned to his hometown to serve as an Associate Minister and Advisor to the Sunday School and New Members Ministry at Bethany Baptist Church, a position he held until 2014.

His commitment to spiritually transforming and preparing individuals for church leadership and community ministry is reflected in his extensive teaching experience. This included working as a Certified Instructor at the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention, Inc., New York Missionary Baptist Church Association, Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association, Sunday School Publishing Board, and The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Brown and Davis Bible Institute (formerly Monmouth Bible Institute) in New Jersey. He also served as the religious instructor for the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc.

Dr. Whitehurst’s versatility is evident in his ability to perform other responsibilities with other church denominations. He was then asked to serve as an assistant pastor under the leadership of the former pastor, Reverend Dr. Hermon L. Darden, at Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church from 2014 to 2017.

Wherever God has assigned Dr. Whitehurst, he has fulfilled his duties with great integrity, respect, and love. This is evidenced by the numerous recognitions and accolades he has received. Among these are the Overcoming Man of the Year Award in 2006 from the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlanta Baptist Congress of Christian Education in 2006, the Loyal and Dedicated Service Award to the Action Mission Ministry, Inc. at Wheat Street Baptist in 2006, a Certificate of Appreciation from the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention Congress of Christian in 2010, and the Award from the Seacoast Missionary Association Moderator in 2018.

To acquire the essential knowledge needed to serve the people and the church effectively, Dr. Whitehurst earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from The College of New Rochelle, School of New Resources, in May 2002. He also received a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in May 2005, followed by a Doctor of Ministry in Black Church Studies from Ashland Theological Seminary in June 2014. In 2015, Dr. Whitehurst was honored by The Hymn Society of Canada and the United States, which reviewed and accepted his dissertation titled “The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Actions of Parishioners regarding the Various Forms of Music at Bethany Baptist Church.” Additionally, Dr. Whitehurst completed a course in Church Leadership at Regent University, School of Divinity in 2017. Additionally, He also offers pastoral care to bereaved families and delivers eulogies for their loved ones at House of Hills Funeral Inc. in Brooklyn, New York. 

Dr. Whitehurst is married to the wonderful Annette L. Whitehurst and is the stepfather to Damon Ruffin and granddaughter Sahara M. Ruffin. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, particularly football and basketball, listening to music, and singing. Above all, Dr. Whitehurst cherishes spending time with his loving family and reading and collecting books.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13