“All things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us” – Phil. 4:13
An educator, practical theologian, grassroots organizer, multi-platinum record producer and columnist for magazines like Ebony, Essence, and Life Magazine, Dr. Christopher Michael Jones currently serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Hillside in Hillside, NJ. Dr. Jones strives to remain committed to sharing a prophetic message of love, social uplift, self-empowerment, and economic justice. A true hybrid of Hip-Hop and the Christian Church, Dr. Jones leans into a communication methodology which reaches multiple generations by lovingly keeping it real and making the truth plain through powerful preaching, insightful teaching, lecturing, and creative writing.
A native of Queens, NY, Dr. Jones currently serves as Faculty Mentor of the inaugural “Building and Bridging: Transformational Approaches to Pastoral Leadership, Prophetic Preaching, and Spiritual Formation” Doctor of Ministry Degree Program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Dr. Jones has also served as the Visiting Professor of Preaching and Worship at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. While serving at NBTS, Dr. Jones served as Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Administration and Co-Mentor to the Doctor of Ministry Degree Program in Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Dr. Jones has also served as Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Leadership at Pillar College and as Guest Lecturer at Long Island University-Brooklyn focusing on Faith and Public Policy. Dr. Jones was ongoing contributor to The African American Pulpit and The African American Lectionary offering sermons and theological commentary on sacred texts from a creative African American perspective. Firmly rooted in his commitment to the work of the church, empowering the local community, and teaching in the academy, Dr. Jones maintains a strong commitment to retooling and encouraging pastors, seminarians, organizational leaders, and volunteers in parish ministry as well as the public marketplace.
A graduate of Forest Hills High School, Dr. Jones graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University, earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Memphis Theological Seminary with a concentration in Preaching as Pastoral Care in the African American tradition. Dr. Jones has studied at many other institutions of higher learning including the University of Oxford as a Graduate Fellow of Theology.
Most recently, Dr. Jones was appointed Chaplain of the Hillside Police and Fire Department in Hillside, NJ. He is the first African American to be appointed to serve as Chaplain to both departments in Hillside’s 104-year history.
Dr. Jones also recently published his second book A Sacred Storm: When God Speaks through Radical Disruption through The Pilgrim Press. His latest work focuses on his journey pivoting from being a multiplatinum record producer to serving as a pastor, professor, and community advocate. Through the lens of hip hop and the Christian faith, Dr. Jones offers timely life-lessons learned on how to navigate through life’s unexpected storms.
Dr. Jones is married to the former Nikki Michelle Etheridge and they share three children together: Jordan, Taylor, and Imani.
