Our Pastor

Jesse J. Jackson, a devoted servant of God, was born in St. Charles County, Maryland. He grew up as the fifth of seven children in a close-knit family.

At the age of 3, Jesse moved to Washington, D.C., to live with his late Uncle and Aunt, Deacon Leonard, and Deaconess Elnora Baskerville. His spiritual journey began at Canaan Baptist Church, where he was baptized at an early age.

In 1997, Jesse joined Abyssinia Baptist Church, where he would embark on a path toward ordained ministry. His dedication and spiritual growth led to his ordination as a Deacon on March 18, 2001, marking a pivotal moment in his journey of faith.

In May 2006, Jesse earned a diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. His dedication to learning continued as he achieved a Master of Divinity Degree in May 2013 and, in May 2022, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology from The Washington Baptist Theological Seminary.

In January 2014, Jesse answered the call to serve as the pastor of Historic Berean Baptist Church, where he provided spiritual leadership until June 2017 when he was appointed as the Pastor of New Bethany Baptist Church. Throughout his ministry, Jesse has also extended his spiritual care to those in need, completing the Clinical Pastoral Education program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center where he serves as a Chaplain, and at both the Stoddard Baptist Home in Northwest, Washington, D.C., and Stoddard Baptist Global Care in Northeast, Washington, D.C. He has recently earned certification in Bereavement and Grief Counseling, further enriching his ability to provide comfort and support to those facing difficult times.

In May 2019, the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary Alumni Association honored him with the "2019 Alumnus in Outstanding Pastoral Ministry" award. His dedication has extended beyond the pulpit, as he became a Trustee on the Board of the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary in January 2023 and assumed the role of Executive Vice President of the Council of Churches of Greater Washington. Most recently, he was elected as the President of the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary Alumni Association.

Jesse is supported by his loving wife, Jawana Jackson, and is a devoted father to his son, Jesse II, as well as his niece, Marquian Ferguson, and nephew, Ujzdaski Jackson Jr. whom they raised as their own. In 2014, they welcomed their first grandchild, Emery Jackson.

Rev. Jesse James Jackson's life embodies unwavering faith and a commitment to service, guided by Psalm 139:7-10, reminding us that God's presence is always near.