Jerome Taylor :: Pastor / Elder
Pastor Jerome Taylor has served as the pastor of Eastgate Baptist Church since the summer of 2013. A native of Mississippi, Jerome has made Michigan his home and the focus of his ministry and mission for many years. Alongside his wife, Melinda—whom he married in 2004—he is committed to shepherding and serving the Eastgate church family. Together they are the grateful parents of four children.
Jerome earned a B.A. in Theology & History from William Carey College in 2003 and completed his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2025. Since entering ministry in 1999, he has served in churches and ministry settings across the United States and internationally, developing a deep passion for gospel-centered ministry, missions, and discipleship.
He actively partners with local, state, and national mission efforts as a cooperative partnership steward with fellow Great Commission Baptists through the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Through these partnerships, Eastgate Baptist Church remains engaged in kingdom work that advances the gospel throughout our region and around the world. In addition to his pastoral role, Jerome currently serves as the Associational Mission Strategist (AMS) with the churches of the Genesee Baptist Association, helping equip and strengthen local congregations for effective gospel ministry.
Pastor Jerome’s heart is to lead and equip generations of people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. He is passionate about boldly proclaiming the Scriptures and identifying servant-leaders who will impact the world for Christ. Through his gifts of leadership, preaching, and teaching, he is committed to building up disciples within the church and helping the gospel transform lives throughout the community.
Outside of ministry, Jerome enjoys reading, coffee, baseball, football, music, and movies. He is also an avid collector who enjoys gathering fountain pens, books, bobbleheads, and historic memorabilia, reflecting both his love of history and appreciation for meaningful artifacts.