About Our Pastor & First Lady 

 

Pastor Melvin C. Jones, a native of West End, NC, was born June 4, 1965, to Melvin and the late Evangelist Henrietta Jones. He is the oldest of two children. His mother was strict and instilled in him the importance of serving God. She taught him that he could be whatever he wanted to be. At the age of 16 he accepted Christ and joined St. Ruth United Church of God. He served the church in various capacities including teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, minister and assistant pastor. God has blessed him with gifts of teaching, leadership and service. 

Having good examples in parents, strong church leadership and the power of the Holy Ghost in his life, Elder Jones matured both naturally and spiritually. As he moved to different cities his fellowship and ministry became interdenominational and interracial. As a result, he developed more compassion and became less judgmental of others. These experiences strengthen his spiritual foundation.  

Commissioned by God to minister to the church and community, Pastor Melvin has a passion for young people. He encourages them to higher standards and to be the best they can be. Providing food is near and dear to his heart. He served as a volunteer, member of the Board of Directors, Vice President and eventually President of Lynchburg Daily Bread, a soup kitchen and shelter in Lynchburg, VA.  Donations, food and meals more than doubled under his leadership.

His favorite bible scripture is Philippians 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Knowing that through God all things are possible, his favorite quote is, "Failure is not an option".

Pastor Melvin graduated from Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC, a proud “Aggie”, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and Master of Law Studies from Wake Forest University. He is certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). He has worked for The Kroger Company, in a variety of leadership positions, for 34+ years. He is currently a Senior Human Resources Leader, Chairman, of the Kroger Supply Chain & Manufacturing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, he serves on The Kroger Co. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council and leads the Kroger Supply Chain & Manufacturing Mentoring program. 

Pastor Lillian R. Kearns with the guidance from God and experience prepared him for pastorship. After 8 years of mentoring, training and serving in the capacity of assistant pastor, Pastor Kearns expressed confidence in his readiness to lead. He was accepted by the membership and the mantle was transferred to him on the 3rd Sunday in March 2015.

Pastor Melvin is married to Mrs. Toyka M. Jones they met at church and went on a blind date. After many long distance phone calls, seeing each other at services and dating he felt he had found his wife. They expressed their love for each other. Marriage appeared to be the next step but it was not to be so at that time. It would be over 5 years from the time they met until the time God brought them back together. They were married, 2 years later on August 26, 2000. 

Lady Toyka M. Jones (Lady T), a native of Greensboro, NC, is the daughter of the late Willie McCoy and Montennis McCoy.  She is the youngest of 4 children. Lady T, a proud “Panther”, graduated from James P. Dudley High School, Greensboro, NC.  She earned a B.S. in Sports Science from UNC-G and Master’s of Physical Therapy from Winston Salem State University. Lady T received her biblical foundation from Holmes Grove United Methodist Church.  She served as a acolyte, usher, choir and taught Vacation Bible School.  She later joined St. Paul United Church of God. There she was mentored by the late Mother Clara Williams. Lady T was an active member of the Missionary Department. She taught Bible Study and has a passion for the elderly. She faithfully served Mother Williams until her transition.  

In 2014 God blessed Pastor Melvin and Lady T with their only child Meagan Jasmine. She is a significant joy in their lives.  They are a tight knit family who loves traveling and spending time together.  

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