By Janice Hayes, Freelance Writer
The “GROVE” is lush, luminous, and lively under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Ezra Tillman, Jr. The members of First Baptist Church Piney Grove (FBCPG) joyfully welcomed their new pastor and first family in May. The official Inaugural celebrations will begin Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8, 2023. Several local and national guest preachers, other clergy, members of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association, public officials, and other dignitaries will join the congregation in celebrating the Pastoral Installation Service on Sunday at 4 p.m. Rev. Dr. John D. Tolbert will deliver the installation sermon. Rev. Dr. Joe L. Stevenson will preach at the Sunday morning worship service, and Rev. Dr. Edward L. Branch will be the guest preacher at the Banquet on Friday. The inaugural events honoring Dr. Tillman will exemplify the ecclesiastical opulence, dignity, and grace that is customary for Black Baptist church inaugural ceremonies. Yet, all the splendor, pomp, and circumstance is eclipsed only by the splendiferous aura of their illustrious new pastor and first family. The members of FBCPG have eagerly and enthusiastically embraced Dr. Tillman and his family.
The Tillmans are an extraordinary and talented family. Prior to coming to Fort Lauderdale, they had already made an indelible and profound impact across the nation. Dr. Tillman’s wife Catrina Tillman is not only his greatest supporter but a beloved asset in the proliferation of his vision and mission. She integrated her MBA education and the skills she developed while working in corporate America to create a plethora of dynamic and passionate initiatives in the church and the community. They have been blessed with four phenomenal sons: Ezra, Micah, Isaac, and Luke. Ezra is a shining reflection of his father’s charisma as a singer and an all-star sports ball player. Micah is an aspiring chef, and his specialties include vegan dishes. Issac is creative, loves the arts, and is an avid soccer player. Luke affectionally called the “Baby Pastor”, is still shocking the world. At only 5-years old, he has a huge social media following and has been featured on the ‘Jennifer Hudson Talk Show’ for his stirring sermons and amazing spiritual insight.
“Pastor Tillman’s preaching and teaching is the personification of the old Baptist hymn, ‘A Charge to keep…to serve this present age, my calling to fulfill’ because his message resonates with the young and the old,” said Christopher Rush, the Children and Youth Ministry Director at FBCPG.
Dr. Tillman is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He formerly served as the Pastor of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. During the Flint Water Crisis, Pastor Tillman provided ‘The Water Box’ in partnership with actor and philanthropist Jaden Smith. The Water Box is a portable water filtration system that can fill up a five-gallon jug of water in 30 seconds. Due to his leadership, Pastor Tillman was awarded the Key to the City of Flint in 2020, making him the youngest pastor to receive this prestigious recognition to date. Subsequently, Pastor Tillman alongside his wife Catrina, founded the Revive Community Health Center to help address the numerous health disparities and challenges in the Flint community, especially those affecting African Americans.
Dr. Tillman considers his father, Ezra Tillman, Sr. as his hero because his dad instilled in him Christian and family values that propelled him to a life of service and leadership. The Tillmans have accomplished so much with the gifts God has bestowed upon them. They hosted a live show called ‘Cooking with the Tillmans’ which inspired others to homestyle cooking, but it also encouraged families to spend time together and experience core family values. Sis. Catrina Tillman is an advocate, an influencer, a Business Professional, and adevoted wife and mother. She organized and led the first women’s social justice march following the death of George Floyd. Dr. Tillman’s enthusiasm is elevated when he speaks about his wife. “I am a better man because of the caliber of woman my wife is and the level of service to humanity that she demonstrates.”
“I appreciate Dr. Tillman’s Back to Basics approach toward applying Christian principles aligned with his commonsense perspective of carrying out God’s word cemented in a decent and orderly manner,” remarked Deacon Lester Williams, Chairman of FBCPG Deacon’s Board.
Dr. Tillman is a staunch proponent of education; he began his studies and has earned multiple Degrees; a Doctorate in Theological Studies, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership (M.A.O.L.), a Master of Ministry (M. Min.) in Biblical Counseling Degree, and a Bachelor of Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.). He was inspired by the life of service exhibited by Dr. Martin Luther King and pledged to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. First Lady Catrina Tillman is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“My wife Emma and I are very pleased with Pastor Tillman. He is a young man filled with vigor and vision. He is leading the church in a different direction, more toward serving our community and being more committed to the work of Jesus Christ. He’s an anointed preacher. He has a wonderful family, his wife is very kind and personable and his boys are dynamic, especially that little baby boy, Luke. We are just happy to have them at Piney Gove,” Dr. Malcom Black commented as he smiled with joy.
These same sentiments of appreciation and gratitude toward Dr. Tillman have been expressed by the many congregants of FBCPG. “Pastor Tillman and his family have been a blessing to Piney Grove. He is a no-nonsense man of God, but he, his wife, and his children have also given us renewed joy in our spirits,” said Brenda Kennedy, an usher and longtime member of FBCPG.
Dr. Tillman’s core pastoral approach is Servant-Leadership. He believes in leading by example. He is committed to proclaiming the uncompromised word of God without trepidation or fear of being ostracized or criticized. Although he is keenly aware of the popularity, power, and influence of social media, he still believes in the power of the Word of God from the pulpit to the people, and from the people to pavement. He considers the Black Press a collaborative partner in disseminating truth and useful information, especially in our inner-urban communities where misinformation has permeated our homes and schools.
Based on the track record of Dr. Ezra Tillman, Jr. and his family, it is reasonable to expect that they will play a pivotal role as leaders and influencers in South Florida. Certainly, there’s the anticipation of the Tillmans making a significant impact on our community, inspiring others, and initiating positive change. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, advocated for important causes, and worked towards the betterment of society for the edification of the people and the glorification of God.
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