Pastor Eric V. Jefferson was given the mantle to lead the children of God at Emmanuel Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in February of 2017, when his father, Bishop Everett H. Jefferson Sr. retired after leading the Church for over 16 years.

Pastor Eric’s life has been committed to the Lord since a very young age. He was born on November 15, 1974 in St. Louis, Missouri.  As a member of Bethesda Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith Inc., under the leadership of Bishop James A. Johnson, Pastor Eric received the Holy Ghost at the age of 12.  Eric has worked in the church in many different capacities.  He has served on the usher board, as a choir director, as an associate minister, praise team leader, and the president of the Bethesda Temple Young People’s department. Upon moving to Maryland, he served as an Assistant to Bishop Jefferson at Emmanuel Temple Church.

Pastor Jefferson attended the University Missouri-Rolla earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.  After working in the field of engineering for four years, Pastor Jefferson decided to become a school teacher.  Since deciding to work in the field of education, Pastor Jefferson has earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction; he also has earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy, and an Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership and Policy. He now serves as the Principal at North County High School in Anne Arundel County.

Humbly, Pastor has held some very notable offices for the Kingdom of God. They are:

  • 1999 – Youth pastor of Bethesda Temple Church for 12 years
  • 2003 –  Ordained by P.A.W. as an Elder
  • 2012 –  Assistant Pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church
  • 2017 –  Pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church

Pastor Jefferson is very active in the community.  He is former president and founder of the Men of Judah outreach ministry.  This ministry goes into the Juvenile court system twice a month, teaching young men and women how to be successful.

Along with his preaching and teaching, Pastor Jefferson is the father of two children Erin and Ethan. Pastor Jefferson is a dedicated father, preacher, and teacher.  He lives the words that he preaches, “I will bless the Lord at all times and HIS praise shall continually be in my month.”