Reverend John R. Taylor
Born in Warrenton, North Carolina, he is the youngest of five children born to the late Mrs. Elizabeth & Mr. Edward Taylor, Sr. Raised and educated in New Jersey, He took on the responsibilities of life by becoming an employee of a respectable Cooling System Company where he was employed with this company for 35 years. He is married to his wife for over 40 years, Leola P. and from this union there are four children; Andrae, Monét, Jarelle Sr. and Shanell all are residents of NJ. He has two daughters-in-law Samantha Taylor, and Cheryl Taylor, one son-in-law Kyle Sanders, five grandchildren; July, Jarelle Jr., Jaylen, Reagan Elise Inez and Aubrey Arnold.
He became a member of Spotlight Holy Temple Church in 1978, under the leadership of the late Bishop Joe G. Sykes. He served in many capacities, which included Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Secretary of the Elder’s Council, Personal Aide to Bishop Sykes and President of the Spotlight Holy Temple Church Bible School. He acknowledged his call to the ministry, and after being ordained, decided to further his theological education by graduating from the Rehoboth Full Gospel Bible Institute of Philadelphia, PA. After the passing of the late Bishop Sykes, he was appointed Pastor of Spotlight Holy Temple for 13 years.
Pastor Taylor acknowledges that God’s grace has allowed him to accomplish these things. In 2001 he founded and became pastor of New Beginning Christian Worship Center, Inc. His mission is to unite the body of Christ and to reach the multitude of hungry souls. The ultimate goal is to have people establish a walk uniting and strengthening their union with Christ. He will strive to do this by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through the vision that he has received from God.
In August 2007 Elder Taylor was called to the edifice of Friendship Baptist Church to temporarily serve as Pulpit Fill (interim Pastor). Pastor Taylor has been instrumental in bringing the church together with spiritual harmony. In January 2009 Elder Taylor was called by God and elected by the Friendship Baptist Church to become its Pastor. Elder Taylor accepted with great humility. He is committed to serving as the Pastor in evangelism, witnessing, preaching and teaching. He is committed to be an instrument in renewing and building a great body of believers as his tenure continues at Friendship Baptist Church.
His ministry enables him to work with the City Church Fellowship Group, Concerned Pastors association of Trenton, NJ. He is a member of the Coalition for a New Community, The Covenant Partner’s Association of Trenton, NJ, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of NJ and the Middlesex Central Baptist Association of NJ, Inc.
Pastor Taylor is a certified counselor of Marriage Savers, Inc. He also received training in Church Management and Tax Financial Services (Clergy, Tax & Law).
In 2011 Pastor Taylor was appointed by Rev. Guy Campbell of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc. to the Constitution and By-Law Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
In November 2012, he was elected 3rd Vice Moderator of Area III of the Middlesex Central Baptist Association, Inc. These organizations are responsible for bringing together the area churches in an effort to bridge the gap of denomination that is so prevalent within the church community.
Presently, Pastor Taylor is President of the Trenton Capital City Community Coalition (CCCC). He serves with the Interfaith Advisory Council for the State of New Jersey. He is a member of Faith of New Jersey and a member of My Internal Family.
He has received accolades from: The U.S. Department of Justice “Federal Bureau of Investigation” for recognition of outstanding service to the local community and of enduring contributions to the advancement of justice, the Director’s Community Leadership Award 2016 – signed by James B. Comey, Director of FBI. The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division “Certificate of Appreciation” – FBI Central Jersey Resident Agency – In recognition of outstanding service to law enforcement agencies, Mercer County community leaders and enduring contributions to the advancement of Justice. 2016 – Signed by Timothy A. Gallager, Special Agent in Charge Newark Field Office, William P. Hyland, Supervisory Sr. Pres. Resident Agent, Trenton Resident Agency and Michael J. Doyle, Supervisory Special Agent, Central Jersey Resident Agency.
Just recently, (2020), Pastor Taylor was appointed Chief Chaplain for the State Police Department of New Jersey by the Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy.
All his endeavors are Faith Base Community Relationship. Pastor Taylor remains steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of God.