Antioch Baptist Church in Camden has welcomed a new spiritual leader, Pastor Jermaine T. Heath, who brings with him a passion for urban ministry, community engagement, and multigenerational outreach. A Philadelphia native and longtime advocate for neighborhood revitalization, Pastor Heath describes his approach as a “bifocal ministry”—one that strengthens individuals spiritually while also addressing real-life needs in the community. With deep respect for the legacy of his predecessor, Pastor John Parker, Heath is committed to building on that foundation through prayer, outreach, and partnerships that uplift the city of Camden.
In an exclusive interview with the nation’s faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Pastor Heath shares his heart for people, the youth, and his vision to create inclusive, impactful, and service-driven ministry.
Collins:
Who is Pastor Jermaine T. Heath?
Heath:
Okay. So, I am a father of four boys—all grown. My oldest is 31, then I have a 22-year-old, a 21-year-old, and an 18-year-old. I also have a granddaughter now, so I’m a grandfather as well. I’m a father and a husband. My wife is Sherica Heath. We just got married last year in June, so we have a nice family going.
I like to say I’m a people’s person—a community man who loves people. Even before getting saved and going to church, I was always out in the streets connecting with people. That carried over into the church and ministry, and I’m still like that today. I love helping and talking to people, learning who they are, where they come from, and how I can help them. I’m all about that. So, I’m a father, a husband, and a community man who happens to be a pastor.
Collins:
You are the new pastor at Antioch Baptist Church here in the city of Camden. Antioch has a rich tradition, especially under the leadership of the legendary Pastor John Parker. Tell us, what is your outlook for Antioch now that you are its new pastor?
Heath:
My vision for ministry—or my philosophy for ministry—that I would like to see carried over at Antioch is what I call a “bifocal ministry.” It’s a ministry that not only builds people up spiritually but also addresses how we build people up on the outside.
I believe in what Jesus said in Luke chapter 4, when He gave His inaugural speech. He said the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him—not only to preach but to heal, to release, and to set people free. That has always been a part of me. I’m always thinking about community—how do we take what we learn in here and translate it into our city, to build people up so they can see what God looks like?
Growing up, my mother and her side of the family were always in church, but I never saw their churches doing anything in the community. I used to say, “If you’re a church in a residential neighborhood, you should be doing something in that community.” I never wanted to pastor a church that simply took up parking space without building up the neighborhood. We should always be engaged.
So, my philosophy has always been bifocal: build people up inwardly so we can take ministry outwardly. That applies collectively and personally. What is God doing in your life? Are you a single mother? A father struggling to find work? Whatever disadvantages someone may have, the church should meet that need.
We need to model what Jesus said: “When I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was naked, did you clothe me?” I don’t believe we should have a one-dimensional relationship with God. Our faith should reach upward, inward, and outward. That’s what I want to bring to Antioch Baptist Church. But in the tradition of my predecessor, it must be rooted in prayer.
I understand Pastor Parker did a wonderful job here in Camden. I spoke to him recently, and he said, “I wasn’t just the pastor of a church. I wanted to be the pastor of a city.” I said, right on. That’s what I want to bring—revive that and take it to a new level.
Collins:
You’re originally from Philadelphia. You’ve lived in South Jersey, in Sicklerville, for a while, and now you’re pastoring in Camden. Why Camden?
Heath:
Because I’ve always believed that God called me to urban ministry. I applied to some suburban churches—good churches—but they didn’t fit the type of ministry God called me to.
When I came to Camden to preach for the first time, I didn’t even know they were looking for a pastor. I just came to preach. But I felt so comfortable here, meeting people for the first time. It felt natural.
Then, when I looked at the community and saw the needs, I thought, “Wow, I wonder if they have a pastor.” Because this is an urban ministry right here. When I came back a second time to preach, that’s when they told me they were looking for a pastor. So I started praying, asking God, “If this is You, let it happen.”
I love urban ministry. I love getting to know people. I previously pastored for 12 years—from 2004 to 2015—at St. Paul Chapel Baptist Church in South Philadelphia. One of the first things I did there was put on plain clothes and walk around the community, just talking to people, asking how things were, and what they thought of the church down the street. Was it doing anything in the community? They gave me so much history and information. That’s the kind of thing I want to do here—walk through the community, figure out who’s who, and shape a vision for outreach from that.
Collins:
You strike me as a very non-traditional pastor who deeply understands the importance of community. As we introduce you to the Camden community, you’ve expressed a desire to build community partnerships and collaborations. Why is that so important to you?
Heath:
Because God didn’t just create the church—He created everything. All types of institutions that help meet the needs of people, the church should be a part of. We can’t do it alone. We need to connect with leaders—the mayor, city council members, block captains—whoever. They know things the church may not.
When we’re informed and working together, everyone contributes to shaping the future of the city. I also do this for our young people. They are the ones we need to reach. My prayer is that young people see the unity and the pride in community—that they see people coming together to build, and they want to be a part of that.
We shouldn’t leave them out; we should include them in what we’re doing. So yes, I think it’s important to connect with all institutions that God has placed for the common goal of rebuilding and building up.
Collins:
It’s been some time since Antioch had a full-time pastor. Although there have been interim leaders, it’s been about three years since Pastor Parker. In that time, morale may have dipped, and some members may have left. But now, with your arrival, morale is on the rise again. What can people expect when they come to Antioch today?
Heath:
A place that worships God. A place rooted and grounded in prayer. A place built on the Word of God.
As I told the church last week, I don’t have any gimmicks. Gimmicks don’t last. What I bring is the Word. I have to be prepared every Sunday to give God my best and to reach His people. I expect the same from the ministries here.
When people come in, I don’t want them thinking, “They don’t know what they’re doing.” No. You’re going to experience worship that lifts up God. We’re trying to reach people with the Word, wherever they are.
Our church will be multi-generational. We’re not just ministering to older saints—we’re also reaching youth, young adults, two-parent households, and single-parent households. Our ministry must meet everyone’s needs.
That includes everything—from music to preaching. When people walk in, they’ll say, “They’ve got a little bit of everything.” I think it was T.D. Jakes who said we live in a consumer church culture—people are shopping for churches. They’re asking, “Does this meet my needs?” My prayer is that Antioch becomes a church that meets those needs—where you can bring your baby and your kids and know there’s a ministry here for them.
Collins:
In the past, Antioch has had tremendous partnerships—the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, Feed the Children, and others. Centerville is known for Centerville Day, where alumni and former residents return. There’s the Elks Parade, too. This area has great Camden traditions. What are some outreach initiatives you’d like to see Antioch participate in or launch?
Heath:
Since I just started, I’m still getting a feel for things. But we definitely want to be a part of all the community events. It’s about being good neighbors. Whatever is happening here, we want to support it.
Some things I’d love to see—maybe a fun day just for our youth. We could involve the police to ensure safety and have outdoor activities for the kids.
Also, when they asked me what I wanted to do for my pastoral anniversary, they expected me to say a banquet. I said I don’t need that. If you want to give me something, fine—but I’d love to do an outreach ministry instead. Whatever it is, let’s figure it out and make that part of the anniversary celebration. I can’t say exactly what we’ll do yet, but we definitely want to support everyone however we can.
Collins:
Tell us about your service schedule so the public knows when your doors are open.
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Heath:
Sure. The church is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. On Sundays, we have Sunday School at 9:00 AM and Sunday service at 10:30 AM, usually ending around 11:45 or 12:00.
Collins:
Do you hold Bible Study on Wednesday nights?
Heath:
Yes. Bible Study is on Wednesdays. Prayer begins at 6:00 PM, followed by Bible Study at 7:00 PM.
Collins:
And for those on social media?
Heath:
We’re on YouTube at “Antioch Baptist Church” (handle: @yojubproduction), and on Facebook at “Antioch Baptist Church Page 2.”
Collins:
And if someone wants to contact the church?
Heath:
They can call us at 856-966-1765. The address is 690 Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey 08104. Our website is Antioch700.org.
Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 weekly readers. In conclusion, what would you like to say to our readers?
Heath:
We are here, and we are open. You are welcome to come worship with us. But more than that, we are also seeking God on how we can come to you—to add value to our community and help build it. All are welcome.
Conclusion:
Pastor Jermaine T. Heath steps into his new role at Antioch Baptist Church with a clear mission to serve both the spiritual and practical needs of the Camden community. His commitment to outreach, youth engagement, and building strong community partnerships reflects a dynamic and compassionate leadership style. As Antioch enters this new chapter, Pastor Heath invites all to join in a shared vision of faith, unity, and transformation.
By Chris Collins
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