Reply #23: Who is DeForest B. Soaries?

[BurtWorm]

:wtf:

http://fbcsomerset.com/about/staff/senior.shtml


DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. Since assuming the leadership of First Baptist in November 1990, the church membership has grown from 1,500 to 6,000 members.

A pioneer of faith-based community development, Rev. Soaries has led First Baptist in the construction of a new $17 million church complex. He has also led the church in forming many not-for-profit entities to serve the community including the First Baptist Community Development Corporation; the Renaissance Community Development Credit Union; CDC Properties Housing Corporation; Renaissance Education & Technology Academy; and Harvest of Hope Family Services Network.

Internationally renowned as a speaker, author and advocate for youth, Rev. Soaries was invited by Coretta Scott King to be the featured speaker at the official Year 2000 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration in Atlanta, Georgia.
Prior to serving at First Baptist, Rev. Soaries was the Assistant Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey. Active in community life since his youth, Rev. Soaries worked for the Urban League and Operation PUSH while he was a college student.

From January 12, 1999 to January 15, 2002 Rev. Soaries served as New Jersey's 30th Secretary of State. Appointed by former Governor Christine Todd Whitman, he brought new energy to the Department of State and its mission to preserve the story of New Jersey and its citizenry through the arts, history and culture of the state. Not only did he manage one of the premier departments of state government but he also served as an advisor to the governor on issues that transcended traditional departmental lines. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment was the creation and implementation of "V-FREE," an innovative, statewide, youth-led violence prevention strategy that contributed to a reduction in school violence.

An ardent believer in the power and importance of education, Soaries earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University; a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. He has also received five honorary Doctorate degrees from institutions of higher learning. Additionally, Rev. Soaries has taught courses at Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew University Theological School, Kean University, and Mercer County College.

Dr. Soaries has received numerous awards for his leadership and community service. He was recently recognized by the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California with the Kilgore Award for Creative Ministry. This award is presented annually for outstanding and innovative ministry.

Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Rev. Soaries resides in Franklin Park, New Jersey with his wife, Donna and twin sons, Malcolm and Martin.