Dr. J. Melvin Wooten, D.Th. Reverend Doris Roberts
First Lady Reverend Patricia Martin Wooten Reverend Vicky Jones
Reverend Tawanda Moore-Manley Reverend Valerie Jones
Reverend James Gear Reverend Christine Adams
Reverend Sherry Curry Jenkins Reverend William Bush
Dr. J. Melvin Wooten, D.Th.
revjmwooten@highercallingnc.org
“…walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV
THE JOURNEY BY GOD’S GRACE
From the beginning, it was evident that John ‘Melvin’ Wooten had the heart of a servant as well as a leader. He has served as an usher, choir member, Sunday School teacher, President of Laymen’s League, President of Ambassador’s for Christ and Chairman of the Deacon Board. Not surprisingly, John Wooten answered the call to ministry. He preached his initial sermon December 15, 1991 and went on to Pastor in March of 1995.
As evidenced by his educational background, Pastor Wooten has a thirst for knowledge. His studies include Edgecombe Community College, Shaw Divinity School, Virginia Union, Eastern North Carolina Theological Seminary and Bethel Bible College and Seminary.
But most importantly, Pastor Wooten loves God. He has a love for people and is a man that values family. He is married to the former Patricia Martin. They have two sons and one daughter. Family, friends, co-workers, church members all agree that John Melvin Wooten has a Pastor’s heart and will readily share the truth of God’s Word. His favorite scripture is Ezekiel 44:23 “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” (KJV)
We ask that you continue to pray for Pastor Wooten. Although he is pastoring, employed full time, and has recently earned a doctorate, he is tirelessly committed to leading by example and striving for excellence; all to the Glory of God.
First Lady Reverend Patricia Martin Wooten
Reverend Patricia Wooten is a founding member and First Lady of Higher Calling. Rev. Wooten earned her Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies in May of 2010.
Service History
- 2002 – 2006 Executive Council
- 2002 – 2006 Ushers, 2005 – 2006 Corresponding Secretary
- 2002 – 2006 Women’s Ministry, 2003 – 2006 President
- 2003 – 2006 Intercessory Prayer
Reverend James Gear
Reverend James Gear answered his calling to the Ministry in 2009. Rev. Gear joined the Ministerial staff at Higher Calling Baptist church in 2012.
Service History
- 2012- current Ministerial staff
- 2013 – 2014 Pastor Anniversary Committee
- 2014 – Current Pastor Aide, Chair Person
Reverend Sherry Curry Jenkins
Reverend Jenkins accepted her call to the Ministry in 2013, Rev. Jenkins joined the Ministerial staff of Higher Calling in 2014. Rev. Jenkins believes God has a plan for all, if we would embrace His word, all would be revealed.
Service History
- Church Treasurer
- 2014 – current Ministerial Staff
- 2014 – current Media Ministry
- 2014 – current Outreach Ministry
- Pastor Aide, Vice-Chair
- 2014 – current Finance Committee
Reverend Tawanda Moore – Manley
Tawanda Moore was born in Wilson, NC and reared in Bridgeport, CT. Having been introduced to God at an early age, Moore was baptized at age eighteen and accepted the call to ministry in 2010.
With over twenty years of experience in youth ministry, Moore joined the staff of Higher Calling Baptist Church in September 2017 where she currently serves as Youth Pastor. Moore’s mission in ministry is to encourage young people to grow their own personal relationship with God. Moore is quite a fan of young people.
Moore’s education includes a B.A/Religion from The University of Mount Olive; M.A/Ministry with a specialization in Children-Youth & Family from Indiana Wesleyan Seminary, and is currently finishing up her M.A/Practical Theology from Indian Wesleyan Seminary, with plans to soon enroll in their doctoral program.
Moore is proud wife of husband Ernest L. Manley where five children exist between the two.
Moore has recently joined the political arena as local town commissioner of Elm City, NC.
Service
Youth Pastor
Reverend Doris Roberts
A dedicated and passionate servant of the Lord. Her Christian walk started a long time ago, but the past 20 years has led her to a higher desire of servitude. God gave her Encouragement as her love language. She enjoys encouraging single women, and young parents, nonbelievers, and new Christians to try God because He is the source of a complete life.
Rev. Roberts feels God has made her life complete when He blessed her with three children, seven grandchildren and now three great grandchildren, and elevated her walk with Him as a minister of the gospel and the creator of a newly formed Singles Ministry “Living Single”.
Service
Singles Ministry Chairperson
Reverend Vicky Jones
Service
Outreach Ministry Chairperson
Reverend Valerie Jones
Service
Breast Cancer Awareness Chairperson
Reverend Christine Adams
Rev. Adams believes that in the beginning God was a spirit and still is today. He has never changed, she believes in His word, the Holy Scripture, and that those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth,” (John 4:24) Rev. Adams Joined the Higher Calling Ministry family in September 2017.
Reverend William Bush
Reverend Lefus Whitley
