Celebrating Black History: Pastor Ernest Jones

Pastor Ernest W. Jones, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, has served as the senior pastor of True Vine Ministries Church in Fayetteville, NC for more than 30 years. At completing 12 years in the United States Army, Pastor Jones planted the church in 1992 with his family and three other members. The church has grown exponentially in membership and influence in the city under his leadership.

Pastor Jones has earned many degrees including a Master’s of Arts in Church History from Colorado Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership from Andersonville Theological Seminary. His focus as a leader is on serving the community and the less fortunate in the city of Fayetteville. He especially leads his church in an intensive effort to help the homeless community of the city. For five years he oversaw the operation of Hope Center Homeless Shelter, a 21-bed shelter for women, and currently he directs the operation of the True Vine Ministries White Flag Shelter, a shelter that is open to all homeless individuals when the temperatures drop below 32 degrees. He also supervises a monthly Drive-Thru pantry that provides free food to any family that may need it.  Pastor Jones is an ordained chaplain and is currently a lead chaplain with the Fayetteville Police Department where he ministers to the sworn officers and civilians that make up the force. Pastor Jones and his wife Cynthia have been married for 38 years and the have one daughter from their union.