Senior Pastor

Rev. Jerome A. Barber is the Senior Pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple a strong growing congregation in Hampton, Virginia and he is the Executive Director, President and Co-Founder of Six House, Inc., a faith based community organization. He is the fourth child born to Elder William H. and the late Norma L. Barber. The Washington, DC native completed his secondary education in the Maryland Public Schools. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Hampton Institute (Hampton VA) in 1981, graduating with high honors as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. He achieved the rank of Captain before leaving the Army in 1986. His life motto is “Life does not present us problems, only opportunities to excel.” Excelling is a trademark of Rev. Barber’s life.

Sparked by the death of his mother in 1993, he established Ark Builders, Inc., a nationwide community upliftment initiative designed to raise the quality of life by actively involving young people in their communities. While working for the Newport News Public Schools as a Science Resource Teacher, Rev. Barber won the distinction of being selected Teacher of the Year in 1993 and 1996. Other notable honors included: 1998 Outstanding Young Man in America, and he is listed in the 2000–2001 edition of the National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals as an Honored Professional. He received the 2000 Role Model of the Year award from the 100 Black Men of America, Virginia Peninsula Chapter. He was conferred as a Doctor of Divinity by the Eastern Theological Seminary during its 2001 commencement ceremony. He was recognized by Hampton University as the 2001 Twenty Year Most Outstanding Alumnus. He is the General Manager of Radio Station WTJZ 1270 AM “The Lighthouse”.

During his pastorate (1997 – Present), Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple has grown from a membership of 300 to more than 5,000 which can be considered now a 'Mega Church." He is instrumental in establishing ministries in this local assembly that meet the needs of the community and the church at large. Rev. Barber has a special passion for education and those who have chosen education as their career field. His yearly recognition of educators has evolved into a bi-annual gathering of what he has coined, “Educarers,” a ministry established to bring attention to the need of stressing the caring and compassionate aspect of the teaching profession.

Since July 2000, he has been involved in mobilizing the 5000 member congregation of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple to take the gospel to the ends of the world. In addition, he has mobilized teams from the United States of pastors, medical professionals, educators and youth to conduct revivals, crusades, bible seminars, youth and women’s conferences, training workshops, and medical clinics throughout , Rusinga and Nairobi, Kenya and Brazil.

Rev. Barber’s joy for life is contagious. From his 6:00 AM “Happy New Day” that echoes across the radio airwaves, to his exciting commentary as the “The Voice” of Hampton University Sports, to his motivational speeches in classrooms and auditoriums from kindergarten to corporate America, Rev. Barber’s endless energy and enthusiasm can be felt wherever he goes.