Reverend Dr. Tyrone P. Jones, IV
Pastor Tyrone P. Jones IV was born in Augusta, GA to the late Reverend Dr. Tyrone P. Jones, III and Carolyn H. Jones, both of Augusta, GA. He was educated in the Richmond County public school system of Augusta. He graduated with honors from the Atherton High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon graduating, Pastor Jones attended the prestigious Howard University in Washington, DC where he received a Bachelor of Administration degree in Criminal Justice in 1994, intent on pursuing a law degree. Shortly after graduating, he was employed as a Federal Police Officer at the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and rose to the rank of sergeant.
Yielding his will to the Lord, Pastor Jones accepted the call to preach the gospel and was licensed to preach in October 1995 at the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church, Washington, DC. Soon after, he began matriculating at the Howard University School of Divinity where he later received a Master of Divinity Degree and was awarded the W.O. Carrington Award for the “Most Gifted Preacher.” His other educational pursuits include a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary (NJ) in May 2010 and in 2017, a Doctor of Ministry degree focusing on African American Preaching and Homiletics from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (NY) as a Marvin A McMickle Scholar. His demonstration project was entitled “Microphone Check 1-2-1-2: Preaching In the Golden Age of Hip Hop.”
Ordained in August 2001, Pastor Jones was elected the fifth Pastor of Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT. He accepted the task with great joy and humility. His impact to the church body was felt immediately as his emphasis was on a ministry of empowerment. His affiliations in community, religious and civic organizations in Bridgeport were many as he championed many social justice issues. He learned the value of organizational and relational power and became one of the founding members of CONECT: Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut through which he was able to aid in the fight for the DREAM Act in the state of Connecticut. After 9 years of faithful service, Pastor Jones tendered his resignation in September 2011 and followed the direction of God to pitch his tent toward Maryland. 
Pastor Jones was elected the fifth pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Guilford (FBCOG) in Columbia, Maryland and has faithfully served there for the last ten years. Since Pastor Jones’ arrival in October 2011, the church has experienced tremendous growth, spiritually and numerically. Pastor Jones was instrumental in renewing the vitality of the church by helping it to finish a building project started by his predecessor, establishing a new mantra for the church, dubbing it as the “House of Faith!” His four-fold empowerment focus is on “Reaching, Teaching, Preaching, and Healing.” These four pillars have underlined his strategic vision for pastor, people, and the surrounding community. Pastor Jones has been a significant voice for the underserved population in Howard County through his work with PATH: People Action Together in Howard County and serving on the Board of Directors for the Department of Social Services in Howard County. Through these and other efforts initiated through his church, Pastor Jones has helped galvanize the legislative and budgetary process for the enactment of laws and funding to support low-income-housing, “Complete Streets”, an initiative designed to provide safe foot, bicycle, and public pathways in neighborhoods in Howard County. Provided food throughout the pandemic, hosted Covid Vaccination clinics, and continues to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by expanding his virtual reach to a global audience. Fueled by the revelation knowledge of the Holy Spirit, his powerful preaching and teaching breaks down the gospel in ways that pierce the soul, brings understanding that leads people to Christ and a deeper understanding of the Christian Faith. In short, his ministry has touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people.
Pastor Jones currently serves as the First Vice President of the Eastern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Co-Chair of PATH and a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Yet his most coveted title is husband and father. Pastor Jones is married to the Reverend Dr. Elizabeth R. Sapp Jones, of Morristown, New Jersey and is father to their two children, Tyrone Phillip and Emani Regina Sierra. Pastor Jones looks forward to continuing steadfast service to the First Baptist Church of Guilford, its surrounding community and the growing global witnesses. To God be the Glory!