I have some news that I need to share with you.
For nearly 14 years, I have had the distinct privilege of serving as pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. As a third generation Black baptist preacher, it has been my dream from childhood to be a pastor…just like my father, my grandfather, uncles, aunts and other relatives. Pleasant Hope provided me the opportunity to live that dream. I fully expected to serve as a pastor for the rest of my life. That’s exactly what I’d seen in those who’ve gone before me. However, late last year, God began dropping hints to me that a transition was coming and eventually it became clear. After much prayer, fasting, and consulting with trusted mentors and family, I announced to my church in January that I would be stepping down as their pastor. My final day as pastor of Pleasant Hope will be Sunday, May 1, 2022.
This difficult decision has implications across the board of my life and though I am still feeling a swirl of emotions; what’s next for me is clear.
I am going to devote myself full-time to leading The Black Church Food Security Network. Since founding this organization in 2015, I have had to steward its development while at the same time remaining committed to my duties as pastor as well as Executive Director of an African-Centered youth program that I founded called Orita’s Cross Freedom School.
One of my mentees recently said, “Pastor Brown, you’re not even bi-vocational; you’re like quadvocational.” She’s right. But now, I finally get the chance to focus. It’s not easy leaving my church family (especially at a time like this!), however, I firmly believe that God has me in this position for such a time as this. With the mounting challenges of climate change, supply chain interruptions, war, inflation, and continued state-sponsored violence against my people; it’s time…past time…to come together, work together and co-create just food systems that honor people and planet. It’s past time to support Black farmers in ways that go far beyond encouraging words.
In a way, while I’m leaving the role of pastor for one church, I’m really stepping out to join with so many others in pastoring a movement of churches, communities and accomplices. We need organized SOUL POWER to accompany our work if we want to stand a chance against the giants before us. I’m ready to go all in with you as we collectively focus on this sacred task.
I want to invite you to a celebration of our work and my professional evolution. On Friday, April 29, 2022, we’ll have a celebration in Baltimore. I’d love to party with you that night. I’m talking about a party for grown folks. Alice Walker said, “hard times call for furious dancing” and I plan to dance furiously given what is before us.
Click here to get tickets for this momentous occasion and let’s celebrate what God is about to do through us as we work together to honor our people, our planet, and our power!
Yours In The Struggle,
Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, III
Executive Director
The Black Church Food Security Network
My friend, I am excited for you and your family. Following God’s plans for life is an ever evolving journey. In the process, God will meet us at the level of our need.
Thank you, Pastor! I so appreciate your support!
Congratulations! Living the plan God has for you is a faith journey. Enjoy.
Rev.Brown we are happy for you and look forward to seeing God continuing to bless you as you walk in faith while doing that spectacular faith dance!
This comment made me smile! Thank you, Mrs. Roberson. I continue to be inspired by you and your farm. I’m hopeful that our organization can be of greater tangible support to your farm in the near future!
We are so excited to see how God is going to use you in this next step on your journey. You are an example and an inspiration to all who need to think of doing ministry outside the box and to walk by faith. God bless!
Thank you, Dr. Molock! You and your husband are such encouragers. I appreciate it and will hold on to your words as I take this leap of faith!
Rev Brown…..we hope you spread out west. Las Vegas is ready to receive you!
Wow, Kathi! Las Vegas?! That’s exciting to think about. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance soon to establish and deepen relationships with folks out there in preparation for collaboration down the line.
Rev. Brown: With you shifting your energy to full-time, and bringing the additional power of prayer and supporters with you – there is change coming! While I’m sure it is bittersweet to leave a beloved community and church family, I know I speak for many who look forward to working even more closely with you in the coming months and years within the national food, agriculture and racial justice movements. Now is the time. Thank you for heeding the call.
Thank you so much, Virginia. It absolutely does feel like a particularly important time to go “all in” for the kind of change that I know – we know – is possible in our lifetimes! I am so looking forward to future collaborations with SAFSF in this new and exciting chapter in my journey. Let’s do it!
Hello Pastor Brown, I am truly honored to have this invitation letter from you. Even though I super busy, there must be time for the Lord. I believe it will make time for this event.
Again, thanks for reaching out.
All the best,
Andre
God bless you, Andre!
This is Bishop Thomas in Las Vegas working as the Chairman for Jabez Project CDC. Congrats for accepting your new assignment.
Our Ministry and CDC look forward to partnering with you as we seek to make a difference here in the desert
God bless you, Bishop Thomas! Thank you for your kind words. I solicit your prayers as I step forward in my next assignment. I will definitely keep Las Vegas on my radar for our expansion. May God continue to bless the work of your hands as you make a difference in the desert!