A Glimpse Into The Life and Ministry of Pastor V. K. Jones, D.Min.
On November 2, 2010, God made known His choice to be the next leader of the historic People's Missionary Baptist Church of Bakersfield, California. Little was known about the man born as the 4th child of Russell and Shirley Jones, but he has already made himself known in The People's Church as well as the Bakersfield community. Dr. V. K. Jones has already shown through dynamic preaching, teaching, leading and loving that he is truly God's choice to lead The People's Missionary Baptist church both now and in the future.
Pastor Jones's presence has made a difference across the length and breadth of The People's Church. The building has undergone a needed facelift to enhance the beauty of the facilities. But the enhancements and growth of the ministry have gone far beyond making the building look better. Pastor is also working to make the people better. Bible Class attendance has soared on Monday and Wednesday, and Sunday Morning Worship is an experience that is blessing those who are saved and is a calling from darkness for those who are not. The People’s Church continues to grow as a multi-racial, diverse, culturally significant ministry that meets the needs of all people wherever possible. Pastor Jones is a dynamic doctrinally sound preacher/teacher who at the same time makes it so practical that no one can miss the truth of the Word of God.
Pastor Jones has proven to be a skillful administrator and innovative thinker. He is already working to make the ministry more inclusive of all who are willing to follow the Vision that God has given to His leader. He has a heart for men and truly believes that the God given place for men is as the leaders of the church and their own homes. He has instituted his SOS (Save Our Sons) Ministry to work with young men in the church and in the community to guide them and help them grow and mature into godly young men.
Dr. Jones has also worked to develop strong ties to the community through his association with the City of Bakersfield. He has reached out to the District Attorney and to the Police Chief, in an attempt to form a strong coalition that will benefit the neighborhood surrounding the church and the People's Church congregation. In October 2014 Pastor Jones hosted the first meeting with the Police Department to address community relations. The chief, his command staff, and street officers attended the meeting. He is also currently working to become a Chaplin for the Bakersfield PD so that he might be in position to serve and minister to the community and at the same time have a voice with the police department.
Dr. Jones was honored in 2014 for his service to the community by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice during their Justice Sunday Celebration and he received President Obama’s volunteer service award.
Other awards include: Dr. V.K. Jones Day in Bakersfield on February 22, Service Proclamations from the Mayor of Bakersfield, Assembly Person Shannon Grove, and Senator Andy Vidak.
Dr. Jones is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dr. Jones currently serves as Vice-president of V&B Ministries, after serving as President for ten years, which he organized jointly with current President Dr. B. L. Bell of New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He also hosts the HYPE Youth Conference each year at The People's Missionary Baptist Church. HYPE is a part of the ministry of V&B and targets youth and young adults. He is a former teacher in the WHW Ministries Expository Preaching and Teaching Conference, Los Angeles, California, and has taught extensively at the Frank Ray Expository Teaching and Church Growth Conference, Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Jones also has served as the Dean of the Congress on Christian Education and the President of the Ministers' Conference for the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, as well as the Assistant General Secretary. He currently serves as the Treasurer for the Convention.
During the first year of Pastor Jones's leadership he instituted Motivating Monday Family Night Bible Class, 5th Monday Family Fun Night, and started compiling Sunday School lesson books for all ages. The People’s Church has expanded its reach to youth and young adults with Generation Praise Young Adults, Mime, Praise Dance, and Ushers. Dr. Jones believes that the message of the gospel never changes but we must change our methods if we are going to have a lasting impact in the lives of the youth of this generation.
Pastor Jones also established the People's Academic Academy for all students ages kindergarten through high school. The Academy is designed to help students excel in their academic pursuits and works with them in their area of need.
Pastor Jones has taken Mission Trips to Israel in 2004 and 2012, and to Kenya in 2012.
In October 2005 Dr. Jones received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Faith Evangelical College and Seminary in Tacoma, Washington and he is the second person to ever receive the “Distinguished Alumnae” award from Faith Seminary.
He is the devoted husband of more than 30 years to Donna Jones and they have two daughters, TaNequa and Shundria, their son Jacory, granddaughters Jaliyah and Karleigh, and grandson, Jayce.
