Our Pastor Rev. Dr. Carol Lynn Patterson
The Reverend Doctor Carol Lynn Patterson
The Reverend Doctor Carol Lynn Patterson is a dynamic leader, pastor, and advocate for justice,
devoted to preaching, teaching, and embodying a liberating gospel. She was called to First Church in Newark,
New Jersey in November of 2024. Under Pastor Carol's leadership, congregants are growing into mature disciples
of Jesus Christ, who are united in the Spirit by obedience to The Greatest Commandments and participation in The Great Co-mission.
As Chief Evangelism Officer of Setting the Captives Free Ministries and founder of the FreeHER non-profit organization, Dr.
Carol is on a mission to dismantle systems of oppression, address gendered violence, and empower communities to heal and thrive. A gifted teacher and speaker, Dr. Carol is frequently invited to preach and lead workshops at churches, conferences, and associations nationwide. Her sessions emphasize discipleship, social justice, and domestic violence awareness, offering churches actionable steps to support survivors. She also created God’s Glory… Our Story, a biblically based and culturally relevant curriculum that parallels Black history with salvation history, empowering African American congregations to deepen both faith and cultural understanding.
Dr. Carol is the author of Deceit, a powerful novel of resilience that gives voice to survivors of domestic violence and promotes healing. Paired with A Womanist Study Guide, Deceit is a valuable tool for churches and individuals exploring themes of liberation, resilience, and God’s grace. Dr. Carol’s journey to ministry began in the field of multicultural marketing communications before she answered what her late mother called a “divine invitation to do PR for another client.” She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School, a Master of Theology in New Testament Studies
from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew. She became the first woman ordained at Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown, NJ, where she also helped strengthen discipleship and evangelism programs.
Recognized by EBONY Magazine as an Outstanding Woman in Marketing & Communications and honored with the NAACP Community Leaders Social Justice Award, Dr. Carol has been named one of the Top 10 Women in New Jersey by Business News NJ. Her unique ability to blend theological insight with practical support makes her a thought leader and a powerful voice for healing,
empowerment, and justice.
The Reverend Doctor Carol Lynn Patterson is a dynamic leader, pastor, and advocate for justice,
devoted to preaching, teaching, and embodying a liberating gospel. She was called to First Church in Newark,
New Jersey in November of 2024. Under Pastor Carol's leadership, congregants are growing into mature disciples
of Jesus Christ, who are united in the Spirit by obedience to The Greatest Commandments and participation in The Great Co-mission.
As Chief Evangelism Officer of Setting the Captives Free Ministries and founder of the FreeHER non-profit organization, Dr.
Carol is on a mission to dismantle systems of oppression, address gendered violence, and empower communities to heal and thrive. A gifted teacher and speaker, Dr. Carol is frequently invited to preach and lead workshops at churches, conferences, and associations nationwide. Her sessions emphasize discipleship, social justice, and domestic violence awareness, offering churches actionable steps to support survivors. She also created God’s Glory… Our Story, a biblically based and culturally relevant curriculum that parallels Black history with salvation history, empowering African American congregations to deepen both faith and cultural understanding.
Dr. Carol is the author of Deceit, a powerful novel of resilience that gives voice to survivors of domestic violence and promotes healing. Paired with A Womanist Study Guide, Deceit is a valuable tool for churches and individuals exploring themes of liberation, resilience, and God’s grace. Dr. Carol’s journey to ministry began in the field of multicultural marketing communications before she answered what her late mother called a “divine invitation to do PR for another client.” She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School, a Master of Theology in New Testament Studies
from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew. She became the first woman ordained at Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown, NJ, where she also helped strengthen discipleship and evangelism programs.
Recognized by EBONY Magazine as an Outstanding Woman in Marketing & Communications and honored with the NAACP Community Leaders Social Justice Award, Dr. Carol has been named one of the Top 10 Women in New Jersey by Business News NJ. Her unique ability to blend theological insight with practical support makes her a thought leader and a powerful voice for healing,
empowerment, and justice.
