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Rev. Dr. Ezra L. Tillman Jr
Rev. Dr. Ezra L. Tillman, Jr., is a proud native of Detroit, Michigan. He accepted Christ at a young age and was spiritually nourished under the Pastoral leadership of the late Dr. John L. Webb of New Mt. Vernon M.B.C. in Ferndale, Michigan. In 2002, he humbly accepted the call of God into the Gospel Ministry. Since then, hundreds of souls has been revived, restored, and introduced to Christ as a result of his obedience to the call.
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Education: Rev. Dr. Ezra Tillman has a passion for God’s Word and is a proponent of education. He began his studies and has earned multiple Degrees; a Doctorate in Theological Studies, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership (M.A.O.L.), a Master of Ministry (M. Min.) in Biblical Counseling Degree, and a Bachelor of Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.).
Ecclesiastical: Dr. Tillman started his Pastoral Ministry as Assistant Pastor of Greater Middle Missionary Baptist Church, located in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2009. His knowledge of God’s Word, friendly disposition, and understanding of others allowed him to be effective in leading lost souls to Christ during his tenure there. He was soon called to Pastor Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, in Cleveland Heights Ohio, in 2011. He served there until being called to serve as Pastor of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. Believing the Lord was “ordering his steps,” he humbly accepted in May 2014 and became the fourth pastor in their church history. In March 2023, Dr. Tillman was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Within his first year of serving, under Dr. Tillman’s leadership the 700 Debt Free Campaign was launched in efforts of First Baptist Church Piney Grove becoming a debt free congregation. Within six months, over $300,000 was raised by the membership of First Baptist Church Piney Grove resulting in the Burning of the Church Mortgage on May 15, 2024! With the aide of the Holy Spirit over 100 souls have been added to the Piney Grove church family, new Ministries have been birthed, and spiritual growth and development has been cultivated.
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“…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14)
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Denominational: Dr. Tillman is a renowned Baptist Pastor and is active in numerous Baptist Organizations at the National, State and Local level. As a result of his leadership skills, his knowledge of and faithfulness to God, he has served in numerous positions; the Midwest Regional Representative of Disaster Relief, N.B.C., USA Inc., Vice President at Large of the Wolverine State Missionary Baptist Convention-Congress of Christian Education, Executive Board Member on the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and vicinity, and is member of Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society Inc., and the Micah Leadership Council, (People for the American Way Foundation,). Dr. Tillman has also served as Vice-President at Large for the Great Lakes District Baptist Association, and served as an Instructor and Dean of the Great Lakes District Baptist Congress.
Community: Dr. Tillman is no stranger to public service and in a short period of time, he impacted the community of Flint greatly; the Flint Water Crisis was his first vision of taking his Ministry outside the four walls of the church and offer hope to the residents of Flint. He and his wife Catrina were successful in making First Trinity the “hub” ensuring clean water was provided to the residents on a weekly basis. On February 1st 2016, Pastor Tillman and the First Trinity M.B.C hosted the ‘Environmental Justice Rally’. As a result, that day, over 500,000 bottles of donated water was given to the citizens of Flint. From 2016 to 2019 over 1,000,000 bottles of water has come to the aid of Flint residents from First Trinity M.B.C alone.
This grassroots community outreach approach caught the attention of Actor, Musician, Philanthropist and owner of Just Water, Jaden Smith. As a result, a collaboration effort was made to further aid and assist the residents of Flint. In 2017 First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and Jaden Smith’s organization 501cTHREE developed the “Water Box”, a portable water filtration system that can produce 5 gallons of clean water in 30 seconds. Within its first 7 months of usage, the Water Box replaced over 68,000 bottles of water! First Trinity’s water mission expanded beyond its four walls, currently there are 3 additional Water Boxes located throughout the city of Flint.
In recognizing the uncertainties surrounding health as a result of the water crisis, Dr. Tillman alongside his wife Catrina, founded the Revive Community Health Center. Revive aids in decreasing maternal/infant mortality and low birth weight in the African American population in Flint/Genesee County. Many prominent leaders have found him a respected source of reasoning. Dr. Tillman has been appointed several boards including, The Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity Executive Board, lifetime member of the NAACP, Black Millennial for Flint Lead Prevention Ambassador, and a member of SCLC.
Accolades: Dr. Tillman has no problem conveying his God given wisdom and views. Standing on the side of righteousness and justice, he was awarded the “Man of the Year” by prominent leadership in Atlanta, GA. Assigned as opening speaker of the Democracy Awaking Rally in Washington D.C. As a result of his leadership in the church and his involvement in the community, Dr. Tillman was awarded the Key to The City of Flint during his sixth Pastoral Anniversary in April 2020 (the first Pastor to receive this prestigious award under the current administration).
Rev. Dr. Ezra L. Tillman Jr. is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. In November 2022, Dr. Tillman added the title Recording Artist to his resume, releasing his first single titled “Heaven” paying homage to his father who wrote the song with Dr. Tillman was a child. In July 2023 he released his second single “Lord I’m Trying”. At his core, Dr. Tillman is a family man. He is married to Catrina Tillman of 16 years; a God fearing, spirit filled First Lady in her own right. Together they have been blessed with four sons: Ezra III, Micah, Isaac, and Luke.
