Rev. Dr. John D. Tolbert-Congress Dean

Dr. John DeVar Tolbert, B.S.W., M. DIV., D. Min., senior pastor of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan, began his ministry 19 years ago. As a young child, Dr. Tolbert knew he had a special calling over his life. Coming from a lineage of great spiritual leaders and pastors, Dr. Tolbert was given the opportunity to establish an intense understanding of true ministry early in his development.

Pastor Tolbert’s passion-filled sermons and life-changing messages are inspirational and can transcend through any barrier. No matter the race, gender, age, education, economical status or spiritual maturity, his compassion and eagerness to spread the love of Jesus enables a diverse audience to comprehend and apply his teachings of Christ in their lives.

In addition to Senior Pastor at Trinity, Dr. Tolbert is also a Chapel Minister at O.H. Pye III Funeral Home. In this role, Dr. Tolbert ministers and comforts those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Having experienced his own personal loss, Dr. Tolbert can relate to those who need to hear God’s word and be strengthened with God promises at their darkest hour.

He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate Theological Seminary where he is given the privilege to mentor students in the Greater Detroit area. His areas of focus include New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Introduction to Evangelism and Spiritual Formations.

Prior to Trinity, Dr. Tolbert started his pastoral journey as Senior Pastor at People’s Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. During his seven year tenure (2005-2012), in addition to his pastoral / administrator roles, Dr. Tolbert was also the church’s daycare president and president of two non-profit community development organizations.

For two years (2004-2006), Dr. Tolbert served as Youth Evangelism Specialist for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (Southern Baptist State Convention). In this position, Pastor Tolbert focused on providing quality training and effective strategies to those who worked with youth in the area of evangelism.