Meet the Leader:
Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Slaughter
A Visionary Leader Rooted in Faith and Service
Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter, a native of Orlando, Florida, and an adopted son of Georgia, is the youngest pastor in history to serve as Senior Pastor of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Newark, New Jersey. In 14 years of ministry at Saint James, more than 1,600 souls have been added to the Kingdom of God; 98% of outstanding debt has been liquidated; and over half a million dollars have been invested in facility renovations and upgrades. Pastor Slaughter, along with the great people of Saint James, has been working to develop a family-oriented atmosphere, embracing the vision of God, and living out the vision statement of “Making Disciples, Building Families, and Meeting Needs.” In preparation to build the new Saint James Church and Transformative Center, Saint James has been busy acquiring properties surrounding the Newark Campus, investing over 1.1 million dollars in purchasing six properties for its future facility. The properties were purchased without borrowing any funds or obtaining loans. Under Pastor Slaughter’s leadership at Saint James, assets have grown by more than $4 million. Pastor Slaughter firmly believes with all of his heart in Acts 5:39, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these people; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Beyond the Pulpit: A Leader On and Off the Field
While Pastor Slaughter’s record of ministry is remarkable, there’s another aspect that sets him apart. His passion for football has imparted valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance—qualities he applies every day in his ministry. Just as a great coach devises a winning play, Pastor Slaughter brings a dynamic blend of athletic discipline and spiritual leadership to his work. This unique perspective has not only helped him connect with younger generations but also inspired him to lead with creativity, resilience, and a heart full of hope. Whether on the field or in the church, every play, every decision, and every moment is a step toward building a stronger, more united community.
Background and Accomplishments
Pastor Slaughter’s leadership extends far beyond the pulpit and the A.M.E. Church. He proudly serves on several prestigious boards, including:
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• The New Jersey State Parole Board (Trenton, New Jersey), where he serves as Vice-Chair
• Saint Michael’s Medical Center (Newark, New Jersey), where he serves as Chair of the Board
• Wesley Theological Seminary’s Board of Governors (Washington, D.C.)
• Turner Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees (Atlanta, Georgia)
On February 16, 2021, Pastor Slaughter was appointed by The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka as the first-ever Deputy Director of Community Relations within the Newark Public Safety Police Department, a groundbreaking civilian role aimed at fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
Pastor Slaughter is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he actively supports initiatives focused on education, youth empowerment, and community development.
Among his educational achievements, Pastor Slaughter earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2018.
In spite of his numerous accomplishments, Pastor Slaughter admits that without a loving, supportive, and understanding family, none of his successes would be possible. He is eternally grateful for and extremely appreciative of his wife, Kyla Trinette Brown Slaughter, and their children: Kelsey Alice, Kellyn Skyla, Kylynn Rona, and Ronald Levant “R2.”
Pastor Slaughter is humbled by how God has moved in his life and ministry, and he believes with all his heart that “the best in Christ Jesus is yet to come!”
Called. Committed. Consistent.
Vision for the Future: Building a Championship Church
As a candidate for the Office of Bishop, Pastor Slaughter envisions a church that transcends the traditional four walls—a vibrant community that meets the spiritual and social needs of our rapidly changing world.
His mission is to:
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•Empower Communities: Drive impactful change through dynamic, faith-based leadership and advocacy.
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•Champion Inclusion: Ensure equity and fairness are woven into every aspect of ministry, leaving no one on the sidelines.
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•Inspire Future Leaders: Equip the next generation to carry forward the Church’s mission with passion, vision, and purpose.
Pastor Slaughter sees the Church as uniquely positioned to tackle today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. Just as a championship team carefully plans every play, his vision is built on innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and unwavering servant leadership. Together, we will create a spiritual community where every member has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a united future.