MEET THE TEAM
Our church is possible by the partnership between you and our core team of leaders that oversee the day-to-day functions of our church
REV. DR. LESTER W. TAYLOR, JR.
SENIOR PASTOR
Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. has served as the Senior Pastor of the Community Baptist Church since 1993. He concerns himself with engaging ministry that speaks to this present age. Dr. Taylor continues navigating the congregation through change. Known for his powerful teaching, preaching, and vibrant worship, he shares his ministry gifts freely as God has endowed him.
Equally impactful is his gifted wife, Leading Lady Gayle Taylor, who serves with him in ministry. They are the proud parents of two children, Brindin, and Amber, their spouses, Nancy and Tyrell, and grandparents of three, Jordan, Peyton, and Sebastian Taylor.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible from the Philadelphia College of the Bible (Cairn University), a Master of Divinity Degree from the New York Theological
Equally impactful is his gifted wife, Leading Lady Gayle Taylor, who serves with him in ministry. They are the proud parents of two children, Brindin, and Amber, their spouses, Nancy and Tyrell, and grandparents of three, Jordan, Peyton, and Sebastian Taylor.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible from the Philadelphia College of the Bible (Cairn University), a Master of Divinity Degree from the New York Theological
Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer Theological Seminary). He is an Adjunct Professor at Pillar College of Newark, New Jersey, and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
Dr. Taylor is also a skilled and accomplished musicians who shares a passion for excellence in corporate worship
Dr. Taylor’s favorite scripture is John 15:16 which states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”
Dr. Taylor is “Chosen to Serve~ Challenged to Grow!”
Dr. Taylor is also a skilled and accomplished musicians who shares a passion for excellence in corporate worship
Dr. Taylor’s favorite scripture is John 15:16 which states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”
Dr. Taylor is “Chosen to Serve~ Challenged to Grow!”
MIN. GAYLE TAYLOR
LEADING LADY / Executive Director of Ministries
Lady Gayle Taylor is a native of Brooklyn, New York, however, she spent her formative years in the town of Teaneck, New Jersey, where she was educated. She is a graduate of Liberty University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion with a minor in Church Ministries.
She is the distinguished First Lady of the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, a licensed minister, and a phenomenal speaker. For more than 15 years, she provided exceptional leadership to the Women's Ministry and now effectively serves as the Executive Director of Ministries and the Office Manager.
She is the distinguished First Lady of the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, a licensed minister, and a phenomenal speaker. For more than 15 years, she provided exceptional leadership to the Women's Ministry and now effectively serves as the Executive Director of Ministries and the Office Manager.
In addition to her ministry responsibilities, Lady Gayle has been a part of the trade show management industry for more than 30 years. A woman of style and distinction, she was favored to be invited to the White House by First Lady Laura Bush and featured as a model in the prestigious O Magazine.
However, her greatest joy comes from being a supportive wife to her husband, Dr. Lester Taylor, a doting mother to her children, Amber and Brindin, and an adoring grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jordan, Peyton and Sebastian.
REV. ROHIN BEACH
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Rev. Rohin Beach, is the Assistant Pastor, and previous youth pastor of CBC. Pastor Beach earned his M.Div at Alliance Theological Seminary and is currently a PhD(c) at Drew University. Pastor Rohin turns connecting with all generations into an art, using his platform and passion for sneakers to encourage through writing, rapping, mentoring.
Rohin has served as the Youth & Young Adult Pastor in churches across the U.S.; and has done global missions work in Africa, Ukraine and South America. Outside of CBC, he is a certified life coach, public speaker and host workshops. Rev. Beach is deeply passionate about seeing people of all ages reach their innate and God given potential.
Deacon Lonnie Brown
Chair of Deacons Ministry
Lonnie J Brown Jr. became a member of Community Baptist Church of Englewood on December 4th, 1994. He served on the Usher’s board from May 11, 1999, until December 31, 2008. On January 25, 2009, he was ordained as a Deacon and now serves as Chair of the Deacon’s Ministry, effective January 1, 2025.
Deacon Lonnie Brown worked with the youth’s 2050 AD program from 2000 through 2021, mentoring them in bookkeeping and accounting, helping them to establish and run their T-shirt business. He also served on the Education Council, establishing scholarships for church youths attending college. He has been a member of the Parking Ministry for 4 years and enjoyed being the first to welcome members and guests to the Church.
Lonnie received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Herbert H Lehman College. He went on to become certified as a Tax Professional by the National Certification Board and later became a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute. On July 23, 1990, he became licensed to practice before the IRS, representing taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS including examinations, audits, appeals, and special procedures. Deacon Lonnie has owned and operated a accounting and tax practiced since 1988. Lonnie and his wife Ella have three daughters and one granddaughter.
Lonnie attributes all his success and accomplishments to being grounded in his faith and in God.
Deacon Ron Kennerly
Co-Chair of Deacons Ministry
Deacon Ron Kennerly has considered it a privilege of serving as a Deacon at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood NJ since January 5, 2009. Prior to my role at CBC, he was a trustee at Evening Star Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. Deacon Kennerly holds a NJ Real estate Broker’s License with an accreditation as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative.
His life scripture is Psalms 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread . He says that ”My vision for the Diaconate Ministry is that we construct a system to better serve the membership of CBC.” Outside of CBC He enjoys spending time with family and friends, He also likes to cook but his favorite hobby is deep sea fishing.
Trustee Leroy Campbell
Chair of Trustees Ministry
Deacon Leroy Campbell serves as the Chair of the Trustees Ministry, the ministry that steward the property and finances of the church. He works in tandem with the Business Manager and Office Manager to ensure cohesiveness in the work of the ministry.
Trustee Dana Peterson
Co-Chair of the Trustee Ministry
Dana Peterson is a leading US Economist and serves as the Co-Chair of our Trustee Ministry and on our executive board
Min. Gayle Green-Taylor
Office Manager
Lady Gayle Taylor is a native of Brooklyn, NY; however, she spent her formative years in the town of Teaneck, NJ, where she was educated. She is a graduate of Liberty University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion with a minor in Church Ministries.
She is the distinguished First Lady of the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, a licensed minister, and a phenomenal speaker. For more than 15 years, she provided exceptional leadership to the Women’s Ministry, and now effectively serves as the Executive Director of Ministries and the Office Manager. In addition to her ministry responsibilities, Lady Gayle has been a part of the trade show management industry for more than 30 years. A woman of style and distinction, she was favored to be invited to the White House by First Lady Laura Bush and featured as a model in the prestigious O Magazine.
However, her greatest joy comes from being a supportive wife to her husband, Dr. Lester Taylor, a doting mother to her children, Amber and Brindin, and an adoring grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jordan, Peyton and Sebastian.
vinNetta singletary
Administrative Assistant
Vinnetta Singletary is our Administrative Assistant and offers support to our office staff, ministries and members at large.
michael scoff
Business Manager
Michael Scoff, our church business manager, oversees, and manages the various payable accounts of CBC, as well as monitors and tracks the churches financial health.
ROBERTA Bordeaux
Events Coordinator
A Professional Events Designer whose passion for extraordinary experiences, allows her to curate unforgettable events! Many people assume she's a Fashion Industry professional because she brings a unique flair to fashion styling in her personal looks. Miss Roberta wears many hats....literally. Her love for hats adds a distinctive touch to her fits. In Business, her mantra is A VIP personifies First Class...With Her You Get Nothing but the Best...Everyone is considered a VIP!
Linda Wilson
Office Administrative Assistant
As our Church secretary, Mrs. Wilson provides guidance to our members who need specific church resources. She also acts as point person for all weddings.
tyree smallwood
Public Safety Director
Tyree Smallwood is the Public Safety Director at Community Baptist Church, dedicated to ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all. A retired police lieutenant and Senior Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, Tyree has devoted a lifetime to service and protection. With a deep love for God, Tyree finds strength in Matthew 7:7 and is passionate about safeguarding God Word and His house. In addition to his commitment to faith and security, he enjoys traveling and bowling in his free time.
EDUARDO LEIVA-ORDONEZ
Facilities Support Supervisor
Hello, my name is Eduardo, I have been employed at CBC since 2023, and it has truly been a blessing. What began as a job opportunity has become an integral part of my life and my family’s journey. My time here has taught me that God’s ways are unique – His will doesn’t always align with our expectations, but He always places us exactly where we need to be.
Outside of work, I enjoy cinema, salsa dancing, and martial arts. At CBC, I have found more that just a job – I have found a family, acceptance, opportunities, and a place of refuge. I am deeply grateful!
STEPHEN BELNAVIS
Facilities Support Staff
Min. Jarel Turner
Discipleship Ministry Leader
Minister Jarel, provides leaders to our New Members Orientation process which engages those the Lord adds to the church. New members experience teaching to help them understand salvation, baptism, discipleship, and what it means to be church member.
Min. Jeff bryant
X Factor Ministry Leader
Minister Jeffrey Andrew Bryan, a proud product of Hackensack Public Schools, earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Felician University in New Jersey. While at Felician, Jeff was a leader within many school organizations such as Student Ambassador, SGA Senator, Orientation Leader, and President of the Transfer Student Organization. He now serves as the parent liaison in Passaic County Community College's Upward Bound Program and is also employed as a special education teacher by the Paterson School District.
Licensed to preach in 2021 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where his father is the pastor, Min. Jeff is also the Youth Minister at Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ, under Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr.
Min. Jeff has been honored with several awards, including the 2022 Outstanding Commitment to Civic Engagement Award, the 2023 Beacon of Social Justice Award, and the 2024 Upward Bound Mentor of the Year Award. This Summer, he will pursue a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Church and Community Development at Pillar College.
Driven by a passion for youth development and public speaking, Min. Jeff aims to empower young people to use their voices effectively. His guiding scripture is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Min. YASMINE HOPPER
Youth Connect Ministry Leader
Minister Yasmin Hopper is Youth Connect Ministry Leader since 2019. In her role as Ministry Leader, she provides children with a strong foundation in biblical principles by exposing children to God’s Word through reading, writing, art, games, music and dance. In addition, she prepares curriculum design as well as team building and mentorship. Outside of CBC, she has over 20 years of experience with Youth in several areas; and is currently a Certified Substitute Teacher for New Jersey. She also serves on the board as treasurer for West Side Children’s Fund, who gives grants to organizations for underserved children. Yasmine holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY at Binghamton and Executive master’s in public administration from Baruch College. Her life scripture is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Yasmine desires is for her ministry to know that their potential is limitless if they just believe in the power of Jesus Christ. She enjoys long walks with her husband, watching movies, traveling to Disney with son and dancing. Yasmin is a servant leader who served with the CBC Missionary ministry, CBC Hospitality, Canaan Baptist Church Hostess and Christian Education Administrator. She is also an active member of CBC Associate Minister and CBC Deaconess. She is always willing to serve but her most impactful role is working with Youth Connect.
min. tyrelle belle
Director of Music and Media
Tyrelle Serves as the director of the Music and Media ministries and as the Minister of Music
Dr. Valeria Lovelace
Community Saints 2050 A.D. Director
Dr. Lovelace is the Co-Founder and Ministry Leader of Community Saints 2050 A.D.. our two-year rites of passage program for Youth Connect Graduates. Dr Lovelace has a M.A. and Ph.D in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan. She has served as the Director of Research and Curriculum Development for Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, Go! Diego Go! and Little Einsteins. Her company, Media Transformations, creates educational projects that promote, kindness, equality, respect, learning and love among young people around the world. In her free time, she loves walking, aqua aerobics, reading, and trying new recipes.
Dr. Chris McEvilley
Parking Lot Ministry Leader
Chris serves as ministry leader of the Parking Lot ministry 2023. He also servers as a Treasurer and has served on the Hospitality and Ushers ministry. Chris has a JD and is licensed to practice law in NJ & NY. Outside of CBC he is the Director of the NJ Young Debaters program for middle and high school students and a board member at the Palisades Charter School in Englewood. As ministry leader of the parking lot ministry, Chris believes that the congregation should experience a top-notch experience from the parking lot to the pulpit and back to the parking lot. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing and watching baseball and basketball. He also enjoys spending time with family, friends and, most of all, his daughter.
FAREEDA COOK
First Aid Ministry Leader
Fareeda serves as the ministry leader over our First Aid Ministry.
Lorna Malcolm
Hospitality Ministry Leader
Lorna has been a member of CBC since 2004. She was led to the Hospitality Ministry in 2009 because of her belief that when you serve others, you are serving God. Outside of CBC, Lorna is a development and alumni relations veteran. She has a strong background in non-profit management and international relations and diplomacy. She also holds two Master's, one in social science from Long Island University, and in public administration from CUNY. She also has a Certificate in Diplomacy from the UN. Lorna is led by curiosity and, in her downtime, loves to travel, read, time with loved ones, and volunteering.
Evelyn Campbell
Ushers Ministry Leader
Evelyn serves as the Ministry Leader of both our Senior Ushers and Jr. Ushers Ministry.