Esther Award 2016

September 20, 2016

New Brunswick Theological Seminary’s 2016 Esther Award was presented to Pastor Gregory Jackson and the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Hackensack, NJ in ceremonies Aug. 30 at NBTS. Seminary student Marvin Whitest, Jr. received the Esther Award Scholarship, a full-tuition, one-year grant.

Pastor Gregory Jackson and Marvin Whitest, Jr with Dr. Mast

“This is the ninth year we have presented the Esther Award to a minister or ministry that has served the world in the spirit of Esther for ‘such a time as this’,” said Seminary President Dr. Gregg Mast. “Award winners have incarnated a deep concern for those who live on the margins of society seeking care, compassion and justice. Mount Olive believes the development of the community leads to the survival of the church and participates in the renaissance for Hackensack and the redevelopment of a downtown community. Through these services, and in so many other ways, Mt. Olive has engaged in the spirit of the Esther Award.”

Pastor Jackson has been in ministry at Mt. Olive for 32 years. The congregation now has some 800 members. “I was very humbled and honored that our church had been recognized for its ministry of service toward people in our community and in our world,” he said. “The mission of our church is to provide a holistic ministry that reaches broken humanity and offers them hope through Jesus Christ. We want to reach the total person – the physical, the spiritual, the psychological.”

Pastor Jackson adds it’s an ongoing challenge to keep the church relevant in a changing world while still remaining faithful. “The Word never changes but the methods and styles of ministry for this generation do change. You need fresh ideas. I’m surrounded by many younger ministers. I always listen to them but I don’t always change the way they want me to.”

esther-award-winner-2016 — Marvin Whitest, Jr. & family

In addition to his Master of Divinity studies at New Brunswick, Esther Award Scholarship recipient Marvin Whitest, Jr. is active in the Light of the World Family Worship Center of Trenton, NJ. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Burlington, NJ he holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Monmouth University where he played quarterback on the football team. Marvin has an extensive and distinguished professional background in music, video and entertainment production, athletics at all levels, coaching, teaching and community service. He says his call to serve was greatly influenced by his late pastor, Dr. Lamont McLean. Marvin says he is “ecstatic” about receiving the Esther Award Scholarship, calling it a testament of his commitment to being a life-long learner. He adds “It is never too late to realize your dreams!”

Marvin has been married to his high school sweetheart Courtney for ten years. They have two beautiful sons, Marvin III, nine years old, and Courtney Alexander, seven.