
REV. JOSEPH W. STANLEY, JR.
Reverend Joseph W. Stanley, Jr. is the oldest son of Joseph W. Stanley Sr. and the late Dorothy M. Stanley. Pastor Stanley was called into the gospel ministry at a young age and began preaching at the age of 14. Pastor Stanley was born and raised in the historic Mt. Olivet Baptist Church under the tutelage of the late Rev. Dr. Charles E. Booth. He received his license to preach the gospel in Circleville, Ohio, under the leadership of Rev. Derrick K. Holmes, and In 2020, he was ordained by the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association (E.U.M.B.A) at the invitation of the Antioch Baptist Church, where he served as Executive Pastor for three and a half years.
Pastor Stanley is a graduate of Columbus International High School (now known as Columbus North International School). He attended Liberty University to obtain his Bachelors in Christian Education in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is currently pursuing his Master of Theological Studies with a concentration in Black Church Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH.
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Pastor Stanley currently serves as the Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary President for the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association. He also serves on the Catechizing Committee for the Ministers, Deacons & Trustees Institute. Rev. Stanley has previously served as the Youth and Young Adult Advisor for the Second District Sunday School Convention. He is also a proud member of the National Academy of Preachers and has had the privilege of preaching at the National Festival of Young Preachers.

On February 6th, 2023, Pastor Stanley, under God's direction, was called to be the 12th Pastor of the Greater Twelfth Missionary Baptist Church located in the South Linden area of Columbus, Ohio. Under his leadership the church has tripled its membership, purchased additional property, increased the church budget, formed the Greater Community Foundation 501c3, and so much more.
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Beyond his ecclesiastical roles, Rev. Stanley is a dedicated community advocate. He serves as the Vice President of the Columbus Baptist Association, a coalition dedicated to fostering unity and advancing the work of local churches. He is also a Commissioner for the South Linden Area Commission, where he helps shape policies and initiatives to improve the quality of life in one of Columbus’s most historic neighborhoods.
Pastor Stanley is married to the beautiful Lady Madison Renee Stanley. Together they have two beautiful children, Karmen & Jayda. Lady Madison diligently and faithfully serves alongside her husband and impels his vision for Greater Twelfth.
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Pastor Stanley has a deep love and passion for music, theater, social justice, and education. He believes that with God, all things are possible. He holds close to Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
