Senior Pastor
Biographical Sketch of Pastor Arthur S. Long Jr., D.Min.
Pastor Arthur S. Long Jr., D.Min., is a devoted shepherd, servant-leader, and visionary whose call to Christian ministry was nurtured from an early age by his parents, Arthur S., and Alice D. Long. Baptized in 1995 and preaching his first sermon in 2005, Pastor Long demonstrated a clear sense of calling and commitment to service early in his faith journey. He began formal ministry as a youth minister at his home church, where he developed programs designed to support families in need and guide young people toward spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Pastor Long was ordained to the gospel ministry in December 2010. In February 2011, he accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Faith Temple Baptist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. His tenure was characterized by compassion-centered leadership and holistic ministry. Under his pastoral guidance, the church established a food pantry, clothing drive, and soup kitchen—initiatives that reflected his conviction that the church must address both the spiritual and practical needs of the community.
In June 2019, Pastor Long was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Promised Land Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. During this season of leadership, he guided the congregation through the challenges of post–COVID-19 re-entry, oversaw meaningful facility improvements, revitalized the youth ministry, and expanded community engagement through seasonal outreach efforts such as coat drives and special service initiatives. His ministry during this period emphasized grace, resilience, and the transformative power of God’s love.
On August 29, 2023, Dr. Long was formally extended the call to serve as the 21st Pastor of First Baptist Church. This milestone marked a significant chapter in the church’s history, affirming both its rich legacy of faith and its vision for continued growth. Following a season of prayerful preparation and transition, Dr. Long officially assumed the pulpit on November 3, 2024, beginning his pastoral tenure with humility, dedication, and renewed purpose.
Since assuming leadership at First Baptist Church, Dr. Long has worked collaboratively with church leadership, ministry teams, and congregants to cultivate a shared vision rooted in spiritual formation, congregational unity, and community outreach. Under his leadership, the church is experiencing a season of revitalization marked by strengthened worship, expanded discipleship opportunities, and deepened engagement within the broader community. First Baptist Church continues to honor its historic foundations while pursuing innovative approaches to ministry, fellowship, and service.
Dr. Long holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Faith International University and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School (2021). He earned the Doctor of Ministry degree in 2025, completing a dissertation titled The Church and Community as an Intersectional Resource for Mental Health and Trauma, which reflects his commitment to holistic ministry and the church’s role in fostering healing and hope. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University, further demonstrating his dedication to education, literacy, and the development of young learners.
Deeply rooted in Scripture and prayer, Pastor Long seeks to live out his faith with integrity, purpose, and compassion. He believes that the Christian witness is most powerful when expressed through love in action, reflecting the heart of Christ to all people.
Pastor Long is blessed to share life and ministry with his wife, Ernesha D. Barrino-Long, whom he affectionately describes as “the rhythm of his heart.” Together, they are the proud parents of three children—Monica, Arthur IV, and Alicia—and their beloved dog, AL.