Rev. Dr. Shareka N. Newton, a native of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, was raised by her mother, Priscilla Barnes-Davis, who instilled in her a deep sense of faith and community. From an early age, Shareka was encouraged to be inquisitive and develop her own ideas, which led to her strong belief in the importance of God and the work of the church. Her spiritual foundation was further nurtured at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she grew up.

 

Dr. Newton attended A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Harlem, NY, and continued her education at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, earning a B.A. in English in 2003. During her senior year, she accepted her call to ministry and was licensed to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the fall of 2004 at Emmanuel. She furthered her education at Drew University Theological School, receiving a Master of Divinity Degree in 2008. Her field education placement at St. James A.M.E Church in Newark, NJ, under Pastor William D. Watley and Dr. Raquel St. Clair Lettsome, profoundly shaped her ministry journey. Dr. Newton was ordained on December 13, 2008 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

 

Currently, Dr. Newton serves as the first female and youngest Executive Pastor in Emmanuel Baptist Church’s 143-year history, working under the leadership of the Senior Pastor Rev. Anthony L. Trufant. Her leadership of the Sunday morning 11 a.m. service has seen significant growth, attributed to her enthusiastic and innovative approach to ministry. Dr. Newton is an engaging preacher and teacher who is has a gift for making the word of God come alive for other people. As a creative leader, Dr. Newton is a solutions oriented problem solver who strives to see hurdles as opportunities for innovation. Dr. Newton's commitment to personal and professional growth led her to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University Candler School of Theology in 2021, where her research focused on healthy church transitions.

 

Rev. Newton's dedication to preaching and teaching has allowed her to minister at conferences and churches across the country, where she seizes every opportunity to share the love and power of Jesus Christ. Her contributions have been recognized by the New York Alumnae Association of Spelman College, which honored her as a “Rising Star” and by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who named her a “Shining Star” in the community.

 

Rev. Newton is also a devoted mother to her two sons, Brandell Lorenzo and Daiquille “Q,” and a loving Mimi to her grandchildren Chase Lorenzo, Noah Alexander, Xavier Mason, and Dream Celine. Additionally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. 

 

Dr. Newton's commitment to building disciples within the Kingdom of God is evident in her dynamic preaching, teaching, and her unwavering dedication to the spiritual growth of the community of believers at Emmanuel and the broader community. She firmly believes that with God, all things are possible and finds joy in the knowledge that God has a plan for her life.