
Rev. Linda Jefferson
Wife, mother, grandmother, business woman, spiritual leader and Rev. Linda Jefferson, represents a stabilizing and family presence in the Metropolitan Church family.
As the First Lady of Metropolitan
Baptist Church, Rev. Jefferson or “Sister J” as she is affectionately
known, founded the Hospitality Ministry in 1994 and the International
Ministry that has welcomed dignitaries from Former President William
Clinton and Secretary of State and former Senator Hillary Clinton,
Nelson Mandela and sports figures like Alonzo Mourning and Magic
Johnson. As a lifelong lover of music and dance, Rev. Linda was
instrumental in founding Metropolitan’s Liturgical Dance Ministry, The
Feet of Praise, a group that ministers to the hearts and souls of
worshippers through dance. Led by the Holy Spirit to care for women,
Rev. J; serves as Ministry Leader of the Women’s Fellowship Ministry,
hosting roundtable discussion on women’s issues from motherhood to
professional development to faith and healing, supporting causes of
Metropolitan, like the Willing Heart Community Care Center and
providing direct ministry to women in need.
Education and Career
Rev. J road to Metropolitan began while a
student at Grambling State University, where she met fellow student,
David Jefferson. Upon graduation and after returning to Jennings,
Louisiana, “Sister J” became engaged to David Jefferson. After
marrying, the young couple moved to Dallas, Texas as their first home
before living in Ohio and finally New Jersey.
Leadership and Growth
Upon graduation and prior to marrying, Rev. J began a career in the banking industry. Her career has included positions
such as a teller and comptroller at the Jefferson Davis Bank in
Jennings, Louisiana. She was later employed as an Accountant for Blue
Cross/Blue Shield in Dallas, Texas. Following God’s call, she left her
professional career arena to begin a family. With the children, Rev. J
became a loving mother, creative homemaker, and entrepreneur.
Passing on the legacy of faith, family,
and community, Rev. J served on the board at Muhlenberg College of
Allentown, Pa., and continues to serve Dreams4Youth, a non-profit
organization created to provide educational programs and initiatives
for inner-city youth and optimistic opportunities for terminally ill
children.
Rev. J holds a degree in Business
Administration from Grambling State University and a Masters Degree in
Theological Studies from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Family and Husband
She considers her life very rewarding
and fulfilling throughout her fourty plus years of marriage to the Rev.
Dr. David Jefferson Sr. Esq. Rev. J is the proud mother of four;
Kimberly (John Williams Sr.), David Jr (Joni Bird), Lou Ella (Ronald
Kemp II), Jasmine and the loving grandmother of eight.