Rev. Dr. Jarvis J. Hanson, Sr.

Pastor | Preacher | Scholar | Servant Leader

In the vibrant community of Garden Hills in Rockford, Illinois, a young boy named Jarvis J. Hanson, Sr. heard a call that would shape the course of his life. At just ten years old, under the spiritual guidance of the late Reverend John N. Coleman at United Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Jarvis began his lifelong commitment to preaching the gospel. This early journey of faith was further cultivated by Dr. L.D. Tate, who faithfully walked alongside him to his ordination in November 2006.

As spring blossomed on April 1, 2007, at only 22 years old, Jarvis was called to serve as Pastor of the historic New Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. This role marked more than just a pastoral assignment—it became a platform for transformation, restoration, and hope within a beloved community.

Scholarly Pursuits & Intellectual Rigor

Rev. Dr. Hanson is deeply committed to academic and spiritual growth. His pursuit of excellence in ministry is reflected in his extensive educational accomplishments:

·        Bachelor of Arts in Ministry – Newburgh Bible College

·        Bachelor of Arts in Religion (BAR) – Faith International University

·        Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) – Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary

·        Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary

·        Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – St. Thomas Christian University

·        Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE 1–4) – Sankofa CPE Center (ACPE)

·        Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder

·        Certified Critical Incident & Stress Management Interventionist

·        Board Certified Christian Counselor, Doctoral Diplomat – International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals

Leadership, Ministry & Service

Rev. Hanson’s ministry extends well beyond the pulpit. He serves in numerous leadership capacities on the local, state, and national levels:

·        Pastor, New Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church

·        Past Moderator, Greater New Era Baptist District Association

·        Director, Young Pastors Division – Baptist General State Convention of Illinois

·        Past Adjunct Professor of Homiletics, Chicago Baptist Institute

·        Director of Curriculum Development, Chicago Baptist Institute

·        Co-Founder, The Kerygma Fellowship

·        President, MPAC-Chicago

·        Co-Chairman, Late Night Services – National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

·        Chairman, Moderator’s Auxiliary – Baptist General State Convention of Illinois

A Literary Voice

Rev. Hanson is also the author of Covenant Chronicles: Exegetical Explorations of the Church Covenant, a work that blends academic insight with pastoral care, offering fresh theological reflections on the covenantal life of the church.

Honors & Recognitions

·        Inducted Member, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers – Morehouse College

Rooted in Faith & Family

Jarvis’s life and ministry are anchored in the love and support of his family. He is proudly married to Dr. Brandy Lynn Hanson, DNP, FNP, MSN, APN, and together they are the joyful parents of Alycen-Grace and Jarvis J. Hanson Jr., affectionately known as “Trip.” He is the son of Deacon Donald Hanson and Deaconess Alice Hanson, and shares a close bond with his siblings: Veronica Blake, Pastor Donald (Latrisha) Hanson II, and Kwasi (Dr. Jessica) Hanson Sr.

Spiritual Covering & Life Verse

A faithful son of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, he is spiritually guided and mentored by Rev. Dr. A. Edward Davis, Jr. His life is shaped and sustained by his guiding scripture:

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” — 1 Timothy 1:12

A Life of Purpose

Reverend Dr. Jarvis J. Hanson’s life is a tapestry of impact—woven with threads of leadership, scholarship, pastoral care, and community transformation. Whether preaching the Word, mentoring young leaders, counseling the hurting, or shaping future ministers in the classroom, his life is marked by an unwavering commitment to glorifying God and serving His people.