Rev. Robert L. DeVeaux
Our Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeaux
Rev. Dr. Robert L. DeVeaux is pastor-preacher, scholar, and social activist who has taken up the work of those gone before him, leading local and national efforts for a new generation of Americans. As Senior Pastor of The Humanity Baptist Church, he has developed an altruistic passion for faith, love and social justice, which not only has fueled his vision and mission for serving the community, but also believes are inseparable companions that form the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As pastor, he sees the whole community as his parish. His motto is “we come together on Sunday to be revived, restored, renewed, and re-empowered to go back into the community to serve.” Dr. DeVeaux has been a voice in the pulpit and the community on matters of race, equity, tolerance and justice in the city of Newark and across the nation. He has been an advocate for voting rights, criminal justice, health care, immigration and public-school reform.
His Mission: Faith & Social Justice
As part of his community engagement, he has initiated the Humanity Cares for All (HCA) Community Development Corporation, which is a non-profit 501(C) 3 corporation organized with a purpose to address the social, cultural, educational, economic, and physical course of Newark and vicinity. Humanity Cares has offered free Summer Camps for children as well as cosponsored a variety of community forums to address citizens concerns. Also, during his tenure, outreach and education are hallmarks of his ministry which has given birth to a couple of partnerships with local schools. He serves on the Baptist World Alliance Congress Committee (2020-2025) and Pillar College’s (Newark, NJ) Leadership Council (2022-2024).
A native of Washington, D. C., Dr. DeVeaux is an ordained American Baptist minister who has made a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. He holds degrees from Howard University, Washington, DC, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL.
Dr. DeVeaux is the author of From Apathy to Activism: Social Justice in the Black Church as well as the recipient of many awards and honors. Additionally, his ministry has taken him to four continents, various countries, and the Caribbean. Dr. DeVeaux is an avid reader, enjoys golf, traveling and loves live performances.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rev. DeVeaux’s leadership is that he believes in empowering the believers. He also partners with other leaders to empower and equip maturing members for significant service and ministry by discovering, developing, and deploying their spiritual gifts.
There are few things that has attracted me. I really enjoy the connection with the community. Rev. DeVeaux has a passion for the community. We are always tied to serving the local community in some fashion. Also, I like have the personal access to my pastor; he is very approachable.
Rev. DeVeaux’s really preaches the word. His messages have a way of staying with me all week long.