We Motivate and Inspire
Founded on October 19, 1953, Greater St. John Baptist Church in Dundalk has faithfully served Maryland communities for over 70 years. Under the leadership of Rev. M. Jamal Foster, our mission is to motivate, uplift, and inspire people to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
We are committed to living out the Word and being examples of Christ in every area of our lives:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” — I Timothy 4:12
At GSJ, we don’t just gather—we grow, we serve, and we become all that God has called us to be.
Our Pastor
Rev. Dr. M. Jamal Foster, D.Min.
Pastor M. Jamal Foster is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was biblically nurtured by his grandmother in Northwest Baltimore and educated through Baltimore City Catholic Schools.
Grounded early in faith, discipline, and service, he went on to pursue a distinguished course of higher education that reflects both academic excellence and ministerial preparation.
Pastor Foster earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law and Music from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; a Master’s degree in Church Leadership from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey.
Pastor Foster earned his Doctorate of Ministry in Old Testament from Andersonville Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Regent University.
​
Grounded in the rich preaching and teaching tradition of Concord Baptist Church of Baltimore under the pastorates of Rev. Matthew Silver and Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Jones, Pastor Foster later answered the call to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On May 13, 1993, he received his license to preach from the Greater Gethsemane Christian Fellowship.
Rev. Foster was later ordained in September 1998 by Carlton Pearson at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His ordination marked a continued commitment to ministry that bridges faith, leadership, and community engagement.
Over the years, Rev. Foster has received numerous awards and recognitions honoring his outstanding service to both the church and the broader community. These honors reflect a ministry grounded in impact, integrity, and faithful leadership beyond the walls of the church. Among his accolades is a Baltimore City Mayoral Citation for Excellent Service to the Community, acknowledging his dedication to uplifting lives and strengthening neighborhoods.
As a distinguished collegiate and youth minister, Rev. Foster was also recognized as one of the Northeastern States’ Top 50 Youth Pastors, affirming his influential work with young people during a critical season of their spiritual and personal development.
Pastor Foster continued to expand his ministry by faithfully serving in interim and itinerant pastorates across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Northern New Jersey, the Greater New York City area, and Central and Southern Connecticut. These assignments allowed him to strengthen congregations, support leadership transitions, and minister effectively across diverse communities and contexts.
Under the direction of God, Pastor Foster was called in July 2016 to serve as Assistant to the Pastor at the Greater St. John Baptist Church of Turner Station. He later served as Assistant Pastor, and on July 2, 2017, Pastor Foster was elected to serve as Pastor of Greater St. John Baptist Church, where he continues to lead with vision, faith, and a heart for community.
Pastor Foster succeeded Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lewis, Sr., who served Greater St. John for nearly 40 years as its senior pastor.
Pastor Foster retired in December 2009, leaving behind an outstanding, esteemed, and remarkable career in law enforcement.
Pastor Foster honorably served in the United States Armed Forces (active duty and reserves, respectively). He is happily married to Reverend Daphne Foster, who he affectionately referred to as "Reverend Lady D," and is the proud father of three God-fearing and wonderful children - Taylor, Keemya, and MJ.
Well respected by colleagues and community leaders alike, Pastor M. Jamal Foster is an active member of American Legion Post #263 in Catonsville, Maryland. He currently serves as President of the Baptist Pastors Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity (2023–Present) and as 2nd Vice President of the United Baptist Missionary Convention & Auxiliaries of Maryland (2020–Present).
In addition, Pastor Foster maintains active involvement in several other community, civic, and fraternal organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to collaborative leadership and service beyond the church walls.
Pastor Foster is also an accomplished Director of Music, gifted in percussion and bass, and he seamlessly weaves creativity into ministry. Music is one of the many tools he uses to connect with people, build unity, and inspire willing and faithful followers of Christ.
His ministry is marked by encouragement, authenticity, and a genuine desire to see individuals and communities thrive.
With a heart to uplift and empower, Pastor Foster challenges all to walk boldly in what God has ordained for their lives—spiritually grounded, purpose-driven, and community-minded.
​
📧 Contact Pastor M. Jamal Foster:
Pastor@GSJBC-Turnerstation.com