Pastor Ezra L. Tillman, Jr., is a proud native of Detroit, Michigan. He accepted Christ at a young age and was spiritually nourished under the Pastoral leadership of the late Dr. John L. Webb of the New Mt. Vernon M.B.C. He humbly accepted the call of God into the Gospel Ministry and is currently the proud Pastor of First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. A Godly man who supports the members with prayer and spiritual guidance.
Education: Pastor Tillman has a passion for God’s Word and His people and is a proponent of education; he began his studies and has earned multiple Degrees; a Doctorate in Theological Studies, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership (M.A.O.L.), a Master of Ministry (M. Min.) in Biblical Counseling Degree, and a Bachelor of Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.).
Ecclesiastical; Pastor Tillman started his pastoral ministry as Assistant Pastor of Greater Middle Missionary Baptist Church, in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2009. His knowledge of God’s Word, having a servant’s heart, and understanding of others allowed him to be effective in leading lost souls to Christ. Since then, he has been called to Pastor in Cleveland Heights Ohio, Flint Michigan, and now serves as the Pastor of First Baptist Piney Grove of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. This man of God conveys his love of God through his dynamic and anointed approach to gospel preaching, sound teaching and soul stirring singing. A compassionate man of God shows love and respect to the young, the elderly, and the unchurch, because their eternal destiny is at hand.
Community: Pastor Tillman is no stranger to public service. While serving in Flint he impacted the community at large during the Flint Water Crisis. When government did not have a solution, Pastor Tillman provided The Water Box in partnership with actor and philanthropist Jaden Smith. The Water Box is a portable water filtration system that can fill up a five-gallon jug of water in 30 seconds. Due to his leadership, Pastor Tillman was awarded the Key to the City of Flint in 2020, making him the youngest pastor to receive this prestigious recognition to date. In recognizing the uncertainties surrounding health as a result of the water crisis, Pastor Tillman alongside his wife Catrina, founded the Revive Community Health Center. Revive aids in decreasing maternal/infant mortality and low birth weight in the African American population in Flint/Genesee County.
Today, many dreams, hopes and aspirations are being reintroduced under this great man of God. He is influencing change and bringing hope to his church family and anyone else he encounters daily. Pastor Tillman has a heart for family and is married to Catrina Tillman of 15 years; a God fearing, spirit filled First Lady in her own right. Together they have been blessed with four sons: Ezra, Micah, Isaac, and Luke.
