Pastor Jean Mary Saint Elien Biography
Senior Pastor of the Grace and Hope Community Church, Burlington County of New Jersey.
The beginning
Pastor Jean Mary Saint Elien’s spiritual journey began at a very young age. At the age of 10, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and just a year later, he got baptized. His upbringing was steeped in spirituality as his late father was a Senior Pastor of a Baptist church which led to his Baptist doctrinal foundation in the church. Growing up in this biblically grounded environment and witnessing the ministry of his older brother had left a positive impact on himand a deep love for God.
At the age of 20, Jean Mary embarked on a new chapter when he migrated to the United States, where he found a home in New Jersey with his mother and siblings. Driven by a desire for independence, he ventured beyond the comfort of his family home, and moved to New York City. He eventually found his place within the vibrant community of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, and later became a member of Gospel Crusade Church. Simultaneously, he began pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, marking the beginning of his academic journey. After some years, he married his beautiful wife, Rose M Saint Elien of 26 years now. Together, they have lovingly raised four wonderful children.
Education
Pastor Saint Elien educational journey encompasses a rich array of accomplishments. He dedicated four years to Biblical Studies at the esteemed Sante D’Etudes (Bible School), completing his studies in 2000. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Rowan University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University and is a certified Medical Biller and Coder. Beyond his academic pursuits, Pastor Saint Elien’s talents extend to the realm of home designing and construction, where he demonstrates exceptional skills. Presently, he serves as a Mathematics Teacher within the Philadelphia School District and an Adjunct Professor at Rowan College of Burlington County, nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Ministry
This servant of God has been ministering for 28 years and holds diverse ministerial positions.Although he had received a formal biblical education, after graduating from Sante D’etude, his number one aspiration was not to become a pastor but to serve wherever God would call him. Hefelt in due time, through his ministry and service, God would reveal his call when God saw fit.
Former Church Ministries posts and Experiences
Pastor Saint Elien’s journey in ministry began when he received an offer to spearhead the worship service at a local community church. As the overseer, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly, nurturing new preachers from the bible school to join him in preaching and worship. He also brought in talented musicians, soloists, and hosted impactful revivals. This man of God’s dedication and excellence in building the worship service and ministering to the church community earned him numerous awards and recognition from church leaders.
While serving at the Wesleyan church, he went on to hold positions at his home church, Gospel Crusade. He initially started as a driver, transporting young preachers to various churches to deliver their messages, and taking them to bible school classes, as he was the only one with a car at the time (1993). He then went on to become the Youth President, coordinating the Couple Ministry Group known at his mother church and taught Sunday School for years.
In 2001, upon returning to New Jersey, Pastor Saint Elien embarked on a fruitful ministry at the Willingboro Haitian Baptist Church. Despite his move, for some times he remained dedicated to his home church’s youth and young adult ministries. Meanwhile, at the Haitian Baptist Church in NJ, he assumed the role of President of the Youth Ministry, captivating the youth through biblical studies, camp ministries, musical concerts, conferences and recreational programs. Under his guidance, the youth flourished, finding salvation, and undergoing baptism. Jean Mary’s unwavering commitment to mentoring young ministers, nurturing singers, and organizing revivals and camping events significantly enriched their spiritual lives.
Pastor Saint Elien further served at Haitian Baptist Church by taking on various other ministry roles. He was a dedicated Sunday School Teacher and the Director of the impactful Vacation Bible School (VBS), overseeing the entire program. Jean Mary’s heartfelt leadership with the VBS ministry led to over 100 youth finding salvation through altar calls. Additionally, he served as the minister for the Youth Sunday English Service, known as “Children Moment,” which played a pivotal role in producing preachers, soloists, worship leaders, and transforming the lives of young people. His contributions extended to coordinating the men’s ministry, assisting the Superintendent of Sunday School, and overseeing the Church Engineering Sound System, where he trained numerous young adults to function.
Mission/Evangelism Ministry
Pastor Saint Elien’s impact extends far beyond the church and his local community. He actively participated in mission trips to Haiti with Samaritan’s Purse, where he played a crucial role in building houses for those left homeless in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. In addition, he worked alongside the American Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, providing vital support by offering food, counseling, and meeting the needs of those affected by the disaster.
Moreover, this servant contributed his skills and expertise to the Southern Baptist Association of New Jersey’s Blue Hat Disaster Relief program. In this leadership role, he was responsible for training and guiding lay workers from churches across New Jersey. Representing the Southern Baptist Church of New Jersey, he provided biblical training to equip and empower fellow church members who were eager to serve in the field of ministry.
Community Work/Volunteer
Pastor Saint Elien served the community in various other capacities. For three years, he dedicated his time and expertise as a Soccer Coach for the Township of Cinnaminson, leaving a positive imprint on the lives of young athletes. Through his commitment to coaching and his passion for the sport, he not only nurtured their athletic abilities but also instilled invaluable life skills and character development.
Furthermore, he was guided by the biblical call to provide sustenance for both the body and soul, leading him to actively participate in feeding programs, ensuring that those in need are nourished and spiritually cared for. Pastor Saint Elien also selflessly offers his time to assist individuals who are financially unable to hire home constructors. His dedication to serving others reflects his deep commitment to the biblical call for us to love and help thy neighbor.
Pastoral Call
Pastor Saint Elien became the Board Chair of Grace & Hope Community Church for four years. In addition to his role as the Board Chair, he served as the administrator, overseer, counselmembers and preaching the word of God.
Pastor Jean Mary Saint Elien was eventually ordained as Senior Pastor in 2023 by way of member voting and a pastoral biblical examination to officially to assume the role of Senior Pastor to spearhead a spirit filled church known as Grace and Hope Community Church (GHCC), where he would continue to engage in pastoral counseling, stewardship, leading the church body to mission, evangelism, building a stronger church leadership and disciple church members God has entrusted under his care.
Pastor Jean Mary’s Statement of Faith
Jean Mary’s faith is firmly rooted in the Trinity—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—and holds a deep belief in the Bible as the inherent word of God. He strongly believes the church has a vital role to disciple its members in Evangelization/mission and nurture itsmembers for their spiritual growth.
He believes he is called to carry out the great Commission as it is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15 and Acts 1:8. To strive toward Christian maturity through our daily living, teachings, and fellowship. To seek to minister to the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical needs of its community and to promote Christian brotherhood and fellowship.
This humble servant of God responded to the divine call to serve 28 years ago, desiring only to fulfill God’s will wherever and whenever he is called. Jean Mary continues to selflessly serve, remaining open and receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. His ultimate aspiration is to heed the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, reaching the lost one soul at a time through love and the sharing of God’s transformative word.
