Claude L. White Jr. answered the call to serve as Pastor of Grace Baptist Church on March 28, 2014. Twelve years later, he continues to lead the congregation with a clear vision for spiritual growth, biblical fidelity, and compassionate ministry.

Pastor White preaches Christ from the text, develops leaders on purpose, and gives himself to the pastoral care of the people. He counts it a sacred trust to shepherd Grace Baptist Church — a congregation that values sound doctrine, genuine fellowship, and real engagement with the community around it. His aim in every sermon is to lead people into new life in Christ. Each day begins in prayer and Scripture, out of a settled conviction that the Word of God must be handled rightly.

Pastor White is a graduate of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. He holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in New Testament from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and both a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies, with a concentration in Preaching, from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Beyond the local church, Pastor White is active in denominational and civic leadership. He serves as Director General of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Moderator of the Central Baptist District Association; and Director of the Pastors’ Conference for the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Inc. He is a life member of the NAACP and of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Pastor White was married to Lady Renée M. White for nineteen years until her passing in 2022. He is a devoted father, and remains deeply committed to his family and to his calling to serve God’s people with integrity, compassion, and faithfulness.

Biography

Claude L. White Jr. answered the call to serve as Pastor of Grace Baptist Church on March 28, 2014. Twelve years later, he continues to lead the congregation with a clear vision for spiritual growth, biblical fidelity, and compassionate ministry.

Pastor White preaches Christ from the text, develops leaders on purpose, and gives himself to the pastoral care of the people. He counts it a sacred trust to shepherd Grace Baptist Church — a congregation that values sound doctrine, genuine fellowship, and real engagement with the community around it. His aim in every sermon is to lead people into new life in Christ. Each day begins in prayer and Scripture, out of a settled conviction that the Word of God must be handled rightly.

Pastor White is a graduate of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. He holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in New Testament from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and both a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies, with a concentration in Preaching, from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Beyond the local church, Pastor White is active in denominational and civic leadership. He serves as Director General of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Moderator of the Central Baptist District Association; and Director of the Pastors’ Conference for the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Inc. He is a life member of the NAACP and of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Pastor White was married to Lady Renée M. White for nineteen years until her passing in 2022. He is a devoted father, and remains deeply committed to his family and to his calling to serve God’s people with integrity, compassion, and faithfulness.