Introduction:
Pastor J. Patrick Hayes is a man on a mission: dedicated to sharing the vision of God through the written Word. His commitment to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit has been unwavering. With the intent of shepherding God’s people into kingdom expansion, Pastor Hayes has spent decades ensuring growth through clear preaching of God’s Word and active church engagement.
Journey in Ministry:
His journey in ministry has spanned across various congregations and roles. In 2021, Pastor Hayes’ unwavering commitment and dedication were recognized as he was elevated to the position of Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Gospel Assembly in Bridgeport, CT. Serving at Ebenezer since 2009, he has been an integral part of the ministerial staff, taking on a range of responsibilities from teaching to assisting with church communications and even designing the initial streaming system during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His dedication led him to serve as a pastoral intern at the renowned Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, New York. There, he immersed himself in observing high-level business meetings, working with different ministries, and even contributing to the business operations of the church.
Earlier stints included significant roles at Carter Memorial COGIC in Baltimore, MD, where he was part of the ministerial staff and the lead designer for the church and district. At “Herald of His Coming” in Norfolk, VA, Pastor Hayes experienced transformative years from 1993 to 2000. It was here that significant milestones in his ministerial journey were marked. In 1994, Pastor Hayes was licensed as a minister, a testament to his growing role in the church. By 1997, his dedication and service were further recognized when he was ordained as an elder. During his tenure, he undertook a plethora of ministerial duties, including preaching for various services, one of which was a 30-minute weekly radio broadcast. Beyond these responsibilities, he actively participated in district meetings, monthly leadership trainings, and served in diverse roles, from worship leader and singer to teacher and mentor.
Pastor Hayes dedicated a decade of his life to serving in the US Navy, from 1990 to 2000. One of the standout moments in this decade-long journey was his service as the Military Ship’s Pastor on the USNS Kanawha, where he served for a year. Certified as a Military Ministry Leader, he not only preached for all services but also provided spiritual counseling to the ship’s staff and new believers. His commitment to service was further evident during his tenure on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), which spanned five years. Onboard the Theodore Roosevelt, Pastor Hayes showcased his musical talents by being an active member of the ship’s choir. Additionally, he became an integral part of a Pentecostal ministry onboard. Through this role, he had the unique opportunity to minister to diverse individuals across the world, touching souls in places like Greece, St. Thomas, and Italy.
Grace Cathedral Ministries in Sumter, SC, holds a special place in Pastor Hayes’ spiritual journey. Serving there from 1988 to 1993 and then from 2005 to 2009, he was deeply immersed in various church activities. This ministry nurtured his leadership skills, especially during his involvement in year-long teaching initiatives. Furthermore, his role in the Audio Visual Ministry showcased his dedication to ensuring the effective delivery of God’s message. The values and experiences gained at Grace Cathedral have been instrumental in shaping Pastor Hayes’ approach to ministry.
During his formative years, Patrick and his family settled in Connecticut, joining the congregation of Ebenezer Gospel Assembly. This church wasn’t just a place of worship for the Hayes family; it was the first church Pastor Hayes distinctly remembers from his youth. His mother found spiritual guidance under the mentorship of Mother Lashley, and his father deepened his biblical understanding in Sunday school, led by the esteemed Mother Jeffer Mae Brown. This commitment to spiritual education extended further as both Pastor Hayes’ father and mother enrolled in theological studies at the Foundation Bible Institute, guided by the expert teachings of Dr. Edgar Lashley.
Educational Background:
Pastor Hayes boasts a diverse educational background. He earned his Bachelor’s in Science, specializing in Computer Information Systems with honors, from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT, in 2018. His deep-rooted passion for theology led him to pursue and attain a graduate degree in theology from the esteemed North Carolina College of Theology.
Earlier in his academic journey, Pastor Hayes acquired an Associate’s in Theological Studies from Zion Christian Academy Bible Institute in Bridgeport, CT, in 2009. As a testament to his dedication, he was the class valedictorian and even served as an instructor for an academic year.
Further emphasizing his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth, Pastor Hayes completed the Department of Veteran Affairs LEAD Program and the State of Connecticut Mediator Training.
Personal Life:
On the personal front, Pastor Hayes is blessed with a wonderful family. He is married to Indi Hayes, an accomplished individual with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and an MBA with a focus on Certified Public Accounting. Together, they are proud parents to six children, and their family has further expanded with four grandchildren and six godchildren.
Pastor Hayes was licensed as a Minister in June 1995 and was ordained in September 1998. When he isn’t immersed in his ministerial duties, he pursues interests such as book writing, pen making, graphic design, and spending quality time with his family.
