Winsetts’ ministry, leadership celebrated

Accolades of admiration and gratitude recently filled the banquet room at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville as the ministry and leadership of Rev. Dr. Joseph Van Alfred Winsett and his lovely wife, Jacqueline, were highlighted.
Master of Ceremony Rev. Charles Mock, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Erie, Pa., skillfully led an ensemble of admirers as Rev. Barbara Gunn, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist, in North Versailles, Pa.,  interpreted the Statement of Purpose. The spiritual sons and daughters of Rev. and Mrs. Winsett, who most benefited from their mentoring throughout the 39 years as pastorate at the historical Ebenezer Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, were more than eager to share their stories of the impact that the two had on their growth in ministry.

Though retired as pastor of Ebenezer, Rev. Dr. Winsett and Lady Jacqueline remained busy as instructors at the American Baptist Theological Seminary (Pittsburgh Extension). Reverend Dr. Winsett now serves as dean of students and a professor of Homiletics and Theology there. He is also supervisor of the Masters Teachers Division of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

Lady Jacqueline is actively involved in the Silver Cord Interdenominational Association of Ministers Wives and Widows and in the Allegheny Union Baptist Association Ministers Wives.
The comments expressed at the celebration told of Rev. Dr Winsett’s positive influence among Pittsburgh Baptist ministers and his ability to reach beyond denominational boundaries. Because of those skills, he earned him several honors, which include, Pastor of Pastors, Pittsburgh Trailblazer and Father In the Gospel.

The Winsetts are also known for their great contributions to foreign ministry. Reverend Dr. Winsett continues to serve as the liaison between the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. and the Baptist Convention of Germany; he and Lady Jacqueline have traveled to 58 countries teaching, preaching and evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He, a well credentialed and respected man of God, is a much sought after community and church counselor known for tutoring and sharing his wisdoms in ministry and inspiring those who desire to benefit from his experience. During the celebration, soloist and minister Karen Arrington brought the crowd to their feet with her rendition of the popular gospel song,  “Never Could Have Made It;” followed by dynamic speaker Rev. Dr William J. Shaw of Philadelphia.

The event was sponsored by the spiritual sons and daughters of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Winsett.

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