Acts 17:11 says, “… for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so .” 

Such seems to be the threads that have woven the fabric of the life and ministry of Dr. Derek Joshua E’Lon Sr. 

Pastor Derek Joshua E’Lon, Sr.  Ed.D

Dr. Derek Joshua E’Lon, Sr. is a servant of God. Dr. E’Lon confessed his belief in Christ at the age of nine and was baptized. He joined the Mt. Abriam Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Grady Samuel Davie. He credits Pastor Davie and the members of Mt. Abriam for having a great influence on his upbringing in the Church.

Dr. E’Lon has had the anointing of God in his life for a very long time. After his baptism as a child, he began to work in the church teaching the pre-school Sunday school class at the age of 12 and becoming the youth president of the Wolverine District Congress at the age of 17. After graduating from Murry Wright High School, Dr. E’Lon, answered the call to preach the gospel at the age of 19. He enrolled in the Urban Bible Institute where he earned an associate degree in biblical education in 1988.

At the age of 20, Dr. E’Lon was licensed to preach the gospel by the late Rev. Dr. Grady Samuel Davie at Mt. Abriam Missionary Baptist Church. In 1989, he met and fell in love with Sherry Kellum and on August 13, 1990, they were married in Holy Matrimony. To their union, two beautiful children were born, Jasmine Sherry E’Lon Suggs and Derek Joshua E’Lon, II (Josh). In 1995, Dr. E’Lon and his family joined the Worldwide Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late William A. Cunningham. In 1996, Pastor Cunningham ordained Dr. E’Lon at Worldwide Missionary Baptist Church. For the next 16 years, Dr. E’Lon faithfully served Pastor Cunningham and the Worldwide Missionary Baptist Church.

While being an associate minister at Worldwide, Dr. E’Lon continued his educational endeavors. He received a bachelor’s in Social Work in 2004 from The University of Detroit Mercy and a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2006 from Eastern Michigan University. He was selected in 2005 and completed the Bridge to the Doctorate summer program at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He received a 2nd Master’s degree – Educational Specialist – from Grand Valley State University in 2015. In 2021 he graduated from North Central University receiving a Doctorate in Education.

In 2011, after 16 years of service at Worldwide Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. E’Lon founded Christian Life Baptist Church with the blessings of Pastor Cunningham and the Worldwide Church family. He pastored Christian Life for seven years successfully. After the passing of the Late William A. Cunningham, Dr. E’Lon was elected on December 16, 2018, and officially installed on January 27, 2019, as the next Pastor of Worldwide MBC. 

Dr. E’Lon is now currently working as a School Administrator in the charter school system in Detroit.

 In 2019 Pastor E’Lon lead many projects to completion. The naming and dedication of the fellowship hall as the “Calloway / Cunnigham Fellowship Hall”. Updated the Church with professional Signs on the exterior of the church building and on the interior’s Vestibule, Fellowship Hall, and Sanctuary Motorized Shade. The installation of new blinds in the Sanctuary. The installation of a new sound and audio/visual media system, complete with professional recording systems. The launching of a new interactive website and social media pages to help spread the Gospel to the lost, which also helps our members stay up to date on church events, lessons, and sermons and provide weekly encouragement.

During the Covid  2020 Pandemic until now, Dr. E’Lon Lead us through many situations

• Updated Security system adding cameras on the exterior of the Chruch
• Updated the internet system for the online Church media ministry 
• Continued the community outreach ministries (giving food and clothes on Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Sis E’Lon has immersed herself in the Children’s Ministry (Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, and other youth events) as one of the Directors and teachers. Sis. E’Lon also supports the music ministry with her voice when needed. 

Dr. E’Lon is looking forward to continuing in the ministry of reconciliation and spreading love and support in our community and around the world.