MEET OUR PASTORS
Michael A. Taylor, Jr.
Senior Pastor
JaNean Stubbs-Taylor
Senior Pastor
THE MAN
Michael A. Taylor Jr. didn't grow up with a traditional church background, but his family
instilled in him strong values and a deep sense of purpose from a young age. His personal
journey to faith began at the age of seventeen at New Psalmist Baptist Church. A native of
Baltimore, he was raised in the Park Heights community, attended Forest Park Senior High
School, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Coppin State University. He
also completed the Theological Institute Certification Program at Shiloh Christian Center.
THE MINISTRY
From 1995 to 2007, Michael had the privilege of serving under his mentor and pastor, Bishop
Walter Scott Thomas of New Psalmist Baptist Church. Through Bishop Thomas's guidance and
leadership, Michael received foundational training and discovered his calling to ministry.
Following God's leading, Michael joined Friendship Baptist Church-Turner Station in 2007,
where he preached his initial sermon. He served as an Associate Minister and joined the pastoral
staff under the leadership of Pastor Cedric Perry Sr. Michael's commitment to strengthening his
faith and dedication to God's work led him to serve on the Leadership Team alongside Bishop
Frank Reid at Bethel AME from 2012 to 2015. For the past seven years, Michael has been part of
the ministerial staff at Divine Wisdom Christian Baptist Church, where he has taken on roles
including Minister of Protocol, Chairman of the Security Ministry, Chairman of the Men’s
Ministry, Discipleship Teacher, and New Member’s Class Teacher.
In 2020, Michael and his wife, JaNean, answered the call to plant a church in South Carolina,
resulting in the formation of the Living in Faith Together Fellowship (LIFT). As a pastor,
Michael is dedicated to emulating Jesus Christ’s ministry through acts of genuine love and
compassion. LIFT operates as a virtual sanctuary, offering a space for spiritual growth and
community connection.
THE MISSION
Together with the leaders and members of the Living in Faith Together Fellowship, Michael is on
a mission to educate, equip, and empower individuals to live their best lives. This mission is
fulfilled by studying, implementing, and living out the principles taught by Jesus Christ. LIFT is
dedicated to helping people, regardless of their challenges, fears, or conditions, discover the
answers and strategies they need to live their best lives through the all-sufficient power of Christ.
A LEGACY OF TENACITY, INTEGRITY, AND CONSISTENCY
JaNean Stubbs-Taylor is known for her unrelenting tenacity, unapologetic integrity, and
irrefutable consistency, which makes her a breath of fresh air in her professional life and
ministry.
A native of Maryland, JaNean holds a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor's Degree in
Business Management with a minor in Finance. As a visionary entrepreneur, she serves as the
CEO & Founder of Fruits of Finance and the Managing Member of Ill Fold Transport, LLC. Her
extensive experience working with leaders across faith-based, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors
inspired the development of a ministry grounded in her professional knowledge. As Founder &
CEO, JaNean leverages her creativity to help individuals and organizations achieve financial
clarity and discipline.
Driven by her unique perspective and commitment to educating, equipping, and empowering
others toward extraordinary financial success, JaNean authored her first book and accompanying
workbook, The Nine Fruits of Finance, a practical guide to obtaining and managing wealth. Her
passion for entrepreneurship led to the publication of additional works, including Does Money
Really Grow on Trees?, a children’s book, Entrepreneurs of Excellence, a guide for building a
prosperous business, ReCover Call: 21 Days to Financial Fluency, a 21-day journey to financial
generosity, and UnBalanced Bonds: Navigating Love and Money When Things Tilt, a guide for
couples to maintain harmony when financial stress arises.
JaNean also founded The Kingdom Vision Team, a panel of strategic industry-focused
professionals dedicated to turning Kingdom vision into financial provision. Additionally, she
launched Mentor Me, a program designed to support women in their personal and professional
growth. Further expanding her impact, JaNean created her own financial apparel line, Wear What
You Declare, which encourages individuals to boldly express their financial declarations.
A natural teacher, JaNean delivers poised and perfected messages of faith blended with practical
application whenever she is granted the opportunity to speak. Her engaging style has made her a
sought-after guest speaker for pastors, ministries, and conferences nationwide.
JaNean’s commitment to service and stability began at her home church, Divine Wisdom
Christian Community Baptist Church, where Apostle Ruby Gilliam serves as Senior Pastor.
There, JaNean served as a Licensed Associate Minister, Minister of Finance, Co-Chair of the
Acquisition Team, Chair of the Marketing Ministry, Co-Chair of the Women’s Ministry, and a
member of the first class of the Divine Wisdom College Institute. In 2020, JaNean and her
husband, Michael, answered the call to plant a church in South Carolina, resulting in the creation
of the Living in Faith Together Fellowship (LIFT). As a pastor, JaNean is dedicated to emulating
Jesus Christ’s ministry through service marked by genuine love and compassion. LIFT operates
as a virtual sanctuary, providing a space for spiritual growth and community connection.
To some, she is a teacher, mentor, and coach; to others, an advocate and friend. To all, she is a
tangible resource and asset, unafraid to define success by her own standards. Despite her many
roles and achievements, JaNean finds her greatest joy and fulfillment in her personal life as a
loving wife to her best friend, business, and spiritual partner, Michael, and as a supportive
mother to her three sons, Devin, Delroy, and DeVone. Her passionate servant spirit continues to
guide her steps in her career and beyond as she seeks to fulfill God’s purpose for her life.