Church Pastor
About Us
Joel Shillingford was born in the French-Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe, however, he was raised and nurtured in the Commonwealth of Dominica of which he holds nationality. For the past eleven (11) years, he has shared his love and self in marriage with his long-time friend, Minerva Shillingford. They have two children, Jashur (Jah – Sher), a student at West Indies College Preparatory School and Jai, a toddler. He enjoys spending time together and considers them his first priority after God.He believes he received his call to ministry while being an 
electronic engineering student at DeVry University and thus his career path changed. He was prepared for Gospel Ministry first, by serving his local church in several offices including: Head Deacon, Elder, Ass. A.Y. Leader, Personal Ministry Leader, and more. He thereafter completed a B.A. in Religion at Northern Caribbean University, in 2015. In 2017, he further graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Counselling & Psychology with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy.
electronic engineering student at DeVry University and thus his career path changed. He was prepared for Gospel Ministry first, by serving his local church in several offices including: Head Deacon, Elder, Ass. A.Y. Leader, Personal Ministry Leader, and more. He thereafter completed a B.A. in Religion at Northern Caribbean University, in 2015. In 2017, he further graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Counselling & Psychology with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy.After employment with the CJC family, he was assigned in the Spur Tree district of churches as intern Pastor, under the stewardship of Pastor Rufus Anderson. Then on August 11, 2018, he was assigned to the Mile Gully District of churches - the district grew tremendously under his leadership and enjoyed a strong Pastor/Elder/Member alliance. On April, 30, 2022, Pastor Shillingford was ordained for the Gospel Ministry and was further equipped for rendering wider and greater service to the flock at the Mile Gully District of churches, where he served four fruitful years. Pastor Shillingford enjoys ministry and considers his time, thus far, as a Fruitful season of Christian Service.
Pastor Shillingford owes a dept of gratitude to some who have assisted in his ministry formation: Pastor Omri Davis, Pastor Rufus Anderson, Dr. Roy Dennis (both pastoral ministry and family life ministry), Pastor Sean Hamiltion, Pastor Latoya Forbes, Dr. Denton Rhone, Dr. Greg Baldeo.
Pastor Shillingford served the church as: High School teacher within the East Caribbean Conference field, colporteur (JAMU), and more recently, as Minister of the Gospel (JAMU). Since 2018, he sits on the Family-Life advisory committee and Publishing Board of the Central Jamaica Conference. He currently serves the Ministerial Professional Association of Central Jamaica Conference as Director for Education and Empowerment. He also sits on the Child Divergence Committee of the Parish of Manchester. As a licensed Ass. Counselling Psychologist, he engages frequently in the counselling of people with mental health and relational problems.He moves by the mantra: It is better to be walking in the right direction than to be running full might in the wrong direction.