Community outreach is his passion

The Reverend John-Mark Bartlett is the charismatic pastor of Pentecostal Tabernacle in Kingston who walked away from his association with the Rastafarian movement 27 years ago.

His new-birth experience came in 1983 when he was baptised and filled with the Holy Ghost. This happened at Pentecostal Tabernacle, where he would become pastor 21 years later, adopting a transformational style of leadership.

Our guest editor is a marriage officer and an ordained minister of the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica (UPCJ). He has served as assistant national superintendent and member of the National Board since February 2004. He served as assistant national superintendent with responsibility for regional affairs from 2004-2008. He also served as presbyter for Kingston and lower St Andrew in the former district system - in the Eastern District - and has served in the Home Missions and Pentecostal Conquerors Departments at the national level.

This inspired Bible teacher is one of the key presenters on 'Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth', a locally produced radio programme of the UPCJ, and has lectured at the eastern campus of the Caribbean Bible Institute for four years until 2009.

Family life

Bartlett, born and raised in Kingston, is an only child. He was educated at Wolmer's Boys' School and worked in the insurance industry before entering the ministry full time in 1999. He is married to Alecia and is the proud father of five children - Stephen-Paul, David, twins Rachel and Matthew, and Joseph.

Bartlett is passionate about community-outreach activities and has a keen interest in the work of church organisations to assist in addressing the social ills plaguing the country.

He enjoys reading and sports, particularly cricket. His sharp wit and infectious sense of humour have endeared him to many.

During Bartlett's tenure as pastor, Pentecostal Tabernacle was a recipient of the 2005 Gleaner Honour Award for voluntary service.