Dr. J. A. Gladney, the fourth of five children born to Henry and Magnolia Major Gladney in Okolona, Mississippi (Egypt), grew up in the Johnson Chapel M. B. Church in Shannon, Mississippi, and later attended the Second Baptist Church in Houlka, Mississippi. His father’s full-time pastoral role in Shannon, Mississippi, led the family to relocate.

Dr. Gladney’s academic journey has been truly blessed, with attendance at some of the world’s finest colleges and universities. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he also graduated as an honor student. His studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, further honed his skills, where he received another honor degree in Evangelism, Ecumenism, and Missiology (World Religion).

One of the most profound lessons he learned at ITC was the realization that he could equip individuals to make a significant impact on the world. His subsequent studies at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, culminated in the completion of his Doctor of Ministry degree. His dissertation focused on the topic of “Reconnecting the Local Church and Community through Multilateral Ecumenical Unity: The Church Speaking as One Voice with One Purpose.”

Dr. Gladney, a highly sought-after preacher and conference speaker, has had a remarkable impact on the Christian community. He has served as the Pastor of Grace Paradise Fellowship Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia, where the congregation grew exponentially under his guidance. Many souls were added to the kingdom, and the church flourished.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Dr. Gladney has held various leadership positions. He served as the President of the New Era Congress of Christian Education and is currently the Second Vice-President. He is also a community organizer and a strong supporter of preachers.

Dr. Gladney’s faith in unity and cooperation is deeply rooted in his belief that “together we stand, divided we fall.” He has been called to shepherd the great Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he has experienced tremendous growth. The mission God has given him for this flock is to involve every member in ministry, seek the lost, and strengthen the saved.

Recently, Dr. Gladney has returned to Johnson Chapel M B Church in Shannon, Mississippi, where he has already witnessed growth and God’s favor.

Dr. Gladney, a community activist and true public servant, serves on the Major Thoroughfare Committee for the City of Tupelo. He holds various positions, including Statician for the General Progressive Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, 2nd Vice President of the General Progressive Baptist State Convention, and Dean of the Congress. Additionally, he’s a committee member of the UNCF organization, the Committee for King, the Get Out To Vote Committee, and the Impact Committee. Dr. Gladney also served as the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Day speaker and is the President of Citizens For Lee County Drug Court.

As a teacher, he holds positions at the Interdenominational Theological Center Certificate in Theology Program/Site Coordinator in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Spring Hill District Congress. The Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Bible College Site Director/Teacher. Dr. Gladney’s commitment to public service extends beyond his professional life, and he actively participates in various community initiatives.

In his spare time, Dr. Gladney has written two books, with his latest being “Rediscovering the Pastoral Call and Responsibilities.”