Rev. Dr. Dana P. Owens

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Reverend Dr. Dana P. Owens is the 12^th pastor of the historic Messiah Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. Having served 20 years as Messiah’s spiritual leader, Messiah has witnessed significant growth in membership and ministry and has impacted the lives of countless individuals in and around the East Orange and Essex County community.

Rev. Dr. Owens’ journey in ministry began after completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and African-American Studies from Wright State University in Dayton. Seeking to equip himself with the theological tools necessary for ministry, Rev. Dr. Owens enrolled at United Theological Seminary in Dayton and later transferred to New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) in New York City where he earned a Master of Divinity Degree (M. Div.) and was awarded the Keith A. Russell Student Preacher Award. Driven to incorporate community advocacy with his pastoral calling, Rev. Dr. Owens was accepted as an Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Fellow at NYTS and in 2023 earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree.

Rev. Dr. Owens’ commitment to community advocacy and social justice extends beyond his pastoral duties. He actively collaborates with other faith leaders, local organizations, and government officials to promote positive change and foster a more just and inclusive society. His board affiliations include the East Orange Clergy Association (EOCA), New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition (NJBEC), Messiah Baptist Church Federal Credit Union (MBCFCU), Urban Healthcare Initiative Program (UHIP), and Carewell Health Community Advisory Group, formerly known as East Orange General Hospital.

Rev. Owens has been married for 26 years to Shalonda Bayless-Owens.