Pastor Jerome Goodson Sr.

The Beginning...

Pastor Jerome Goodson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 30, 1955. He was the 4th of 7 children born to Deacon Nathaniel and Ruth Goodson. He excelled academically and graduated from Overbrook High School. His thirst for a greater understanding of God influenced him to enter Jamison School of Ministry. He then continued his studies, a student in the Pastoral Studies Program at Palmer, Theological Seminary. Pastor Jerome, as a child, had an early Christian exposure. He was reared at the Memorial Church of God in Christ. He faithfully attended Sunday school and participated in the Youth Fellowship Ministry. He took great pride in his athletic pursuit, basketball being his sport of choice, and soon playing and coaching with “PAL” Police Athletic League. Early in life he developed strong work ethics. As a youngster, he transported groceries to seniors in the community and washed cars. As he matured into young adulthood, he was employed by Bryn Mawr College where he worked for many years. He eventually moved on to work for Boeing Aviation, where he achieved his certification as a composite fabricator and assembler. He worked as a General Helicopter Mechanic.

Spiritual Birthline

After leaving Memorial Church of God in Christ, Pastor Goodson soon joined The New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, under the spiritual leadership of the late Rev. Lawrence West, Sr. During that time, he submitted to the call of God in 1970, and was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by, Bishop O.T Jones, Jr. in 1976. His many gifts and leadership abilities at New Jerusalem privileged him to serve as an Usher, Youth Leader, Sunday School teacher, Associate Pastor and Project Manager of the church’s $250,000 renovation project. The mission was accomplished. He often made testimony to how God keeps his promise of provisions for his people using his favorite scripture that can be found in the New Testament, Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power of the worketh in us.” 

    Pastor Jerome Goodson’s spiritual pilgrimage led him to establish Safe Haven Ministry in 1999. He was inspired to fulfill the cultural and evangelistic mandate by God, to touch the lives of God’s people, by moving them towards God, by word and deed. In 2006 while traveling, Pastor Jerome stopped to assist a young college student who was stranded on the side of the road. Pastor Jerome was struck by an oncoming car and suffered a number of serious injuries. This served as an epiphany for the college student because he changed his major from engineering to concentrating on the health field.  Once able, Pastor Jerome established a home Bible study while recuperating from a miraculous healing from God. God’s amazing grace raised up Pastor Goodson, and in 2012, he accepted the call of God and became the transitional Pastor of Fellowship Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, recommended by the pastoral search committee. The pastoral transitional assignment occurred in, July 2013, when he was installed as Pastor of Fellowship Christian Church, Disciples of Christ by then Regional Minister, Rev. Jack Sullivan. Pastor Jerome loved the Fellowship Christian Church family. He had love and compassion for the elderly, and often visited nursing facilities advocating when needed. 

Social Justice and Community Outreach 

Pastor Jerome was a champion for Social Justice and Community Outreach. His focus was on the injustices of the poor and the vulnerable. He simply saw people as God saw them. He initiated the Men’s Unity Ministry and partnered with West Philly Voting Bloc. He also partnered with Power of Peace Violence Reduction Initiative, and Revolution Vision. During the pandemic, the context of his pulpit was located outside within the community. He was committed to the food program, getting food to those in need, often transporting to those with no means of transportation. He also was passionate about prison reform. He was a resource for many people seeking advice and/or needing him to advocate by writing character letters to judges etc. Pastor Jerome would also send monetary gifts to help with commissary to those who needed it.

Legacy

Pastor Goodson was devoted to his family and cared for them with love. He had great pride in his children and grandchildren. He loved all of his siblings, and have supported 3 of his brothers and their ministries, who serve as Pastors. Pastor Goodson was loved by the Christian community, as well as other spiritual communities, and was known to have charismatic conversations about the game of basketball. Everyone knew he was a Lakers fan and a San Francisco 49ers Fan. On December 23rd, 2020 Pastor Jerome Goodson transitioned to his eternal resting place. He leaves to cherish his amazing life and legacy to his children Tiffany Goodson, Felicia Goodson, Jerome Goodson, Jr. His grandchildren whom he immensely loved, Nasir, Farrah and Ryene. His loving mother whom he adored, Mother Ruth E Goodson. His siblings who loved him to life, Nathaniel Jr., (Audrey), William(Billy), Marina “ Jackie”, a special brother in law and friend (Lloyd), Jennifer, Jeffrey, (Barbara), Mark, (Vanessa), and a host of nieces and nephews of whom he established great relationships with. Special cousins from Hillside and East Orange New Jersey, very special friends, Leonard Burks, Cleveland Ohio, and longtime friend of the family, Karen Scott.

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