Our Pastor
Credit: Xanthe Elbrick Photography
A Heart for the Bronx
The Rev. Dr. Joel R. Grassi serves as the Senior Pastor of Commonwealth Community Baptist Church. A graduate of Pensacola Christian College and holder of a Doctor of Theology degree, Pastor Joel brings a deep academic background to his heart for urban ministry.
An experienced teacher, writer, and speaker, Pastor Joel has taught everywhere from public school classrooms to seminaries in Peru, Ireland, and Japan. He loves teaching the Bible at Commonwealth.
Before serving at Commonwealth, Pastor Joel spent time pastoring in Westchester County and taught as a seminary professor. In 2013, he was unanimously nominated to lead our congregation.
Educational Background
Emmanuel Baptist
Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology
Jewish Theological Seminary
Biblical Hebrew Certificate
Biblical Hebrew Certificate
Alliance Theological Seminary
Post-Graduate Work
Post-Graduate Work