A God-Sent Preacher With a Purpose
Bishop Harold Nathaniel Brooks, Jr. serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, leading with bold vision, unwavering faith, and a heart devoted to God's people. A dynamic preacher and compassionate shepherd, he has strengthened the church's spiritual foundation while guiding it into a season of renewed growth, powerful worship, and transformative community impact.
Bishop Brooks credits his maternal grandmother, Anna Stinger — a humble laborer in the vineyard of Providence Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia — for his early exposure to the Great Commission and for nurturing his sense of higher calling. He began his ministerial walk in 1994 after expressing an "irresistible urge to preach," was licensed in 1996, and joined Purity Baptist Church in January 2000, where the late Rev. Dr. J. Terry Wingate ordained him that September.
"A Sanctuary in the Heart of Southeast Washington, DC — With a Heart to Serve."
In April 2002, Bishop Brooks was called to pastor Zion Baptist Church of Eastland Gardens, Washington, DC. He was then called to First Baptist in December 2004 and installed as its 14th Pastor on April 5, 2005 — a role in which he has served with distinction for two decades.
A native of Washington, DC, Bishop Brooks is an honors graduate of Howard University, holding both an M.Div. and a B.A. in Communications. He earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Virginia Union University in May 2007. On August 27, 2022, he was consecrated as Bishop at Rock Christian Center in Falls Church, Virginia, uniting with the Global United Fellowship as District Bishop of Washington, DC. In July 2024, he received the District Leader of the Year award from the Mid-Atlantic Province of the Global United Fellowship.
Bishop Brooks is the son of the late Harold Nathaniel, Sr. and Marian Louise Brooks. He is married to First Lady LaTanya Thomas Brooks, and together they are blessed with four children: Dr. KiAnna Marie, Jazmyne N'Dae, Harold III, and Indya Grace.
The Five E's of First Baptist
Under Bishop Brooks' leadership, First Baptist is a community anchored in five core values that shape every ministry, outreach, and act of service.
Establishing Biblical-based curriculum for all ages, equipping minds and souls with the knowledge of God's Word.
Breaking the emotional, financial, and spiritual bondage of the people through the liberating power of the Gospel.
Implementing programs to address the needs of members and the surrounding Southeast DC community.
Building upon the power and legacy of First Baptist by establishing higher levels of Christian greatness.
Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ inside and outside the walls of the church — locally and globally.