Get to know our Pastor

We’re so excited for you to get to know the heart and story of our new Pastor. We sat down with Pastor Isaac and asked him a few fun and thoughtful questions about his life, his calling, and his vision for our church. His answers are full of faith, encouragement, and a deep love for God and people.

Here’s what he shared with us…

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Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity given me to share a bit about my life. My name is Isaac Minkah, who hails from Ghana in West Africa, where faith is not just part of life but “life itself”. My father Paul Minkah and mother, Danso Mercy. I attended Presbyterian elementary school in Ghana. I have three other siblings in Ghana. I had my high school education, furthered to pursue Statistics, also Bachelors in Economics and Statistics, Diploma in Education. I taught High School Mathematics, and Economics for twelve in Ghana. I was a school Chaplain. I had my master of Divinity from Drew University, Madison, NJ. I have served as a Chaplain in Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ; I have served as an intern Chaplain at OverLook Medical Center, Summit, NJ. Before coming to Tuckerton UMC, I was serving as a pastor to Park Ave. Saint John’s UMC, RISE Church, and Ghana Calvary UMC all in East Orange and Verona, NJ respectively.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ghana, a very humble beginning and threat free community known for our hospitability. Loving, respectful, Godfearing and family oriented. My was shaped in the early stages through family, Sunday school and the community. Our country is structured in such a way that an elderly person can easily instruct and correct if one is found going wayward. He or she may not necessarily be a relative. I grew up in Ghana, in a town called Bekwai small villages Apewu and Banso) where my parents were raised in the Ashanti region. We were intentionally trained to respect elderly, and how to talk to them. In all these, and the challenges I faced, I was resilient and determined to make an impact in life as a whole. Life wasn’t easy in these communities, people struggled to have all that they needed, especially basic necessities, but I knew one thing for sure, that God has a plan for me and for everyone, who trusts in Him. Most of us went through our basic education in our community without electricity. We studied with lamps or lanterns meant for the whole household. Sometimes, you have to wait for everyone to sleep before having access to the lantern to study. It was a huge hindrance many of us, however, some of us, were able to sail through by God’s grace and his plans and purpose for our lives. This makes faith in God very formidable, because I know what He has done in my life.

Can you share a bit about your family?

I am married to Gifty,and we are blessed with three handsome boys; Nathan, Divine, and Melvin. I loved my family and I am a family oriented person. We are loving people, we try as much as possible to everyone we have the opportunity to meet with.  

How did you first feel called to ministry?

I first heard God’s call during my High school days, in my teens. I sought God's direction from God’s faithful people to learn, and study from them, in order to equip myself for the task ahead. After becoming fully aware of God’s calling upon my life, I decided to pursue theological education, which is a master of Divinity that has become a pivotal step in my journey. Seminary provided the theological foundation, practical skills, and spiritual formation necessary for ordained ministry. It was also a time for deeper discernment and preparation for the responsibilities ahead. The journey for me into the ordained ministry has been a process of deepening faith, reflection, and discernment. My calling towards this ordained ministry was not a sudden revelation but rather a gradually unfolding process, marked by a growing sense of conviction that I have been called to lead others in their relationship with God, to preach the Word, to help equip individuals and the community to have a strong faith in God and to administer the sacraments. This call includes both personal and communal aspects, my inner sense of call, which has been confirmed by the guidance of mentors, friends, and loved ones, and the affirmation of the Church before I decided to pursue this call. Additionally, serving in various capacities within the church, such as leading Bible studies and evangelism coordinator, preaching, youth, and young adult coordinator, as pastor of Park Avenue Saint John’s, RISE CHURCH, and Ghana Calvary United Methodist churches in New Jersey, as well as participating in outreach programs, affirmed my call to ministry.

What’s your favorite Bible verse or passage — and why?

My favorite bible verse is from John 13:34-35:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love

one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one

another.” (Source: NIV).

The reason I love this is; as disciples of Christ; we are made to represent Christ wherever we find ourselves. Verse 35; How will the world know that you are a member of Tuckerton UMC, your love for one another, how you live out your faith for others to see Christ through. We are the reflection of the unknown God and Christ to the World. If you have a problem with loving someone then, there is a big question mark on your faith and love. LOVE IS THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN OFFER TO SOMEONE. Don’t forget that through the love of God for us we are empowered to love others — not just with words, but with action, grace, and compassion. Through God’s love for us, He sent Christ to us. Let’s step out today and put smiles on people's faces, through your love.

What’s your vision for our church in this new season?

Nice one! In fact, the church’s vision is to be a beacon of God’s love to the shore and beyond. This vision aligned well with what I have embodied and practiced as pastor in my life. My greatest goal is to help people to have a personal relationship with God, develop a strong intimacy with Him. My vision is to build a community that fears God and believes in Him and loves people from all walks of life. These would be achieved through intentional sound preaching, and teachings of the gospel. I want to continue to strengthen the family oriented ministries you have here already, encourage intergenerational relationships like bringing youth, young adults, Sunday School and not living out our elderly people. The goal is to create space for everyone and together WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE AS A CHURCH. This will help us to be a transformational church, thereby transforming the world for Christ Jesus. More importantly, I didn’t come with all the answers, so I am ready to learn, listen deeply, and journey together with you all.

How do you like to connect with the community outside of Sunday worship?

That is a great question, and I believe strongly as many of you, that the church should not be isolated from the community. I am working hard with my church council to help me engage the local schools to worship with our students, nursing homes to pray and offer communion to the people, and visit hospitals where my services would be needed to support the individuals and their family—no. I have been trained as a professional teacher and chaplain my pastoral ministry. I plan to host programs that will bring the community irrespective of their denominations and religious fraternity. This will help us to build a community where everyone will feel important. I know God brought us here to live out His loving presence here in Tuckerton and its environs. I would like to say that God’s love is for everyone. I want to use this opportunity to invite everyone to come worship with us and the new things the Lord is doing in the midst of His people.

What’s your favorite hobby or activity when you’re not serving at church?

I love playing and watching soccer Manchester United Fan, basketball and being a fun of LAKERS. I love to see new adventures.

Coffee, tea, or drink of choice?

I love tea made with Lipton, or green tea.

Favorite comfort food?

A crispy, refreshing sandwich typically on toasted white or wheat bread with mayo. I also love Ghanaian jollof rice, of which I still cook here. Meatloaf (A traditional home-style dish, often served with mashed potatoes or veggies).

Fun fact most people don’t know about you:

People don’t know that I cook. I am a very good cook. I create humor and always want to entertain people around me and find peace in the Lord. I came from a very humble community in Ghana, where I learned to appreciate simplicity, community, resilience, and respect people at all levels. Now serving in the U.S., I see how God has woven that background into my calling — giving me a heart for people from all walks of life.

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