Meet Union's Pastor & First Lady
Serving with Faith, Love, and Leadership
Our Pastor and First Lady are committed to guiding the church with faith, compassion, and purpose. Their leadership encourages a vibrant community where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow in their faith.
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Pastor Rev. Derrick D. Jones Jr.
The Reverend Derrick D. Jones Jr. serves as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Union Evangelistic Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, Illinois. A proud native of Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Jones is the second child born to Pastor Derrick Jones Sr. and First Lady Charlotte Jones, and he is a faithful son of Sunshine Missionary Baptist Church, where his spiritual foundation was cultivated.
At the age of twelve, Pastor Jones publicly acknowledged his call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since that moment, he has devoted over two decades to preaching and now celebrates over 15 years of pastoral leadership. A devoted follower of Christ—reborn, baptized, and firmly rooted in the Christian faith—he stands unwavering in his conviction that the Bible is the divinely inspired and authoritative Word of God.
Pastor Jones’ ministry is centered on worship, spiritual growth, and transformation as the Lord leads. He approaches preaching and teaching with intentionality, carefully breaking down the Word of God so that it is clear, relatable, and life-changing. With a spirit-filled yet scholarly approach, he connects biblical truth to everyday life—using practical illustrations, thoughtful exposition, and real-world application so that people do not merely hear the Word, but understand it, live it, and apply it. While he strives to reach all generations and demographics, God has uniquely anointed him to connect with Millennials, Generation Z, and emerging young leaders—building generational bridges with the message of Jesus Christ.
In February 2025, God redirected Pastor Jones and his family to Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he was called to shepherd the Historic Union Evangelistic Baptist Church. Under his leadership, Union has experienced measurable growth spiritually, financially, and numerically—welcoming over 155 new members and strengthening its identity as a vibrant, multigenerational congregation. His leadership emphasizes discipleship, excellence in ministry, and a commitment to building a church that impacts both city and culture. To God be the glory.
First Lady Bianca Jones
Born in 1986, she is first and foremost a devoted child of God whose life is anchored in faith, purpose, and service. Her spiritual foundation influences every role she embraces and every community she touches. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and later a Master of Arts in Special Education from Moreland University. Her commitment to education reflects her belief that knowledge is a gift to be stewarded and shared for the empowerment of others. She views both ministry and academics as sacred callings, using her voice and training to uplift, instruct, and inspire.
For sixteen years, she has faithfully served in marriage and ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Derrick Jones Jr.. Together they are the proud parents of two beautiful, talented, and spiritually grounded children, Derrick III and Bianca (BJ), who are daily reminders of God’s faithfulness and favor. As First Lady of Union Evangelistic Baptist Church, she leads with love, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the Word of God. Her leadership is marked by compassion, strength, and authenticity, as she pours into women, families, and the broader church community with grace and wisdom.
Professionally, she serves as a chemistry teacher at Butler College Prep High School, where she challenges students to pursue excellence while nurturing confidence and resilience. She believes that education is ministry in motion — shaping both intellect and character. Her life beautifully reflects the promise of Psalm 46:5: “God is within her, she will not fail; God will help her at break of day.” Whether in the classroom, the church, or her home, she stands firmly on God’s Word, committed to serving with excellence and living for His glory.