Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is an accomplished pastor, community leader, and advocate for urban ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a Doctor of Ministry in Prophetic Preaching from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Since 2014, Dr. Gordon has served as Senior Pastor of Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago, Illinois. Under his leadership, the church has expanded its reach through worship, service, and innovative community engagement. A sought-after preacher, teacher, and revivalist, Dr. Gordon was an inaugural presenter at the Styberg Preaching Institute and recipient of the Styberg Award for Excellence in Homiletics. His honors include the Outstanding Minister Award from the Phillips School of Theology, the inaugural Ecumenical and Development Award (2024), and recognition as one of Garrett Seminary’s “Faithful 50” Black Alumni. He was also named an “Unsung Hero” in Chicago’s Chatham/79th Street community, where a commissioned portrait honors his work.

Dr. Gordon is deeply engaged in civic and ecumenical service. His affiliations include BASUAH (IL), Storehouse of Hope (MI), NAACP, the National Council of Churches, the National Conference of Black Churches, the Pan-Methodist Commission, and the Black Methodist Alliance, among others. He has served as a public relations aide to Congressman John Conyers Jr., and was past president of both the Detroit and Chicago District Ministerial Alliances. He is a founding member of the Greater Chatham Clergy Association and serves on the Community Advisory Council of the Metropolitan Planning Council—Illinois’ leading independent planning and policy organization.

Within the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Gordon holds key leadership roles as Budget Director for the Third Episcopal District and Chair of the Joint Board of Finance for the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region. He previously held the same position in the Michigan-Indiana Region.

As President of the Carter Temple Community Development Corporation (CDC), Dr. Gordon has led transformative projects including Gateway 79, a mixed-use housing and retail development that is part of Chicago’s inaugural Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) pilot. He also oversaw the creation of Mahalia Jackson Court, an award-winning public plaza featured in the Emmy-winning short film The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court (2023). Under his leadership, Carter Temple CDC has secured nearly $2 million in grants and launched the state-funded “Impact Youth” leadership program.

In his role as Board President of Chatham Community Collaborative, Dr. Gordon provides strategic oversight for neighborhood-based initiatives that promote youth development, economic empowerment, and community well-being. He played a key role in securing $1 million in state funding for community revitalization and program expansion.

Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Gordon pastored congregations in Illinois and Michigan, where he led church revitalization efforts that included capital improvements, increased membership and stewardship, and stronger community engagement. His ministry passions include prophetic preaching, collaborative leadership, and addressing issues at the intersection of faith, health, and the African American experience.

Dr. Gordon is married to the former Nivea Lathan.