Pastor Delonta J. Hicks: A Life of Faith and Service
Pastor Delonta J. Hicks accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 21, over 15 years ago, marking the beginning of his walk with the Lord. His ministry officially began when he preached his initial sermon at the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 2016. However, prior to fully answering his calling, Pastor Hicks spent years running from it. Despite the delay, in 2006, he made the life-changing decision to follow God’s call, and from that moment, he dedicated himself to serving the Lord.
Before becoming a pastor, Pastor Hicks held numerous leadership positions at his home church, Shiloh Community UMC. He served as Youth Leader, Music Director, Certified Lay Minister, Certified Lay Servant, Worship Chair, and Armor Bearer, among other roles. These experiences laid the foundation for his deep passion for ministry and his desire to help others grow in their Christian faith.
In 2016, Pastor Hicks was appointed as the pastor of St. Luke UMC, where he served for 8 years. During his time at St. Luke, he was able to use his own experiences and teachings to guide other disciples in understanding and fulfilling their God-ordained purpose in life. His ministry focused on helping both young and seasoned Christians adapt to the Christian experience and deepen their faith, as he himself had done.
Pastor Hicks’ spiritual growth has been profound, impacting him socially, emotionally, and, above all, spiritually. His ministry has allowed him to mentor others, assisting them in navigating their own faith journeys.
Pastor Hicks’ favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praises shall continually be in my mouth." He begins each day by reciting this verse, a constant reminder of his commitment to God’s glory.
Originally from Newburg, MD, Pastor Hicks is one of three sons born to Ms. Tonda and the late Louis Hicks Sr. In 2017, he married First Lady Charna' (Sharnay) Slater-Hicks, and together, they are blessed to serve in ministry as a team.
As of July 1, 2024, Pastor Hicks began serving as the pastor of Peter’s United Methodist Church, entering his 9th year of pastoral ministry. Pastor Hicks feels blessed to lead this congregation, which he believes is the best UMC in the area, and is excited for the future of the church under his leadership.