About Rev. Keith D. Dickens

A Life Rooted in Faith and Global Perspective

Rev. Keith D. Dickens is a native of Bridgeton, New Jersey, with ancestral roots that extend from Macon, Georgia to Cameroon, Central Africa. His life and ministry are shaped by a deep understanding that we are all part of a globally interconnected community.

Having traveled extensively—especially throughout Africa—Keith embraces a global perspective that informs his message, leadership, and commitment to justice. He believes that faith calls us not only to personal transformation, but to active participation in shaping the world around us.

Equips believers to move from fear to faith-filled action in their community

Bridges biblical truth with real-world justice and community impact

Empowers churches and leaders to live out the gospel beyond the walls

A Calling to Ministry and Message of Impact

Rev. Dickens accepted his call to ministry in 2005 and was licensed under Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, Sr. at Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church in Sicklerville, New Jersey. He was later ordained in 2012 by the American Baptist Church, USA and Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania.

As a gifted preacher and teacher, his message is both prophetic and practical—centered on:

Love
Community
Social uplift
Self-empowerment
Education
Economic justice

His work consistently challenges individuals and congregations to live out a faith that is active, courageous, and transformative.

Faith, Family, and Personal Life

Keith is married to his college sweetheart, Aquanetta Lynn West Dickens, an Environmental Scientist and Senior Section Chief with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 3).

Together, they reside in Williamstown, New Jersey, and are the proud parents of their daughter, Imani, a graduate of Spelman College and Drexel University.

Proven Leadership in Church and Community

Rev. Dickens is a visionary and transformative servant leader who has served as Senior Pastor of:

• Parkside United Methodist Church (Camden, NJ)

• Calvary Baptist Church (Chester, PA)

His leadership reflects a commitment to strengthening both churches and the communities they serve—bridging faith with real-world impact.

Education and Continued Scholarship

Rev. Dickens holds:

• A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Public Administration from Grambling State University

• A Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University

He is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Black Church Studies at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, further deepening his theological and cultural impact.

A Legacy of Service and Professional Excellence

In addition to his ministry work, Rev. Dickens recently retired from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, following a distinguished 36-year career as a senior administrator in Strategic Enrollment Management and University Advancement.

He continues to serve in leadership roles, including:

• Rowan University American Federation of Teachers Retirees Executive Committee

• Rowan University Africana Studies Rosa Parks Annual Scholarship Luncheon Committee

His dedication to service also extends to civic and fraternal organizations such as the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.