Pastor Reginald Wise

Senior Pastor

Pastor Reginald E. Wise accepted his call to preach in August 2008 and is an ordained minister in the Baptist tradition. A passionate preacher, Pastor Wise’s ministry is dedicated to empowering and encouraging others to fulfill their God-given purpose. He reveres the voice and work of God, embodying the quote, “A preacher should always speak what God is speaking, when God is speaking, the way that God is speaking, and be silent when He’s not speaking.”

Pastor Wise’s preparation is both intellectual and heartfelt. A product of the Broward County Public School System in South Florida, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the historic Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida, the oldest HBCU in the state. Continuing his education at Duke Divinity School, he graduated with a Master of Divinity in May 2018. Additionally, Pastor Wise studied at the Howard University School of Business, completing the Executive Leadership Institute for Ministers.

By the favor of God, Pastor Wise married his best friend and seminary sweetheart, Minister Cynthia Jacko-Wise, who hails from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Together, they aspire to make a Kingdom impact in the world, leading to transformed lives and communities.

Pastor Wise served at Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh as the Minister of Discipleship for six years. In this role, he created spiritual growth and development pathways for existing and new members. In 2024, Pastor Wise became the 19th Pastor of First Baptist Church South Hill. He firmly believes he has been called for such a time as this and draws daily encouragement from Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.