Ministerial Leadership & Staff
Our Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Described as a Transformational Preacher, Dynamic Leader and Ministry Trailblazer, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson is an inspiring example of what God can do with a life committed to the call. She currently serves as the beloved Senior Pastor of The Allen Temple Baptist Church in her native Oakland, California. Her 2019 election made history nationwide as the first woman called to serve as Senior Pastor of this historic African American Baptist Church founded in 1919. Before being called in this capacity, Dr. Thompson served as the Assistant Pastor at Allen Temple and as Youth Minister at Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., the first woman to serve in both capacities.
Our Pastor Emeritus
REVEREND DR. J. ALFRED SMITH, SR. (1931-2025)
Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Senior was the beloved and visionary Pastor Emeritus of the historic Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California.
Rev. Brenda Guess
Minister - Education
Dr. Brenda Guess currently serves as the Co-Leader for our Education Cluster and as Chancellor of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple located in Oakland, California. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she is the fourth of five children born to the late Willie Roy and Deaconess Addie Woods. Known for her creativity, Dr. Guess just loves serving the Lord!
Rev. Jesse Land
Minister - Congregational Care
Reverend Jesse Land serves as the Congregational Care Leader at the Allen Temple Baptist Church.
He serves on the visitation ministry team and various organizations within the community, helping those who need daily necessities. He manages a team of ministers and church leaders on a monthly basis, visiting local Nursing home facilities, Rehabilitation Centers, Hospitals, and Homes To those who are sick and shut in, serving communion and praying, and sharing Bible scriptures with those who desire.
Rev. Warren Long
Minister - Congregational Life
Rev. Warren Long serves as the Administrative Manager. He is a veteran Information Technology professional who is gifted in the areas of administration and organizational management.
Dr. Alvin McLean, Jr.
Minister - Worship
Alvin McLean has a very strong commitment to service to God’s people. Dr. McLean serves as the co-chair of the Worship Arts and Media Cluster. Within the Health and Social Services Ministry, he is the training coordinator for the counselors in the Domestic Violence/Anger Management program and administrator of the Bethsaida Counseling Center.
Rev. Theophous Reagans
Minister - Community Care
Rev. Reagans, who is a practicing attorney, joined the Allen Temple Baptist Church Men’s Chorus. In 2007, he joined Allen Temple Baptist Church. Since joining the church, Rev. Reagans has served as Chaplain to the Allen Temple Manor; as a member of the Prison Ministry; and as a member of the New Members’ Ministry.
Rev. Charlotte Williams
Minister - director of Communications
Believing that ministry is communicating the Gospel in styles that everyone can understand, Reverend Charlotte Williams speaks within the idioms of our times to share the Good News with all people, even beyond the pulpit.
Minister Derrick Hall
Minister of Music
A gifted musician, artist, songwriter, instructor, and producer, Derrick Hall’s versatility and innovative style have distinguished him as a recognizable talent in the music industry. He has recorded with, accompanied, or penned music for such notable gospel artists as Ricky Dillard, Kim Burrell, Tramaine Hawkins, and Daryl Coley to name a few. Derrick has also written songs for and served as the Music Director for the Edwin Hawkins and Walter Hawkins Music & Art Love Fellowship Conference.