Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe is the Assistant Rev. of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Plainfield, New Jersey. Rev. Thorpe has served this church for over thirty-five years in several capacities and now holds several ministerial positions. As the first woman licensed and ordained at the Shiloh Baptist Church, she is also the Minister of Christian Education. In this capacity, she organized SIBLE, Shiloh Institute of Biblical Learning and Education serving over 300 adults and children during an hour long study each Sunday. With a staff of over 40 facilitators/teachers, she engages them in monthly seminars to create syllabus and curriculum for over 14 classes in Bible, Bible Doctrine, Spiritual Growth, Life Application as well as youth classes. The overarching goal of this teaching ministry focuses efforts of teachers to “Teach to Change Lives” where congregants learn, grow, and serve in the Kingdom of God.

Rev. Thorpe holds several degrees, a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina A. & T. State University, a Master of Education from Kean University, and a Master in Theological Studies from Drew University’s Theological Seminary. Recently, she led the church in the interim period during its new Rev.al search with the administrative leadership team comprised of the Chairs of Deacons and Trustees. This search ended when the Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr. assumed the Rev.ate in March 2017. However, Rev. Thorpe continues to serve the church and the new Rev. in the Assistant Rev.’s role. She leads Sunday worship service, facilitates bible study, is called to preach the gospel, counsel the lost and lead various ministry initiatives.

When not actively engaged at Shiloh Baptist Church or at UC TEAMS where she is the Executive Director/CSA for the 400 student K – 12 charter school, she is fulfilling her call in the Christian ministry. Rev. Thorpe is a preacher of the gospel, workshop facilitator, retreat organizer, consultant for churches, conventions and other organizations throughout the state. She is a native of Rocky Mount, NC where she met and married Deacon Willie H. Thorpe. In their 40 plus years together, they have two wonderful, loving daughters, Dr. Lynnelle Thorpe and Alexia and Jerald Lee, her son-in-love, along with three grandchildren, Jaelynn, Jalyse, and Jalil.

Rev. Thorpe continues to serve her community in various capacities and has been honored by several organizations for her commitment to service and education. She is motivated by the belief that all God’s children are special and inherently equal in His sight. Spiritually, she believes “to whom much is given, much is required”. Her life is lived by Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.”