Rev. Shamara Haynes faithfully serves as Pastor and Founding Visionary of Greater Joy Community Church in Richmond, Virginia. A committed servant leader, she is deeply passionate about activism, justice, and advocacy for the poor and the oppressed. Her spiritual gifts—Leadership, Teaching, Evangelism, Exhortation, and Serving—are evident in her distinctive preaching style and her unwavering zeal for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Haynes was licensed and ordained in 2010 at Swansboro Baptist Church under the

leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Herbert R. Plummer, Sr. Through his mentorship, she cultivated her gifts and served in multiple ministry roles, including Associate Minister, Director of Youth Ministry, and Minister of Music.

She is academically grounded, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Virginia Union University and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union, where she graduated with honors.

Her preaching is marked by poetic rhythm, exegetical clarity, and emotional resonance—guiding congregations from reflection to revelation, from lament to hope. Drawing deeply from scripture and communal experience, she crafts messages that are both theologically rich and pastorally rooted. Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Haynes is engaged in community advocacy as a member of the Chesterfield Chapter of the NAACP and the Association of African American Clergy Women, grounding her ministry in both spiritual formation and social responsibility.

Rev. Haynes is supported in ministry by her loving husband, Deacon Antonio D. Haynes, and

their adult children, Kayla Brianna and Amari Shanté, both pursuing their degrees with

dedication and purpose.

She draws strength from the words of Paul in Philippians 3:14–15: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

If you are interested in securing Pastor Shamara for a ministry engagement, workshop, conference or another event, please contact the church at:

admin@greaterjoyrva.com or complete the following preaching engagement form: