PASTORPastor Dr. Demetria C. McCroskey has an upbringing based on the Christian values of her mother and grandparents, Demetria has the heart of a true servant leader and vessel of God. Born and reared by her grandparents in a rural area of Murfreesboro, TN called “Shiloh”, Demetria quickly learned the value of spirituality. Her priorities center on believing, hoping, and trusting in Jesus Christ. She accepted Christ at the young age of 9 and was baptized at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Murfreesboro, TN.
Demetria began her higher education journey at Lane College in Jackson, TN. She later transferred to American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies in May 2015. Additionally, Demetria obtained her Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership in May 2017 and her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice in May 2024 from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her dissertation is entitled "An Examination of the Perceptions of Mentoring in Preparing Millennial Administrators for Executive Leadership in Higher Education," with a special emphasis on Christian institutions. While pursuing her Master’s degree, she was given the opportunity to serve her alma mater as an administrator for federal and state grants. Since 2017, she has served on the faculty of American Baptist College as an Adjunct Professor of Leadership. She teaches courses at American Baptist College, such as Strategic Thinking for Servant Leaders, Gender Differences in Leadership, Case Studies in Leadership, Foundations of Vocation and College Readiness, and Concepts of Organizational Leadership.
On December 10, 2017, she was the first woman licensed to preach and profess the gospel at her home church, Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. On November 23, 2024, she was the first woman ordained at her home church, Walnut Grove. In April of 2025, she was commissioned by the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church family as the Executive Pastor. Demetria’s family taught so many important life lessons, the most important being Matthew 22:37-40, “Love God First and Love Others as You Love Yourself”. Demetria continues the legacy of humility that her grandmother instilled in her. She feels as if it is her responsibility and vocation to help marginalized communities. Her biggest motivation in life is her daughter Kathryn, who is named after her grandmother.
She has been blessed to be a part of multiple organizations that work closely with the community, such as Habitat for Humanity, Room in the Inn, Greenhouse Ministries, the Mary Parrish Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Center of Murfreesboro, Hillsboro High School, and her home church, Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church. All of these platforms have provided her with both experience and opportunities in community organization and theological praxis. All of the organizations above have nurtured her Christian faith and helped her grow spiritually, becoming more Christ-like each day.
“The gift of life is such a beautiful blessing, I want to live my life to be a reflection of God’s grace, promises and love.” - Dr. DC McCroskey
Reverend Toney was born to Elijah and Mary Toney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was raised in a devout Christian home, accepted Christ at an early age and was actively engaged in church ministries throughout his childhood and young adulthood.
The Milwaukee Public Schools provided his formal education through eleventh grade. After moving to Arkansas, he completed high school and went on to attend East Arkansas Community College. Reverend Toney attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a certificate in Biblical Studies.
Reverend Terry D. Toney always knew that God had a special calling upon his life, but like Jonah, when directed by God to preach the Gospel (Jonah 1), he took an opposing direction for many years from the ministerial work God had for him. In 2010, Reverend Toney preached his first sermon.
Reverend Toney’s ministerial work includes serving as Pastor of the Senior Ministry, Pastor of the Worship Ministries and provides outreach ministry to the men in care at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. He was also the coordinator for The Zeidler Center Police and Resident Listening Circles for the Sherman Park Community, as Chaplain of the Prison Aftercare Ministry with Nehemiah, Inc.
He is the proud father of six wonderful children: three boys and three girls. He is also delighted to be the grandfather of eight children and two great grands.
Reverend Toney continually seeks growth in his relationship and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The scripture that governs his life is Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” and Isiah 40:8, (KJV) “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.”
Reverend Kendrick Allen was born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also received his Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary.
Reverend Allen has been a member of Pilgrim Rest for over 23 years. He currently serves as the Pastor to the Outreach Ministries.
Reverend Allen teaches 4th Grade at New Testament Christian Academy.
Reverend Allen is married to Tunicha Briggs-Allen and is father to Kennedy and Myles Allen.
Reverend Allen's favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think (have) toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope.
Reverend Allen also believes, “Never let anyone tell you what you can, and what you can’t do. Never let this world and all of its obstacles and turmoil tear you down, as there is always hope in the Lord; God has great things in store for us, and a plan for our lives if we follow Him.”
REVEREND
COREY U. BARNETT
Phone: (414) 366-2897
Email:
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Reverend Barnett is a graduate of the Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School. Upon graduation from high school, Reverend Barnett attended Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Reverend Barnett preached his first sermon and was licensed to preach at the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church on January 1, 2000. He is currently ministering at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, has participated in Community Prayer Walks and provides pastoral care support to persons in hospitals.
Reverend Barnett is employed at Froedtert Hospital in Environmental Services. He has received the Extra Mile Award from Froedtert Hospital, and the Certificate of Completion for the Froedtert Hospital Personal Care Training Course.
Reverend Barnett enjoys sharing the Gospel of Jesus, the Christ with everyone whom he encounters and has prepared himself for greater effectiveness by completing the Evangelism Explosion International Training course.
Reverend Barnett is married to Janene Barnett.
Reverend Barnett’s favorite scripture is Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”