​Reverend Dr. Jeremy D. Battle hails from Brighton, Alabama, and comes from two generations of pastors and preachers. Serving as Senior Pastor of Western Avenue Baptist Church (WABC) since 2011, Pastor Battle views his pastoral calling as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. He seeks to shepherd God’s people with humility, grace, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Known for his common-sense approach to scripture and his gift of storytelling, Pastor Battle is a prophetic preacher who connects with people at their specific points of need. A multi-gifted instrumentalist and vocalist, he delights in worship and making the Gospel accessible to believers across all generations and backgrounds.
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In the summer of 2024, Pastor Battle released his debut gospel album, "In Jesus Name," showcasing his passion for music ministry and his heart for worship. The album has inspired listeners with its authentic and powerful message of faith.
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In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Battle serves as the president of the Cambridge Black Pastors Alliance, where he collaborates with other clergy to address critical issues affecting the Black community in Cambridge and beyond.
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Under his leadership, WABC has flourished in membership, ministries, and financial stewardship. Pastor Battle guided the church to financial solvency through educational initiatives and capital campaigns, culminating in over $1.4 million in infrastructure and revitalization projects. These efforts included structural and aesthetic upgrades, accessibility improvements, and investments in multimedia technology to enhance worship experiences in the church’s 109-year-old building. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Cradles to Crayons, Cambridge Community Center, Dove (Domestic Violence Ended), and Cambridge Trust Bank, Pastor Battle has expanded WABC’s ministry impact to meet critical community needs.
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In May 2025, Pastor Battle was called as the Senior Pastor of Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church and established The Avenue: The Historic Massachusetts Avenue and Western Avenue Baptist Church—a unified fellowship dedicated to strengthening community, expanding ministry, and continuing a shared legacy of faith and service.
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Pastor Battle’s previous professional background as an internal auditor for the State of Texas informs his strong administrative leadership, ensuring effective operations and striving for excellence in ministry best practices. His approach is grounded in prayer, discernment, and mentorship, recognizing that each step of his journey is a testament to God’s grace and guidance.
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Education
Pastor Battle completed his freshman and sophomore years at Stanford University, where he was a Chappell Lougee Scholar and a charter member of Stanford’s Phi Beta Sigma chapter. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the historic Morehouse College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude in Political Science. Pastor Battle earned his Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, where he currently serves as the Baptist Denominational Counselor and Lecturer of Baptist Polity. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
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His academic research spans topics such as religious influence on political outcomes, southern working-class electoral behavior, and the intersection of faith, identity, and society.
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Family
Pastor Battle has been married to his college sweetheart, Jessica L. Parker-Battle,
since 2007. The two met while serving as choir directors for the Stanford University
Gospel Choir. Jessica, a native of Austin, Texas, is an accomplished healthcare attorney,
holding degrees from Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin School
of Law. She currently serves as Head of Legal for North America for Biogen.
Jessica is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and lives by the mantra from Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do it heartily as for the Lord and not for men.”
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Together, Pastor Battle and Jessica are proud parents of three children: Miss Jordan, Jeremy Jr., and Jennifer who are actively involved in the life and ministry of the church. The Battle family strives to reflect God’s love and excellence in all they do.
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Personal Mantra
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding—(but) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." – Proverbs 3:5-6.
