Rev. James A. Furman was called to serve as the 4th Pastor of the Mount Zion Christian Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, NY on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Prior to that he served faithfully as the Pastor of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Port Washington, NY for 10 plus years. Prior to that he was a faithful and dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Port Chester, NY, since 1996 where his spiritual journey began and was nurtured. While at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. Furman served in several ministries. He served on the Deacon’s Ministry, was Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Men’s Ministry, and a Bible Study Teacher. He also assisted and helped other ministries as needed. Rev. Furman also sang with the Male Chorus and Emergency Choir. He was licensed to preach in 2008 and ordained in 2011 to the work of the Gospel ministry while at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

 

 Rev. Furman was a 30 plus year resident of Mt. Vernon, NY where he attended the public schools there and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. Rev. Furman attended the College of Aeronautics in Queens, NY. He also attended the Tabernacle Bible Institute of Dobbs Ferry, NY where he received a certificate in Christian Workers Ministry and graduated from the New York Theological Seminary with a certificate in Christian Ministry. Rev. Furman received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Pastoral Leadership from the Newburgh Theological Seminary.

 

 Rev. Furman is blessed to be married to a loving and supportive wife for over 32 years, Sheila A. Furman and they are the proud parents of four children (Prince Nelson, Taisha Furman, Sheila A. Furman II, and Romello Moss). They also have three grandchildren. God has blessed Rev. James A. Furman to be able preach, teach as well as facilitate at many churches and conferences across state lines and denominational affiliations. He has chaired and participated in several ordination counsels for Ministers and Deacons. He has also mentored and counseled other Pastors and Ministers. Rev. Furman currently serves as the Vice-President At Large for the Progressive Baptist State Convention of New York, Inc. and previously served as the President of the Congress of Christian Education. He was an active and supportive member of the Eastern Baptist Association of NY, Inc. and is currently the 2nd Vice-President of the Rockland County Ministers Alliance. Rev. Furman also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of West Haverstraw in Rockland County, NY and serves as the treasurer for 100 Black Father’s for Change. Rev. Furman was recognized by the Town of Haverstraw during Black History Month 2021 for his dedication, commitment and devotion to the people of the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County, NY and for being a good shepherd to those in need.

 

 Rev. Furman’s passion is teaching the word of God to God’s people so that they can live out their purpose and have a more productive life that will help in the advancement The Kingdom of God.

 

Favorite Scripture Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Above all else Rev. James A. Furman loves God and loves God’s people. To God be the Glory.