Pastor & Leaders

Jeffrey Whitaker is originally from Scotland Neck, North Carolina. After graduating high school in 1978, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 9 years. While stationed at Homestead AFB, Pastor was introduced to Michelle Jones and they married in 1981. After extensive travel through military assignments, the Whitakers decided to settle in Miami, FL in 1987. In January of 1988, Jeffrey and Michelle became disciples of Bethel Baptist Church. 

In 1992, Jeffrey accepted the call of God and began Ministers in Training under the leadership of Pastor Carlos L. Malone Sr., and preached his first sermon in July of 1993. Jeffrey Whitaker was a faithful disciple while attending Bethel Baptist Church; serving in several capacities, singing with the male choir, the Assistant Director of Christian Education, he taught Sunday school, and during the January Bible Institute. He was employed at The Whole Word Christian Academy as an administrative assistant and at Bethel Baptist Church from 1997-2003, serving as a Director of Operations and Pastor of Stewardship. He also served as Apostle Malone's adjutant for 3 years, which afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout this country. In 2003, Pastor Jeffrey heard from the Lord and accepted the assignment given to step out on faith and begin his own Ministry. Through fasting and prayer and God’s divine guidance, Pastor Jeff began to search the Naranja/Leisure City areas for a place to worship. On May 16, 2004, the doors of Zoë Ministries opened at Peskoe Elementary and the Holy Spirit was ushered in through Praise and Worship and the awesome word of God was brought forth by the Founding Pastor/Teacher and Visionary. Pastor Jeff’s vision was to establish a ministry that operated in the spirit of excellence and did all the things to the Glory of God. Zoë Ministries began with just nine members. In October of 2006, Pastor Jeff was inducted into AIM (Association of Independent Ministers) under the mentorship of Bishop I.V. Hilliard in Houston, TX. Truly a man of God, he is one that hears the voice of the Lord and obeys. He is a student of the word of God and has been assigned to teach God's people with simplicity. He is a man of great faith, integrity, and has stayed the course. He has unconditional love and compassion for the people that God has placed under his leadership and believes he is fulfilling his purpose for which he was sent.

Pastor Jeffrey attended Jacksonville Theological Seminary and Interdenominational Seminary of Atlanta Ga. Pastor Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Studies, and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration both from Barry University. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree at Barry University in Organizational Leadership and Learning- with a specialization in Human Resource Development (HRD). He is the Lead Professor of Victorious Living Bible Institute-Miami Site. He is a valued member of the South Dade Ministerial Alliance (SEDMA) and a member of the Unity Gathering of local Pastors. He is also a member of the NAACP. Pastor Jeff is involved in the community for which he serves.

  Pastor Jeff is a devoted husband to his wife Michelle of 38 years,  together they have four children LaCrusia, Jalyssa, Joshua, and Jordyn, and four grandchildren Kaleb, Jaeda, Kaeden, and Zhuri. In his spare time Pastor Jeff enjoys playing golf in his spare time.

Michelle Whitaker, indeed, is a Proverb 31 woman.  Michelle has numerous of gifts; she writes, counsels, and is a licensed cosmetologist.  Serving her clients provides an opportunity for her to minister to the needs of those she meets, both natural and spiritual.  Michelle and Pastor Whitaker have been married for 38 years and she supports the vision of her husband for Zoё – The Life Church.  She has initiated a number of ministries and church initiatives including women’s ministry, prayer ministry, and the marriage/couple’s ministry.  She was also instrumental in encouraging the use of their multi-purpose facility to hold functions such as baby showers, bridal showers, prayer breakfasts/ shut-ins, small meeting and receptions. 

 Michelle is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, friend, ministry leader, and a victorious woman.  She is extremely dedicated to God, her family, ministry and her friends. Her ability to follow her husband’s vision exceeds that of ministry items.  She is blessed and says that she could not have asked for a more focused and dedicated partner in ministry and in life, in the personhood of Pastor Whitaker.  

Michelle has received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Administration, and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration both from Barry University.  Lady Whitaker is currently a teacher with Miami Dade County Public Schools and is also pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Human Resource Development (HRD). Lady Whitaker is a proud member of the Dade County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  She was a volunteer Cosmetologist for the American Cancer Society, “Look Good Feel Better” program, and sits on the Dade County Committee for Cosmetology.

Lady Whitaker and Pastor Whitaker have four children LaCrushia, Jalyssa, Joshua, Jordyn and four grandchildren Kaleb, Jaeda, Kaeden and Zhuri. Lady Whitaker enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and watching movies.