The Reverend. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton Senior Pastor,
Prospect Park United Methodist Church, Pennsylvania Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, leading with theological depth, pastoral care, and a steadfast commitment to community transformation. His ministry integrates biblical teaching, spiritual formation, and practical outreach, cultivating both congregational vitality and neighborhood impact. He previously served as Associate Pastor at Siloam United Methodist in Chester, Pennsylvania, and has served as a Christ Servant Minister and Interim Lay Pastor.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton holds an earned Doctor of Ministry with Summa Cum Laude distinction in applied church leadership and is currently completing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). In recognition of his service and contributions to the ministry, he is also the recipient of two honorary doctoral degrees, a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) and an honorary Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., honoris causa). His advanced theological education and ministerial formation include coursework study at Kairos University, North Central Theological Seminary, Wesley Theological Seminary, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of Licensing School, and Molding Disciples Institute of Biblical Studies. Dr. Eaton is a retired member of the United States Navy, having honorably served 23 years as an Information Technology and Intelligence Officer. His military career brings discipline leadership, strategic planning, and organizational insight into both church and community ministry. Rev. Dr. Eaton has served in conference and denominational leadership, including as Director of the Center for Men's Ministries for the General Commission on United Methodist Men, District Link Facilitator, and as a board member of United Methodist Men and Small Church Network for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. He is also a co-authors of the 2025-2028 United Methodist Guidelines for Men's Ministries published by Cokesbury, reflecting his expertise and commitment to engaging and equipping men for faithful discipleship and leadership. He is the founding leader of Hope Thru Wholeness a community-focused ministry rooted in "gracious hospitality and holistic care." Dr. Eaton defines wholeness as addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of individuals and families. The ministry goal is to build relationships, strengthen community partnerships, and provide accessible services that nurture healing, dignity, and belonging. Through this work, individuals are invited the opportunity to grow from community connection into deeper faith engagement. Rev. Dr. Eaton believes that when hearts are filled and relationship are formed, people may naturally progress from being community members to church members. Through Hope Thru Wholeness initiative, he continues to expand services such as symposiums, immunization clinics, dental on wheels, and CPR and First Aid training events. Rev. Dr. Eaton is deeply committed to empowering people in their spiritual growth and development through the power of the resurrection life in Jesus Christ. He loves the people of Prospect United Methodist Church and affirms their desire to grow in discipleship, encourages them to extend a healing hand of grace and salvation to the communities of Prospect Park, PA, and beyond. Awards, Grants, and Recognitions Under Rev. Dr. Eaton, leadership Prospect Park United Methodist Church and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center have received multiple awards, grants, and recognitions for community wellness, congregational development, urban ministry, and community engagement. In 2024, PUMC and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received its first major community award, recognizing holistic care and neighborhood impact. That same year, Rev. Dr. Eaton was honored with the Hunger Hero Award by It Takes A Village To Feed One Child, Inc. for leadership in addressing food insecurity. In 2025, PUMC, through the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received it's 2nd award, and additional recognition, including the Herbert E. Palmer Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, along with Congregational Development and Urban Ministry grants affirming the church’s commitment to ministry vitality and faith-based community outreach. In 2026, PUMC and Hope Thru Wholeness Center received continued recognitions for it's community ministry impact, Urban Ministry, and Community Engagement, including the Food & Household Products Insecurity Grant award by the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority, reflecting sustained growth, partnership, and presence within the community. Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania |
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton, D.Min.
Doctor of Ministry, Summa Cum Laude Senior Pastor, Prospect Park UMC |
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