The Reverend. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton
Senior Pastor | United Methodist Church | Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton is a United Methodist pastor, ministry leader, and speaker serving as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania.
His ministry reflects a deep commitment to discipleship, spiritual formation, and building strong, community-centered ministries that extend beyond the local church.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. A United Methodist pastor, preacher, and ministry leader, he is recognized for biblical preaching, discipleship, and building strong, community-centered ministries. Through his preaching, weekly sermon reflections, and outreach leadership, he equips individuals to grow in faith, develop as leaders, and engage their communities with purpose. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the local church, fostering spiritual formation, and extending meaningful community impact through both the church and the Hope Thru Wholeness initiative.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton is a United Methodist pastor, ministry leader, and speaker serving as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania.
His ministry reflects a deep commitment to discipleship, spiritual formation, and building strong, community-centered ministries that extend beyond the local church.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. A United Methodist pastor, preacher, and ministry leader, he is recognized for biblical preaching, discipleship, and building strong, community-centered ministries. Through his preaching, weekly sermon reflections, and outreach leadership, he equips individuals to grow in faith, develop as leaders, and engage their communities with purpose. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the local church, fostering spiritual formation, and extending meaningful community impact through both the church and the Hope Thru Wholeness initiative.
Official Profiles and Media
Explore verified profiles, publications, and official media appearances of Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton across trusted platforms.
Featured Publications & Writing
United Methodist Men Newsletter (September 2025)
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton contributed to the United Methodist Men national newsletter in connection with his leadership in men’s ministry.
Read the publication
Annual Conference Awards – Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (2025)
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton was officially recognized during the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference Awards for his leadership and impact in urban ministry through Prospect Park United Methodist Church, including receiving the Herbert E. Palmer Award.
Read the official EPA Conference announcement
Leadership Event – Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton was featured as a workshop leader at a Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men leadership event within the United Methodist Church renewal, and discipleship development.
View event details
Additional contributions appeared in subsequent United Methodist Men newsletters in October and November 2025, reflecting ongoing national ministry engagement and leadership writing.
Ministry & Leadership Background
Dr. Eaton is a faith-based and community leader with extensive experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development. His work spans congregational leadership, preaching and teaching, men’s ministry development, leadership training, and community outreach, including food distribution and grant-funded initiatives. He has served in both denominational and local church leadership, strengthening ministry programs, developing leaders, and advancing meaningful community engagement through strategic partnerships.
Education & Formation
Rev. Dr. Eaton earned the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree, conferred June 23, 2025, with Summa Cum Laude honors, with a focus on applied church leadership and strengthening local congregational ministry. He also holds a Master of Urban Ministry and is currently completing the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Kairos University as part of his continued theological formation and ordination pathway within The United Methodist Church.
In recognition of his service to the church and his contributions to ministry, Dr. Eaton has been awarded two honorary doctoral degrees: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., honoris causa).
His earned education and theological training include advanced studies and ministerial formation through North Central Theological Seminary, Kairos University, Wesley Theological Seminary, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Licensing School, and the Molding Disciples Institute of Biblical Studies.
Professional & Ministry Experience
Rev. Dr. Eaton is also a retired United States Navy veteran with over twenty years of service in information technology and intelligence-related roles. Following his military service, he worked in corporate technology and leadership roles before transitioning to full-time ministry, nonprofit leadership, and community development. His background in military service, corporate leadership, nonprofit leadership, and pastoral ministry provides a unique blend of organizational leadership, strategic planning, leadership development, and pastoral care.
He 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 board member of United Methodist Men and the Small Church Network within the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
Rev. Dr. Eaton is deeply committed to empowering spiritual growth through the transforming power of the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. He believes that when hearts are renewed and relationships are strengthened, people naturally grow from community connection into committed discipleship. He loves the people of Prospect Park United Methodist Church and encourages them to extend a healing hand of grace, hope, and salvation to the Prospect Park community and beyond.
Ministry leadership & Community Impact
In 2024, PUMC and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received their 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, Prospect Park United Methodist Church received a second community award and additional recognition, including the Herbert E. Palmer Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, as well as Congregational Development and Urban Ministry grants that affirmed the church’s commitment to ministry vitality, outreach, and community engagement.
In 2026, Prospect Park United Methodist Church and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received continued recognition for their community ministry impact, urban ministry, and community engagement efforts, including the Food & Household Products Insecurity Grant Award from the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority, reflecting sustained growth, strong partnerships, and a measurable community presence.
Rev. Dr. Eaton’s ministry and leadership focus on strengthening churches, developing leaders, building community partnerships, and helping churches and communities grow spiritually, organizationally, and missionally. His passion is building strong churches, strong communities, and developing leaders who serve with integrity, compassion, and vision.
United Methodist Men Newsletter (September 2025)
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton contributed to the United Methodist Men national newsletter in connection with his leadership in men’s ministry.
Read the publication
Annual Conference Awards – Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (2025)
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton was officially recognized during the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference Awards for his leadership and impact in urban ministry through Prospect Park United Methodist Church, including receiving the Herbert E. Palmer Award.
Read the official EPA Conference announcement
Leadership Event – Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton was featured as a workshop leader at a Northeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men leadership event within the United Methodist Church renewal, and discipleship development.
View event details
Additional contributions appeared in subsequent United Methodist Men newsletters in October and November 2025, reflecting ongoing national ministry engagement and leadership writing.
Ministry & Leadership Background
Dr. Eaton is a faith-based and community leader with extensive experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development. His work spans congregational leadership, preaching and teaching, men’s ministry development, leadership training, and community outreach, including food distribution and grant-funded initiatives. He has served in both denominational and local church leadership, strengthening ministry programs, developing leaders, and advancing meaningful community engagement through strategic partnerships.
Education & Formation
Rev. Dr. Eaton earned the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree, conferred June 23, 2025, with Summa Cum Laude honors, with a focus on applied church leadership and strengthening local congregational ministry. He also holds a Master of Urban Ministry and is currently completing the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Kairos University as part of his continued theological formation and ordination pathway within The United Methodist Church.
In recognition of his service to the church and his contributions to ministry, Dr. Eaton has been awarded two honorary doctoral degrees: Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., honoris causa).
His earned education and theological training include advanced studies and ministerial formation through North Central Theological Seminary, Kairos University, Wesley Theological Seminary, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Licensing School, and the Molding Disciples Institute of Biblical Studies.
Professional & Ministry Experience
Rev. Dr. Eaton is also a retired United States Navy veteran with over twenty years of service in information technology and intelligence-related roles. Following his military service, he worked in corporate technology and leadership roles before transitioning to full-time ministry, nonprofit leadership, and community development. His background in military service, corporate leadership, nonprofit leadership, and pastoral ministry provides a unique blend of organizational leadership, strategic planning, leadership development, and pastoral care.
He 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 board member of United Methodist Men and the Small Church Network within the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
Rev. Dr. Eaton is deeply committed to empowering spiritual growth through the transforming power of the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. He believes that when hearts are renewed and relationships are strengthened, people naturally grow from community connection into committed discipleship. He loves the people of Prospect Park United Methodist Church and encourages them to extend a healing hand of grace, hope, and salvation to the Prospect Park community and beyond.
Ministry leadership & Community Impact
In 2024, PUMC and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received their 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, Prospect Park United Methodist Church received a second community award and additional recognition, including the Herbert E. Palmer Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, as well as Congregational Development and Urban Ministry grants that affirmed the church’s commitment to ministry vitality, outreach, and community engagement.
In 2026, Prospect Park United Methodist Church and the Hope Thru Wholeness Center received continued recognition for their community ministry impact, urban ministry, and community engagement efforts, including the Food & Household Products Insecurity Grant Award from the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority, reflecting sustained growth, strong partnerships, and a measurable community presence.
Rev. Dr. Eaton’s ministry and leadership focus on strengthening churches, developing leaders, building community partnerships, and helping churches and communities grow spiritually, organizationally, and missionally. His passion is building strong churches, strong communities, and developing leaders who serve with integrity, compassion, and vision.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. His public ministry, leadership, and professional identity are documented across structured data platforms, including Wikidata, and through his full profile and media hub.
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton serves as Senior Pastor of Prospect Park
United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania
United Methodist Church in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania
