Pastor Pablo Pizarro

Rev. Pablo Pizarro Jr.
At eight years old, Pablo Pizarro Jr. faced the possibility of entering foster care due to his parents’ struggle with addiction. After asking his pastor for prayer, he witnessed a life-changing miracle when his grandmother reversed her decision and chose to keep him and his siblings. From that moment, Pablo committed his life to serving God and helping families in need.

Today, Rev. Pizarro is the Lead Pastor of Temple Rock Community Church, one of Newark’s largest churches. He has served as a Newark Police Chaplain for 19 years, is a former board member of My Brother’s Keeper–Newark, and is a passionate advocate for justice, community outreach, and school engagement. His work includes adopting local schools to support students, teachers, and families—believing that “schools and their staff need a chaplain too.”

Pastor Pablo has also served in various leadership and community roles, including:


• Former member, Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board


• Former Coordinator, North Ward Interfaith Clergy Alliance


• Former Regional Representative, NJ Coalition of Latino Pastors & Ministers


• Member, NALEC (National Latino Evangelical Coalition)


• Member, Essex County Correctional Facility Task Force


• Member, Men of Courage (advocating against domestic violence)

• Former advocate, Safe and Sound Somerset


• Elected Presbyter, NJ Ministry Network (2022)

He is a graduate of Global University (Pastoral Leadership), a John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Member & Coach, and is certified with the International Conference of Police Chaplains and Crisis Intervention International. He also serves as the lead speaker for The Valiente Group, promoting healthy development for Black and Brown boys and combating gender-based violence.

Rev. Pablo Pizarro has been married for 26 years to Rev. Erika Pizarro, and together they have two adult children, Savannah and Zack.