The Rev. Michael K. Jones, senior pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and host of Community Connection on AM1310, passed away Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack at 52 years old. As a local advocate for humanity, he followed in the footsteps of his late father, Sam Jones, a civil rights activist and former president of the Indianapolis Urban League. Jones excelled from an early age in music and academics. After graduating from Park Tudor School, he attended Harvard University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Soon after, he further developed his gift of ministry with a master’s degree in divinity from the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS).
As a pastor and community leader, Jones served in several social and civic capacities including: team chaplain for the Indiana Pacers, Adjunct Homiletics Professor at CTS, co-chair of the Race Relations Leadership Network, board member of the National City Community Development Corporation, special lecturer to the Baptist Minister’s Alliance of Indianapolis and Vicinity and many others.
Beyond his work from the pulpit, the microphone and the classroom, Jones authored two books; “Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Exposing the Power and Practice of Daily Prayer” and “Abundant Relationships” as well as two R&B/Smooth Jazz albums titled, “Loving You” and “Smooth Sailing.”
His accolades only capture a fragment of his impact.
The community speaks on the legacy Jones left behind:
Anthony “Tony” Mason, President of the Indianapolis Urban League
“Michael was a pillar in the Indianapolis community who epitomized servant leadership. He was also a friend, family member and supporter of the Indianapolis Urban League. Though Michael possessed a degree in economics from Harvard and a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary of Indianapolis, his education never stood in the way of his ability to connect with and advocate for people from all walks of life. He believed that equality of opportunity and equity were best expressed through actions and outcomes rather than words. We will miss Michael, and we will miss his leadership, voice, and commitment to engaging and empowering everyone in our community.”
Liz Faith Dixon, Community Affairs Director at Radio One Indianapolis
“He was very vibrant, definitely very community-oriented. He took the responsibility of succeeding Amos very seriously. He was coming into his own. He was definitely getting his rhythm and getting ready to go further with his community efforts. He will truly be missed.”
Marti Prather, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
“The thing that made Pastor Jones special was his ability to touch the lives of
everyone who came in contact with him; this includes my entire family. He made
everyone feel special. I personally saw him interact with everyone who crossed his path. When the church didn’t have money to give benevolence to a member in need, I’ve seen him pay the bill out of his own pocket. When he used the phrase, “Love you with a Pastor’s heart,” it was real. He knew all of our members and could tell you a story about everyone that is or was a member here.”
Marya Jones, Sister
“From an early age, Michael was always a very spiritual person, so it was not a surprise at all when he decided to devote his life to the ministry. He’s also one of the smartest people my brother Sam and I have ever known. He was so multi-talented with his intellectual abilities. He’s just one of those people who had it all. I think one of the biggest lessons from our parents was that we needed to always keep in mind service, service to God, our family and then others. Michael was a tremendous brother to Sam and I. In addition to being my brothers, they are two of my best friends in the world. Even though I’m the oldest, when my first husband died suddenly, I became the youngest and between Sam and Michael, I was able to navigate the steps of life and keep going.”
Radio One
“Radio One Indianapolis mourns the loss of Michael K. Jones, the host of the Community Connection on AM 1310 The Light. His sudden death leaves a void not only in the Radio One family, but the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church family, where he pastored and the community where he served. Radio One extends its condolences to the Jones family and his church family during this time of bereavement. An articulate and educated community and people lover, Pastor Michael K. Jones, an Indianapolis native joined Radio One in February 2016. His vibrant presentation and listener engagement style made Michael the ideal host to take the helm of Community Connection.”
Sam Jones, Brother
“The thing people may not know about Michael, is how naturally talented and gifted an individual he was, just how many gifts he was given and his willingness to use them. I know people know him as a preacher, pastor and orator, but I don’t think some people knew he was a musician since he was a child. Growing up, Marya and I had been taking lessons, and I think Michael was on the piano for all of about three to six months, and he was better than Marya and I, and we had been taking lessons for years. And his affinity just never stopped. I’m not sure that there’s an instrument he ever picked up that he couldn’t play a little bit. He could read music. He could write music and not just simple piano music, he could write a score for all the instruments. He was one of those rare people that could hear music in his head and that was a gift he shared.”
A visitation service for Pastor Michael K. Jones will be held Thursday, August 4th from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Progressive Baptist Church, 4625 W. 59th St Indianapolis, IN. The homegoing service will be held Friday, August 5th at 11:00am at Eastern Star Church, 5805 Cooper Rd, Indianapolis, IN.
