Mt. Eagle Baptist Church

My Story

Pastor Junious, a native of Chicago, IL, started taking private piano lessons at the age of six from one of Mt. Eagle’s pillars, the late Lucinda Blackmon. After studying music for nearly six years under her tutelage, Pastor Junious began serving the church as a musician. He served as a pianist/organist of the church from 1990 – 2021, under the pastorates of Rev. Edicular Draine and Elder Osmund L. Hooks, Sr.  

Pastor Junious is a 1996 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and a 2000 graduate of Dominican University located in River Forest, IL. While accepting a scholarship to play on the men’s basketball team, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology.

In December of 2000, after a very brief pursuit of a professional basketball career, Pastor Junious began to work in the field of criminal justice.  He has worked as a Juvenile Detention Officer, Adult Correctional Officer Supervisor, Police Officer, Director of Security for a contracted facility with the State of Illinois’ prison system, and now a Juvenile Probation Officer for Cook County for the past 19 years. 

While serving in these capacities Pastor Junious has hosted numerous violence prevention programs and community restorative justice projects through his non-profit, faith-based organization, Imago Dei Ministries, Inc. (IDM). IDM was founded by Pastor Junious in 2001.  Under his leadership as Executive Director, IDM has grown to offer many programs and services for youth ages 10-18.  Some of the programs are: United Voices of Inspiration Community Choir, PEN Pals Male Mentoring Program, DOV Female Mentoring Program, Heal The Land Youth Conference and Revival, and the Panthers Basketball Program.  Pastor Junious’ experience in the field of Juvenile Justice and his passion for ministry has opened many doors for him to accept keynote speaking engagements at local elementary schools, high schools, social services agencies, and churches. From coaching athletics and being a life coach to many youth within the community, he is affectionately known as “Coach J.”

Pastor Junious has been regarded as a pillar in the community.  He was a finalist and award recipient of a national honor in 2012 that was hosted by a national retailer, Midnight Velvet.  In 2015, Allstate Insurance Agency honored Pastor Junious for his work in the community through Imago Dei Ministries, Inc.  In 2017, Pastor Junious received the Public Service Award of the Annual Sigma Gama Rho’s Catalyst For Change Leadership In The Community.  

In September of 2013, Pastor Junious accepted his calling into the ministry of preaching the Word of God.  He was licensed and ordained by Elder Osmund L. Hooks, Sr. He served faithfully as an associate minister of the Mt. Eagle Baptist Church for ten years before being elevated to pastor.  

Pastor Junious married his grammar school sweetheart, LaSherrian Junious.  They have been married over 20 years and have three children, Clifton, Javaree and Kaelyn Junious.