Spiritual Calling & Early Ministry

At the age of 16, Rev. Malone joined Mt. Vernon Primitive Baptist Church, where he was baptized by Rev. S. L. Malone. Though he felt God’s calling on his life early on, he resisted it through much of his youth. It was not until his early adulthood that he became a member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church under Rev. Adolph G. White. There, he served faithfully as a deacon and choir member while deepening his spiritual convictions.

At the age of 28, he finally accepted the call to preach the Gospel. His first sermon, preached in July 1977, was titled:

“Faith Plus Works Equals Your Blessing”

This foundational message launched him into a life of committed ministry. In 1979, Rev. Malone was ordained by Rev. Adolph G. White and continued his service as an associate minister.

Founding of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church

While serving as an associate, Pastor White fell ill, and Rev. Malone stepped into pastoral duties. When Pastor White returned, unrest in the congregation led many members to request that Rev. Malone organize a new church and serve as their pastor.

Initially hesitant out of loyalty to his spiritual father, Rev. Malone spent time in prayer and counsel with his wife before stepping forward. In November 1980, thirty people gathered in the Malone home to lay the foundation for what would become St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. By the next meeting, forty members were in attendance, and eighty had committed in writing.

On December 31, 1980, Rev. Perry Bennett and a council of ministers officially organized the church. On the first Sunday of January 1981, Rev. Malone preached his first sermon as pastor of the newly formed St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.

Ministry Legacy & Leadership

For over 44 years, Rev. Dr. Malone has faithfully pastored St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. A dynamic preacher and teacher, he is known for his powerful delivery, pastoral wisdom, and deep commitment to both his congregation and the wider community.

To deepen his theological foundation, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Chicago Baptist Institute, a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Newburgh Theological Seminary, and an Honorary Doctorate from New Freedom Bible College.

Community Involvement & Service

Rev. Malone’s leadership has extended far beyond the church walls. His service includes:

• President, Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Inc.

• Treasurer and Moderator (6 years), Rockford District Association

• Instructor, Rockford and Vicinity Baptist District Association

• Volunteer Chaplain, Rockford Police Department

• Trustee, Chicago Baptist Institute

• Member, Board of Directors for Rockford Day Nursery and Ministers’ Fellowship School of Religion

• Community Advisory Board Member, AmCore Bank

He has also served as:

• Second Vice President, Third Vice President, and Finance Committee Member, Baptist General State Convention of Illinois

• Instructor, Ministers Division, Baptist General Congress of Christian Education

• Active member of the NAACP, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Rockford School Board, American Legion, and Fraternal Order of Masons

Awards & Recognition

Rev. Malone has received numerous awards, certificates, and honors, including:

• Community Service Awards from Northern Illinois Minority Company Association and Rockford Area Minority Management (RAMM)

• Recognition by the NAACP and the Baptist General Health Unit

• Inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Business Executives

• Honorary Citizen of Huntsville, Alabama

Final Reflections

Through every season of life and ministry, Rev. Dr. Louis Edward Malone has exemplified servant leadership, unwavering faith, and a heart for people. His legacy is one of spiritual depth, institutional leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To know Rev. Malone is to witness a shepherd who walks humbly, preaches boldly, and loves deeply.