Our Pastor

Dr. Ernest R. Flores

Dr. Ernest R. Flores, the pastor of Zion Baptist Church of Ambler, is a dynamic preacher, teacher, pastor and counselor who has pastored churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 24 years. Dr. Flores earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in History, a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Eastern University. Dr. Flores has preached the gospel in Mexico, Zambia, Italy, Burma as well as across the United States. He has also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Azusa Pacific University, Latin American Bible Institute, Eastern University, Esperanza College, Palmer Theological Seminary and he is currently an adjunct professor at Lincoln University, the first HBCU. Dr. Flores formerly served as president of the Philadelphia Baptist Association Ministers Council. In 2008, Judson Press published a book of his sermons called, “Tempted to Leave the Cross.”

T E A C H E R

Dr. Flores has extensive experience working across class, racial and denominational lines to promote the good news of Jesus Christ. He was raised in his father’s Pentecostal church, educated at a Presbyterian seminary, before becoming a Baptist pastor. He attended public schools K-12, and a private university and seminary. The church of his youth was predominantly Mexican-American, he was mentored at a predominantly African American church, his first pastoral call was to a predominantly European American congregation, and he pastored a well-integrated church for 20 years. Dr. Flores applies the Word of GOD to the problems of the world around him as he has worked with a number of groups to house homeless families; advocate for livable wages for workers; and raising consciousness concerning the sin of racial injustice. In everything, it is GOD’s Word that defines Dr. Flores’ understanding of justice, pushes him to stand up for what is right, and guides his relationships with his church, community and family.
F A M I L Y

One thing, which is obvious to all who meet Dr. Flores, is that he is in love with his wife Deborah, an educator in North Philadelphia. Since 1994, they have been partners in marriage, ministry, and parenting. They enjoy loving each other and loving their two daughters, Armida and Rachel. Together, the Flores family is a refreshing reminder of the faithfulness of The Lord to all generations.