OUR LEADERSHIP
REV. RITNEY A. CASTINE, PASTOR
Advocate. Activist. Leader. Visionary.
These are just a few of the words that describe The Reverend Ritney A. Castine, a transformational pastor and innovative faith leader whose ministry seamlessly bridges the pulpit and the public square.
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A native of Louisiana, and lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Castine has dedicated his life to the spiritual and social transformation of people and communities. A gifted communicator and strategist, he has spent nearly two decades designing ministries and public health initiatives that empower youth, mobilize faith institutions, and strengthen families.
First ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2016, Rev. Castine was appointed the pastor of Trinity AME Church in Gonzales, Louisiana in 2017. Under his leadership, Trinity underwent a remarkable growth and transformation including purchasing a modern facility and repositioning itself as a vibrant, community-centered congregation in one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing cities.
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In November 2021, Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr. appointed Rev. Castine as the 12th pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. There, he led the church’s post-pandemic reopening and launched a major renovation of its sanctuary, fellowship hall. His tenure there was marked by consistent financial and membership growth, effective community engagement, the ordination of multiple ministers, the creation of a biweekly community meal program serving hundreds, and expanded partnerships throughout Hudson County.
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In December 2024, Rev. Castine was appointed by Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. to serve as pastor of North Stelton AME Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. Since his arrival, he has inspired the congregation with a renewed sense of purpose through his visionary framework, North Stelton NEXT. Under his leadership, North Stelton has experienced spiritual and organizational revitalization, vibrant worship and holistic discipleship while also strengthening the church’s infrastructure for sustainable growth and 21st-century ministry.
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Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Castine has built a reputation for using every available platform to expand the reach of the Gospel. Throughout his ministry, he has successfully used social media, podcasts, and radio ministry to connect faith with everyday life.
Rev. Castine also serves as Principal and Chief Strategist of Imagine Greater, Inc., a public health and strategic consulting firm helping nonprofits and coalitions advance equity and maximize impact. He is widely respected for his national leadership in faith-based health advocacy and is presently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) at Kairos University, where his research centers on the reimagining of church leadership in a post-pandemic world.
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Rev. Castine is married to Mrs. Darsheena Castine, and together they are the proud parents of their son, Amari.
Grounded in grace and guided by faith, Pastor Castine’s ministry is anchored in his favorite Bible verse, Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”