You’ve probably seen him on your feed or caught a clip of a sermon that felt more like a masterclass in social psychology than a traditional Sunday service. Reginald Sharpe Jr. isn’t your average preacher. He doesn't just stand behind a mahogany pulpit and read ancient texts; he bridges a gap between old-school theology and a generation that is, frankly, pretty skeptical of the institution.
Because of his poise and the way he commands a room at Fellowship Chicago, people are always asking the same thing. How old is Reginald Sharpe Jr. exactly? He looks young. He sounds seasoned. That's a rare combo.
The Numbers: Reginald Sharpe Jr. Age and Milestone Years
Let’s get the math out of the way. Honestly, it’s impressive.
Reginald Wayne Sharpe Jr. was born on February 18, 1991. As of today, in early 2026, he is 34 years old.
He grew up in Lithonia, Georgia. Think about that for a second. By the time he was 28, he was handed the keys to Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church—a Chicago landmark. Taking over for legends like Rev. Clay Evans and Pastor Charles Jenkins isn't just a "job promotion." It’s like being handed the baton in a high-stakes Olympic relay where the world is watching.
He’s a millennial. He turns 35 in just about a year.
Most people are still trying to figure out their career path in their early 30s. Sharpe, meanwhile, is managing a congregation that reaches tens of thousands of people weekly. It’s wild to think that while most of his peers are navigating mid-level management, he’s steering one of the most historically significant Black churches in the United States.
Why His Age Actually Matters for the Church
Age is usually just a number, but in the world of faith, it’s a strategy.
The "Black Church" has often struggled to keep Gen Z and millennials in the pews. You know how it goes—traditionalism can sometimes feel like a barrier. Sharpe changes that dynamic. He isn't trying to "act" young to fit in; he is the generation the church is trying to reach.
A Different Kind of Resume
His academic track record is kinda exhausting to look at if you're a procrastinator.
- Morehouse College: Graduated in 2013 (Religion).
- Vanderbilt University: Master of Theological Studies (2016).
- Emory University: Master of Theology (2018).
- Christian Theological Seminary: Pursuing a Ph.D. in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric.
He’s a scholar. That matters because his age isn't a substitute for depth. When he talks about "Crown Culture" or the mental health struggles of being in the public eye, he’s pulling from both a deep well of study and the lived experience of a young Black man in America.
Facing the "Youngest Heretic" Labels
Success at a young age almost always invites critics. Some corners of the internet have labeled him a "heretic" or too progressive. Why? Because he isn't afraid to talk about things that were once "hush-hush" in the church.
Mental health.
Social activism.
Systemic racism.
The pressures of social media.
He doesn't separate the spiritual from the social. To him, if the gospel doesn't work on the street corner or in the therapist’s office, it doesn't work at all. This "new" approach ruffles feathers among the older guard who might prefer a more "fire and brimstone" style. But for the 25-year-old in Chicago trying to make sense of a chaotic world, Sharpe’s voice is a lifeline.
The Weight of the Crown
He often speaks about the "weighted pressure" of leadership. Imagine being 34 and having the spiritual well-being of thousands on your shoulders. It’s a lot.
Sharpe has been very open about the "emptiness" that can exist in private even when you're "full" in public. That level of transparency is rare. Usually, pastors want to look bulletproof. He’d rather look human.
In December 2023, he faced a massive personal blow with the passing of his father, Reginald Sharpe Sr. Dealing with that kind of grief while leading a massive community through their own struggles takes a specific kind of mental toughness. It forced him to grow up even faster than his career already had.
What You Can Learn from the "Sharpe Approach"
Whether you're religious or not, there's a blueprint here for leadership in the 2020s.
- Honesty beats perfection. People don't want a robot; they want a person who understands their pain.
- Respect the roots, but water the new growth. He honors Clay Evans while using YouTube and social media to expand the reach.
- Education is a tool, not just a title. His degrees give him the "weight" to stand in rooms where his age might otherwise be a liability.
What to Watch Next
If you're curious about his style, don't just take my word for it. Check out his "I Love Me Some Me" series or his talks on "Conquering Crown Culture." They aren't just sermons; they're basically survival guides for anyone dealing with high-pressure environments.
The next step is simple: Pay attention to how he handles the next few years. As he moves deeper into his 30s, the "young pastor" label will eventually fade, and he’ll simply be one of the most influential voices in American rhetoric, period. If you’re looking to improve your own leadership or just need a fresh perspective on balancing traditional values with modern reality, his catalog of work is the best place to start.
Keep an eye on his Ph.D. progress at Christian Theological Seminary—that's likely where the next "big shift" in his teaching will come from.