Biography of Pastor Eric D. Hurst

Pastor Eric D. Hurst was born to Mr. Charles Hurst and the late Mrs. Dorethea

Shepherd Hurst on October 27. Along with his brother, Brian Ashley Hurst, he was

raised in the Metro Atlanta area and attended schools in DeKalb County. Pastor Hurst

accepted Christ at the tender age of four at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church

under the leadership of the late Reverend Hubert Floyd Shepherd, his grandfather.

After graduating from high school, Pastor Hurst served in the U.S. Navy as a dental

technician. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business

Administration from Oglethorpe University. Pastor Hurst began his professional career

in banking and finance but soon discovered a passion for education. Recognizing a

divine calling to serve youth, he united his ministry with his profession as an educator.

He embraces the scripture from Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much is

required," and is deeply committed to helping students achieve their God-given

potential.

Pastor Hurst continued his theological education at the Interdenominational Theological

Center, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Morehouse School of Religion.

As a lifelong member of Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Pastor Hurst actively

participated in and led various ministries. As a child and teenager, he was involved in

the Children’s and Youth Choirs, Sunday School, Baptist Boys Camp Council, Athletics,

and Youth Ministries. After being licensed and ordained as a minister, he served in

numerous leadership roles, including Assistant to the Pastor, Assistant to the Director of

Christian Education, Teacher Training Instructor, Sunday School Teacher, New

Members’ Ministry Teacher, Family and Marriage Counselor, and Pastor of

Congregational Care, where he supported over 600 families.

In 2006, Pastor Hurst was called to Browns Hill Baptist Church, where he became the

pastor after a thorough selection process. On December 3, 2006, Pastor Hurst and the

Browns Hill Baptist Church family began their journey together.

In 2013, Pastor Hurst was called to higher ground when he became the seventh pastor

of the historic Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Under his leadership,

the church has grown both numerically and financially. Pastor Hurst has guided Mount

Moriah into the 21st century with advancements in technology and media, including a

church website, mobile app, and online worship services. During the COVID-19

pandemic, Pastor Hurst partnered with C.O.R.E. to provide testing and vaccination

services, helping thousands in the community.

Pastor Hurst’s community involvement extends beyond the church walls. He partnered

with the Atlanta Humane Society to provide veterinary services to low-income residents

in the West End and surrounding areas, served as Chaplain to the Washington High

School football team, and collaborated with Trinity House, a rehabilitation program for

individuals overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, offering spiritual and financial

support.

Pastor Hurst’s most cherished roles are those of husband to his beloved wife, Sabrina,

and father to their children, Miss Summer Ivory Hurst and Joshua Patton. He is also a

proud grandfather to Sage Ruth and Willow Rain, whose love continues to inspire him

daily.

Pastor Hurst is a man of vision, integrity, and unwavering faith, leading with both skill

and compassion as he faithfully serves his church and community.

Email: pastorhurst@themountatl.org

Phone: 470-312-3818