Biography

Over the past 35 years, Pastor Ferguson has earned national recognition for his steadfast commitment to uplifting others. His achievements are wide-ranging: he has addressed the United Nations, been named Citizen of the Year by then-Attorney General Bob Butterworth, and earned numerous awards honoring his service and leadership. Yet, despite the accolades, he remains deeply rooted in his community.

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Pastor Ferguson’s spiritual journey has been shaped and guided by remarkable mentors. Under the leadership of the late Bishop Reginald K. Peyton, Sr. of Covenant Holy Temple, he entered ministry in 1993. He was licensed as a minister, later elevated to Evangelist in 2000, then Elder in 2004. In 2010, he was installed as Pastor of New Birth Tabernacle of Praise, located in the heart of Griffin Heights, consecrated by the late Bishop John Holland, President of Mt. Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. Pastor Ferguson has also served as President of the Holy Federation of the Deep South within the same denomination, continuing a legacy of spiritual leadership and service. Now, as Presiding Elder of Florida, Pastor Ferguson continues to embody the principles of service, leadership, and vision—guiding the people of God into a new season of growth and empowerment.

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In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Ferguson is the President and CEO of The Frontline Project, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping youth and families reach their full potential. The organization is best known for hosting the annual I AM DREAMS Youth Scholarship Gala, where 10 graduating high school seniors are awarded $1,000 each toward their educational goal.

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He currently serves as Chairman of the Frontline Pastors Action Council and is a former Chairman of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Faith Leaders Network. His civic involvement also includes active membership in the Council on the Status of Men and Boys, the Community Leadership Council on Gun Violence, the Tallahassee Human Relations Council, and the Leon County Sheriff's Citizens Advisory Council. He also previously chaired the Tallahassee Police Department's Citizens Advisory Council. Most recently, he completed Leadership Tallahassee Class 42, a prestigious program sponsored by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and was unanimously appointed to the Board of Directors for Big Bend Hospice.

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Pastor Rudy Ferguson’s impact has been widely celebrated. Honored by the City of Tallahassee for 15 years of transformative leadership at New Birth Tabernacle Church, he has also received numerous awards, including the 2015 Church of the Year Award, the 2016 African American Icon Award, recognition as a 2016 finalist for Tallahassee Democrat’s Person of the Year, the 2017 Community Service Award from the Significance Youth Conference, the 2018 Juneteenth Freedom Award, the Trailblazer Award from J.R.E. Lee, Sr. Chapter 422, and the 2019 “Men Who Support Women” Award from the Leon County Democratic Women’s Club.

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At 54, Pastor Ferguson remains a respected national figure in nonviolence and youth advocacy. Through relationship-building, servant leadership, and tireless action, he continues to bring meaningful change from the neighborhood to the state level.

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He has been married to his wife Katrina for 33 years. Together, they have raised four children—Rachel, Rudy Jr., Darrington, and Jacobe—and are proud grandparents of nine. He credits his family as the source of his strength and the foundation of his enduring success.