Pastor Joseph J. Annese, Jr.

Born September 1, 1964 in New York City.  He passed on May 7, 2023 in Wilmington Hospital (Hospice) in Delaware.

Pastor Joe’s journey began at the Sunday Breakfast Mission (SBM) Wilmington in 2011. After a brief time of homelessness, Joe came to the Sunday Breakfast Mission and completed the Men’s Discipleship Program. Joe wasn’t satisfied with completing the program, it was his desire to move toward a life of Christian service. While in aftercare Joe began to take on-line courses with Liberty University where he graduated. He also attended Word of Life School of Ministry in Newark, Delaware (a ministry of Word of Life Church).

Joe was moving on two separate but complimentary tracks. At SBM he became an intern working for the Men’s Discipleship program and at Word of Life Christian Center he began to serve in any capacity he could. After Joe’s internship, he was offered employment as a Resident Specialist at SBM, and two years later he was offered the position of Men’s counselor, and from there moved on to become Director of Food Services.

At Word of Life, he also grew in leadership. Joe led small groups, ushered and was a greeter. Joe had a big heart and a God-given burden for those coming out of addictions of every kind.

To disciple men and women more thoroughly his desire turned toward starting a church for the express purpose of serving those coming out of a variety of bondages, as a result, Lifeline Church Ministries was birthed. Joe was appointed Administrative Pastor of that ministry and after about four years was appointed as Senior Pastor of that ministry.

Joe served with love, passion, and a strong sense of commitment. He did so until his passing on May 7th.

To God be the glory.

A memorial service is scheduled for the near future.