Pastor Richard Jackson

A Vision from God: Pastor Richard Jackson’s Obedience to the Call and Hard Work Behind Manasseh Ministry

In the heart of St. Louis, Pastor Richard Jackson stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and radical compassion. A man shaped by both his deep faith and his experience of incarceration, Pastor Jackson’s life has been anything but ordinary. Following a non-violent offense that led to his incarceration, Pastor Jackson emerged not just as a survivor but as a man on a divine mission. Manasseh Ministry, the lifeline he created for the formerly incarcerated and their families, is the result of that calling—one built on personal redemption, obedience to God, and a relentless commitment to social justice.

​

For Pastor Jackson, the seeds of Manasseh Ministry were planted during his time behind bars. "He received the name 'Manasseh' as a clear and undeniable message from God during a moment of spiritual clarity while incarcerated." At the time, he didn't fully understand the significance of the name, but Manasseh, a biblical figure representing the act of forgetting past hardships and starting anew, became the foundation for his ministry. Jackson’s story is not just one of personal transformation but of following a divine calling to create a place of healing for others.

​

A Radical Calling

Pastor Jackson’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. While his time in prison tested his spirit, it was the support of his wife and children that helped him through the darkest days. Yet, even after his release, Jackson was quickly reminded of the harsh reality incarceration had on his family. His daughter needed school uniforms, his son was outgrowing his shoes, and as a father, he felt the weight of responsibility to provide. These experiences solidified his vision for Manasseh Ministry.

​

"I realized that my family was suffering because I had gone away," Jackson reflects. His struggle wasn’t unique—many families in his community faced similar hardships, often without the support he was blessed to have. With this realization, Jackson sprang into action. He reached out to companies like Nike, asking for donations. What started with shoes and clothes for his family grew into a full-scale clothing program that supported others in need. His boldness and determination were clear—he wasn’t about to wait for someone else to solve the problem

​

Like the Nike slogan, Jackson's mantra became "Just Do It." "Manasseh wasn’t about waiting for permission or following a blueprint," Jackson explains. "It was about seeing a need and doing something about it."

​

Tough Love and Unyielding Compassion

Though he can be tough and direct, Pastor Jackson’s heart is with his community, acting like a real-life hero who gets the job done and always helps where needed. His leadership style is no-nonsense and, at times, intimidating, but his care for those he serves is undeniable. Jackson expects a lot—from himself, his team, and those he helps. He’s been labeled "too radical" by some, but Jackson is unapologetic. "People call me too radical because I speak my mind. I see injustice every day, not just when it makes the news."

​

His vision of social justice isn’t confined to high-profile cases of police misconduct. For Jackson, justice includes family accountability and civic responsibility. "Police killings of Blacks mean nothing to you until it happens to you," he often says. His work at Manasseh Ministry reflects this holistic view—helping people take responsibility for their actions while fighting for a system that gives them a fair chance

​

Building a Legacy, One Life at a Time

Manasseh Ministry is the embodiment of Pastor Jackson’s mission to atone for the pain his incarceration caused his family and to help others avoid making the same mistakes. He prefers the term “formerly incarcerated citizens,” because he firmly believes, "They went in as citizens, and they came out as citizens." His ministry provides everything from youth leadership programs and mentoring to clothing and reintegration courses. The goal is simple: "Empowering Families, Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration."

​

Jackson’s blend of tough love and deep empathy drives the success of Manasseh Ministry. He knows firsthand the barriers to reentry and the challenges that families face. His approach is practical but compassionate—he expects people to pull their weight but is always there to support them when they fall.

​

Though the ministry has touched thousands of lives, Jackson is clear that the work is far from over. Financial challenges often threaten the ministry’s ability to grow, and while Jackson hesitates to ask for money, the need for community support is undeniable. "I’m not good at asking for money, but Manasseh needs it. The families we serve need it," he admits with rare vulnerability.

​

A Call to Action

Pastor Richard Jackson’s story is one of faith, redemption, and unrelenting commitment to justice. Through Manasseh Ministry, he’s building a legacy not just for himself but for the countless families affected by incarceration. But he cannot do it alone

​

Help Pastor Jackson continue this life-changing work by supporting Manasseh Ministry. Whether through donations or giving your time, your impact can change lives.

​

​Donate today. Volunteer tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference.