Pastor L. Joël Dautruche

A passionate and dedicated spiritual leader, Rev. Lopez-Joël Dautruche serves as the Associate Pastor of Church Life and Community Engagement at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, NY. In this role, he is responsible for FCBC’s Spiritual Formation program while also serving as the liaison responsible for fostering robust partnerships between FCBC and its surrounding community. Prior to joining the FCBC ministerial team, Rev. Dautruche served as Minister of Spiritual Care and Technology at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill, NY and Community Minister at Judson Memorial Church in New York City. Licensed to preach the gospel by Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey at Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, Rev. Dautruche was ordained by The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. At the core of Rev. Dautruche's approach to ministry is his belief that by loving God, yourself, and your neighbor and decolonizing the Church and its members from their oppressive structures of colonialism, we all can move towards a theology of radical inclusivity.

Rev. Dautruche earned a Certificate in Christian Ministry and Masters of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary (NYTS). His excellence in scholarship and service was recognized when he received the NYTS President’s Award upon his graduation. Rev. Dautruche is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry as part of the Multi-Faith Cohort from NYTS.

Rev. Dautruche draws profound inspiration from his Haitian heritage and culture, which informs his research. A devoted family man, he is the proud father of two children and is married to his wife of 9 years, Maria. In his spare time, he engages in thought-provoking discussions while exploring the intersection of Hip Hop Culture and Theology through his podcast, “Hip Hop and Theology,” tinkering with cars and exploring new destinations through travel.

Rounding out a life dedicated to spiritual growth, academic pursuit, and cultural celebration. Rev. Dautruche stands as a beacon of inclusivity, compassion, and transformative leadership, unwavering in his dedication to fostering a community rooted in love, acceptance, and radical liberation.