Early Years
Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk, II was born in Memphis, Tennessee and was raised on the Monterey Peninsula in California from the age of 15 through his college years. Pastor Lusk was nationally known during his NFL career days as the “Praying Tailback” because of his custom of kneeling in the end zone after scoring touchdowns. Lusk committed himself to three years to the NFL and then left voluntarily, to study for the ministry.
Academics
Pastor Lusk graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology, received a Masters of Divinity from the Reformed Episcopal Theological Seminary, an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Theological Seminary, an Honorary Doctorate of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Eastern University.
Since Pastor Lusk became the pastor of Greater Exodus in 1982, the church has experienced phenomenal growth. This is due not only to his powerful and dynamic preaching of messages that meet real life spiritual needs, but also to his intense focus on providing a continuum of quality educational and mentoring programs and services within the community.
Pastor and Advisor
During his tenure as Pastor of Greater Exodus, Reverend Dr. Lusk has hosted governors, mayors, senators, congressmen, a Vice President of the United States and on two occasions, the President of the United States. Pastor Lusk served as an advisor to the President of the United States of America on Faith-Based Initiatives.
Chaplain and Leader
In addition he served as an advisor to the United Nations. Pastor Lusk has appeared on Nightline, Hardball, NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox News broadcast programs. He has received numerous awards, honors and citations. He currently serves as the Lead Chaplain for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
His uniqueness to Philadelphia was described by Michael Callahan, Editor of the Philadelphia Magazine’s 2012 special edition, Why We Love Philadelphia, when he wrote – “In the storied legacy of the NFL, Herb Lusk will always be “The Praying Tailback,” the first pro football player to drop to one knee and offer celestial thanks after a score…” In 2015, Pastor Lusk spoke during Pope Francis’s historical visit to Philadelphia.
In 2016, he led a delegation of African-American Pastors and leaders on a tour through Seoul, Korea, hosted by Yoido Full Gospel Church. Pastor Lusk was honored by the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pastor Lusk is married to his beloved wife, Vickey, with whom he has three children: Danuelle (Cedrick), Laiah (David), Herbert III; and three grandsons: David Judah, Israel Andrew, and Zion Paul.
Service Times
Sundays 7:45am, 9:30am, 11:30am
Wednesdays 7:00pm
Join our Prayer and Devotional Call
Monday - Friday 12:00 Noon (Dial-in
Number: 540-792-0083; Access Code: 991492)
704-714 N. Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19130 | 215.235.1394