Pastor… Teacher… CEO
Pastor Michael Chapman was born and raised in Western New York and is a product of the community in which he serves. Called to the Ministry and licensed in 1988 he was installed as Pastor of the St. John Baptist Church in 2002. On April 9, 2017, Pastor Chapman was elevated to the office of Overseer which includes Pastor of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church.
For over 15 years, Pastor Chapman has propelled St. John Baptist Church and its subsidiaries into the forefront as a major player in the economic and community development initiatives of the City of Buffalo and Western New York region. He serves as Pastor and CEO of the forty-five acre St. John campus that includes a 3800 member congregation, McCarley Gardens Housing Complex, St. John Tower Senior housing, and the Rev. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center.
In addition, Pastor Chapman has established the following corporations: The Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation which is Single Family Home and Town Home Construction with Phase I completed in 2009. St. John Hospice House was opened in June 2008.
The Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation which is Single Family Home and Town Home Construction with Phase I completed in 2009.
St. John Hospice House was opened in June 2008. The development and construction of a faith based community Hospice Facility is unprecedented as the first of its kind in the United States.
Pastor Chapman`s vision is to provide Hospice care and transitional services in the minority community in which we live and work. For this work, Pastor Chapman received the 2009 Howard University Hospital Spirituality in Medicine Award which recognizes a member of the clergy for outstanding accomplishments in the area of Health Care with the connection to spirituality. Pastor Chapman is a gifted sermon orator and teacher with exceptional administrative skills, has expanded the St John Baptist Church ministries and auxiliaries to over 37 and he continues to realize his vision as the Founder and CEO of Blessed of the Lord Ministries which is a production company which produces Gospel concerts, plays and various other venues of religious content.
Pastor Chapman holds a Bachelors Degree, three Masters Degrees, an Honorary Doctorate Degree and is a much sought after speaker, lecturer, and facilitator. Pastor Chapman is a devoted Husband and Father of five children and 30 grandchildren. He is the son of Herschel, Sr. and the late Irene Chapman. He and his childhood soul mate of 42 years, Ina R. Chapman currently reside in Buffalo, New York.
Education
- 2013 – Present: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, New York
- Degree Candidate Masters in Systematic Theology
- 2001 – 2007: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, New York
- Master of Arts Pastoral Ministry
- 1998 – 2003: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, New York
- Master of Divinity
St. John Baptist Church now stands at the final stage of a five year progressive theological methodology to transform our spiritual conscientiousness and organize our internal operation structures.
We have addressed our past with the theme of Repentance: A hurting church must come to terms with the past and genuinely repent, or there will be no future.
We have addressed our emotions with the themes in Year 2004 and 2005, respectively, of Tears and Compassion.
In 2006, we have received a healing which was our expectation.
Now we embark on the year of our Eightieth Anniversary, which is our church goal found in Philippians 1:13-14:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This pivotal textual theme balances our past and our future, giving us spiritual continuity.
It could be perceived as Alpha and Omega, the connector, which brings closure, yet, opening of new posibilities, expectations, goals, and objectives.
Our scripture theme reminds us to be humble and full of humility because we have not attained or apprehended.
However, we will not let the accomplishments nor the failures of the past be a hindrance to what we can become.
Therefore, our Eightieth year will prepare us for the next four years of the journey. “Reaching forth; pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” is a spiritual awakening.
It can be equated in allegorical terms with Revelation 4:1 where the Lord said to John “Come up here, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.”
Therefore, our Eightieth year will be preparation for a four-year progressive spiritual enlightenment, growth and maturity.
The themes from 2008-2012 will be as follows:
2008 Scripture
2009 Meditation
2010 Prayer
2011 Fasting
2012 Contemplation
We conclude 2012 with contemplation. Two thousand thirteen will be the start of a five-year focused on resolving all Church, Life Center and Gethsemane debt. We believe the church should be unencumbered by financial obligations which demands the church become entangled in worldly affairs. We are thankful to God that over 15 years of social justice ministry; creating a 500 million dollar comprehensive collaborative urban development model, God has blessed St. John Baptist Church, Campus, and Village to be uncompromised in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not faltered in being a moral and ethical conscience and voice
We have not faltered in being a moral and ethical conscience and voice to the community. Our ninetieth anniversary begins the transition change which must take place in all institution leadership structures. I am thankful to God for the co-developer which releases me from day-to-day management and oversight of our short and long term strategic plans for construction, development and facility management. We have designed a database management system which centralizes and increases our capacity potential and capability.
We are humbled by the additional ministries of Century Lifestyle, Health and Wellness with Chiropractic services, Physical Therapy, and Medical Massages. We have additional transportation services S.J. Limousine Services.
As we pursue, by the grace of God a debt free campus; the eradication of 1.5 million in debt. Our focus now becomes establishing this St. John Baptist Church campus and village into a spiritual biblical, learning & training institute.
In conclusion, I have been too long and weary your patience:
Thank you for this unique experience to serve, grow, and mature as your Spiritual Leader, it has been an honor and privilege to bare this burden with Christ Our Lord.
Now, unto him that is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
Amen
– Peace of the Lord be with You
Overseer Michael Chapman, Pastor/vc_column_text]