The Reverend Michael Damien Chism, D.Min. is the capable senior pastor of

Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lawnside, NJ.  Founded in 1792,

Dr. Chism now provides fresh and cutting-edge pastoral leadership to one of the

oldest A.M.E. Churches founded by Bishop Richard Allen in the world. 

 

Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Diana Chism and Haston Thorton, Dr. Chism received

his Associate’s in Biblical Studies and Bachelor’s of Science in Human Resources

Degree from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA.  He later received his

Master’s of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, OH and his

Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH. 

 

Dr. Chism’s research focus was “Preaching Prophetically in a Postmodern

Culture: Communicating with Contemporary Audiences.”  An ordained Itinerant Elder

in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Chism pastored

Bethel A.M.E. Church, Beverly, NJ from 2012-2014.  Because Bethel had experienced

a division prior to his appointment, Dr. Chism effectively helped the church to recover

from its deep wounds and regain her place as the “house of God.” 

 

On March 2, 2014, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram appointed Dr. Chism to Campbell A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia (Frankford), PA.  Since his recent appointment to Campbell debts have been eliminated, spiritual formation opportunities have been revived, and the church continued to build on the foundation laid by former pastors and parishioners. 

 

On June 18, 2016, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram appointed Dr. Chism to Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lawnside, NJ. Under his leadership, stained glass windows have been installed, the sound system has been upgraded, the women's ministry has been revived, the prayer ministry has been reinstituted and membership continues to increase. 

 

In addition to his pastoral leadership, Dr. Chism works as a human resource expert and is an adjunct professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, TX.  Dr. Chism is also an anointed psalmist who has directed several choirs. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, where he serves as the Regional Associate Chaplain. Dr. Chism has impacted each community where he has served.  Dr. Chism is the doting father of Michael, II, Cierra Charisse and Samiya Danyel. 

 

Each day Dr. Chism desires to be transformed by God so that he can declare his favorite scripture to the world, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).”