Meet The Pastor
Reverend Lawrence Chisom
Reverend Lawrence Chisom is a native of Fresno, California. He attended Carver and Columbia Elementary School, Irwin Jr. High, and graduated from Edison High School in June of 1968. Reverend Chisom attended Fresno City College where he received his Certificate of Drug and Alcohol Counseling and was honored as a note-taker. His education continued as he studied at Jaron Seminary School and earned a certificate in Old and New Testament survey, preaching and teaching, Church Administration, Pastoral Epistle, and numerous other related subjects working towards his Master's Degree. Reverend Chisom was married in 1997 to his wife Geraldine Chisom and together they have 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Reverend Chisom is the President of the Baptist Pastor Convention and is a devoted participant of the Citywide Revival Committee, where he has been the treasurer and secretary. He also serves as the moderator for the Fresno United Missions. Pastor Chisom retired from the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. He went back to school to obtain his license as a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor. While doing intern hours at the Salvation Army ARC to complete his training, he was rehired as intake coordinator at the Salvation Army facility. He currently teaches Bible study at the Fresno County Jail. His Christian life has taken on a spiritual journey only God could direct. In 1996 he joined Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Linn Duke McGee. It was there when his servanthood began. He accepted Jesus Christ and it was evident that the Spirit of God had a plan for his life. He became an usher and quickly was promoted to the office of Usher President. The Holy Spirit continued to lead him and in 1999 under the leadership of Reverend Alvin McDowell serving as a Deacon. After a year of faithful service, the Lord brought him back to Mt. Olive in 2001. It was at that time a strong calling was upon him as he explained, but he resisted because of his lack of understanding of the call. He continued in ministry serving as secretary of the Deacon Board and filled the position as Director of the Usher Board, training and equipping others to serve. Pastor Lee then selected him as Director of Christian Education. In the year 2006, Reverend Chisom was being mentored by Reverend Melvin Collins and had an unquenchable desire for the Word of God and began to understand the call and after some discussion with Pastor Ed Lee accepted his calling in 2007. Pastor Melvin Collins was called to pastor a church by the name of Rhema Community Church on Shaw Avenue. Reverend Chisom went and helped in that work. After a year of service, He was ordained associate minister and became Pastor Collions assistant. Pastor Collins sent Reverend Chisom on assignment to teach and preach at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church (now called St. Matthew Baptist Church). At the request of Pastor Joshua Smith who was the interim Pastor there, Progressive voted to change their name to St. Matthew Baptist Church. In 2010 Reverend Chisom was asked to come to St. Matthew as their Pastor. After prayer and consultation, he accepted the calling. He is celebrating thirteen proud years at St. Matthew Baptist Church. God is still working in his life. He often says that he is enjoying the journey.