about

Raymond E. Allen, Sr

A Leader of Leaders and a Champion for Christ

A native of Farrell, Pennsylvania, Raymond E. Allen, Sr. is a trailblazer who has dedicated his life to fusing creativity and ministry, inspiring generations of pastors, ministers, and public figures. As a spiritual father to a diverse community of leaders, Pastor Ray is revered for his wisdom, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God. His journey is one of resilience, vision, and a deep passion for equipping others to become true Champions for Christ.

After graduating from Farrell High School in 1972, Pastor Ray enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably on the USS Midway as a 911 Water Transportation Specialist. In 1974, he was awarded the United States Navy National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service, he returned home to work in the steel mills before embarking on a life-changing journey of ministry and leadership.

Pastor Ray’s pursuit of excellence led him to Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated with honors in Ministerial Theology in 1981. With a drive to combine ministry with practical skills, he earned an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Bryan Institute in 1983 and later completed advanced studies in Electronics and Computer Programming at A.T.E.S. Technical College in 1988.

In 1989, Pastor Ray received his Ordination of Ministerial License from Faith Christian Fellowship International Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and further solidified his pastoral credentials in 1992 through Believers’ Christian Fellowship in Warren, Ohio. With a heart for raising up Kingdom-minded leaders, he founded Pastor Ray’s Champions for Christ in 1993, a ministry that equips believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. Now based in Birmingham, Alabama, this vision continues to grow, with members nationwide carrying the torch of faith and transformation.

A pioneer in integrating ministry with the arts and entrepreneurship, Pastor Ray is the Owner and CEO of True to the Word Publishing Company, LLC. Through this platform, he has authored several impactful works, including the children’s books The Ugly Little Fish and From Jesus to Santa Claus as well as his acclaimed book, Sensitivity: The Husband’s Ministry to His Wife, a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Alma Jean Coleman Allen.

Pastor Ray’s influence extends beyond the pulpit. Over the years, he has made numerous television appearances, hosted a weekly radio show on WGFT and the Gift Channel in Youngstown, Ohio, and been featured in various articles. His leadership at Green Community Four Square Church in North Bloomfield, Ohio, beginning in 2004, brought significant growth and vitality to the congregation.

A lifelong learner, Pastor Ray studied Ministry Education, Philosophy, and Psychology at Kent State University Trumbull Campus, earning the prestigious Hulda Smith Graham Award for Academic Excellence in 2004. His legacy as a leader of leaders is marked by his tireless devotion to advancing the Gospel and empowering others to step boldly into their God-ordained callings.
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Pastor Ray is not only a leader but a champion of creativity, faith, and transformation, with a profound impact on pastors, ministers, and public figures who regard him as a spiritual father. His pioneering efforts in merging creativity with ministry have made him a beacon of hope and inspiration for those called to lead in their own right.

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