Rev. Dr. Arturo Pierre Lewis

The Rev. Dr. Arturo Pierre Lewis is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Glendale, California. He’s an American Baptist Churches USA minister, adjunct professor and inspirational speaker whose religious and non-religious audiences include adults, students, professional athletes and corporate executives. Arturo is the founder and Executive Director of Celebration Education and Celebration Ministries, former senior pastor at Emmanuel Church, Co-director of the Community Peace and Justice Network in Ridgewood, NJ and Adjunct Faculty at William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. One of twelve children, he was raised by his single mother after the violent separation of his parents. Arturo grew up poor in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods of historic Paterson, NJ. Through sports, church, and education, he maneuvered his way beyond gang life, drug use, and crime. Inducted into the international sociology honors society, Alpha Kappa Delta, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Paterson College in Sociology and Anthropology. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and, a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, attended Princeton University and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. In addition, he earned a doctorate from Drew University Theological School. Rev. Lewis is a veteran church, para-church, and community leader. In addition, he is the author of the published articles, “Promises to the Family” and “Act like You Can.” His professional paper examines “Multiracial Worship as Public Theology.” Rev. Lewis is the founder, and president of Celebration Ministries and president of Celebration Education, a consulting and leadership training organization. Dr. Lewis speaks to groups of all ages on various topics. He teaches leadership strategies to college students, executives, and provides instruction at William Paterson University where he teaches Sociology and other Diversity Studies courses: World Religions, Racism and Sexism, Principles of Sociology, Social Problems, U.S. History and Institutional Racism in America. As a Personal Life Coach and Mentor, he guides and support young adults with personal development and achievement solutions. A former semi-pro baseball player, and podcast host, he has served as a pre-game speaker for professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB. Arturo has served on advisory councils and boards including the Ridgewood YMCA. A widower and father, he considers it a blessing to live close to his son.