The Reverend Michael Damien Chism, D.Min. is the capable senior pastor of Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia (Frankford), Pennsylvania.  Founded in 1807, Dr. Chism now provides fresh and cutting-edge pastoral leadership to the second oldest A.M.E. Church founded by Bishop Richard Allen in the world. 

 

Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Diana Chism and Haston Thorton, Dr. Chism received his associates in biblical studies and bachelors of Science in human resources degree from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA.  He later received his masters of divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, OH and his doctorate of ministry 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, literacy programs have been created and the church continues to build on the foundation laid by former pastors and parishioners.   

 

In addition to his pastoral leadership, Dr. Chism works as a human resource expert and is an adjunct professor of world religion at Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, TX.  Dr. Chism is also an anointed psalmist that has directed several choirs and was the assistant director of the Philadelphia Conference A.M.E. Youth Mass Choir.  He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and serves on the Philadelphia Annual Conference Finance Committee.  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).”