Rev. L. Christopher Lewis

The Reverend Lawrence Christopher Lewis was born in Harlem, New York, to the late Lawrence and Diane Hawkins. A proud product of the New York City public school system, Rev. Lewis began his pursuit of higher education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore before continuing his studies at SUNY Purchase College, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He subsequently matriculated at Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey, earning a Master of Arts in Religion. Concurrently, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education. He is currently enrolled at Union Theological Seminary in New York, pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Having grown up in and around the church, Rev. Lewis accepted his call to the preaching ministry in 2003 and officially entered ministry in October 2005 at the historic Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Harlem, New York, the oldest Black church in New York State. His relationship with Mother Zion began at an early age, having been appointed as a junior minister of the Junior Church at just 16 years old. Following in the footsteps of the giants who shaped the legacy of Mother Zion, his ministry continued to grow and expand.

In 2011, Rev. Lewis continued his ministerial journey at Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where he served as a dedicated staff member under the leadership of the Reverend Eldren D. Morrison. His commitment to ministry and community remained central to his work and service.

In June 2017, under the leadership and guidance of the Right Reverend Dennis Vernon Proctor, Rev. Lewis was appointed to his first pastoral charge at Hood-Shaw Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Providence, Rhode Island. During his pastorate, he led the congregation through several significant property improvement projects, overseeing the renovation of the parsonage, church building, and parking lot. Alongside these efforts, he remained committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of the congregation and guiding the church toward financial stability.

In 2019, Bishop Proctor appointed Rev. Lewis to The Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church in Danbury, Connecticut, where he currently serves as pastor. As the pastor of one of Danbury's oldest African American congregations, Rev. Lewis remains committed to the spiritual development of the church, the strengthening of its ministry, and its continued impact within the surrounding community.

Beyond his pastoral and civic responsibilities, Rev. Lewis considers fatherhood among his most meaningful callings. He is the devoted father of two children, Aadyn Alexander and Lauren Christina, and takes great pride in the responsibility and privilege of raising his children.

Among the commitments that guide Rev. Lewis's life and ministry is his belief in the transformative power of faith, education, and community. He lives by the motto: "Changing people, who change communities, who will change the world."