Our Pastor
Rev. Clifford Oliver
My name is Rev. Clifford Oliver. I am an ordained minister, and I have served in the Kingdom of God for the past twenty-five years:
In my early years I was raised in the United Methodist Church and grew to love the Lord, and later matured in the church under the watchful eye of the elders of Saint James UMC. During this time along with my family I answered the ministerial call to serve Gods’ chosen elect.
My servant call to the ministry is a deeply personal and spiritual path, in that I have continuously felt a profound sense of purpose and loyalty to serve God and humanity.
It has consisted of an inner conviction, and confirmation from my local community of faith, and a never-ending passion to share, teach, and live out my faith to the best of my ability. This inner conviction has provided the spiritual guidance and comfort of knowing his presence is with me as I exemplify my core beliefs in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit on this journey of faith.
After accepting the call to serve God in spirit and in truth, I was encouraged
(by a St. James member) to complete my formal education at Chicago State University, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology degree.
Later I attended McCormick Theological Seminary where I obtained a Masters of Divinity degree in Theology.
I have two adult children and two gran-sons – which were born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area.