“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)
As Senior Pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church, Dr. Craig L. Oliver’s passionate yet pedagogic approach to preaching touches the hearts, fortifies the spirits and transforms the minds of believers and non-believers across the world. With a faith rooted and grounded in the Word of God, he desires to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the R.E.A.L. Experience – Restoring Hope, Empowering People, Advancing the Kingdom, and Leaving a Legacy.
Dr. Oliver’s 25 years of ministry have been anointed by God and personifies Ephesians 3:20 – “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. Since receiving and accepting his calling at the young age of 16 and becoming pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church at the age of 21, Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr. has seen the hand of God expand to over 12,000 members, five EBC In Your City locations, three Bible studies on Wednesdays, one Saturday Express Service and eight Worship Services over the weekend. Under his leadership, the church has completed mission work within the local Atlanta community and abroad in over six countries with more on the horizon.
His exegetical style of preaching connects with the hearts of those desperate for the unadulterated truth of God’s Word through weekly television broadcasts and through the Internet via www.elizabethbaptist.org. Dr. Oliver carefully marries the tradition of sound preaching with the understanding that as Jesus met those in need where they were, so should we. He, along with his Collaborative Preaching Team, deliver practical and profound points at thirteen weekly services, knowing that the best sermon ever heard is the last one that is actually put into practice.
This dynamic man of God has received a myriad of accolades and degrees including Master of Arts degrees in Biblical/Theological Studies and Leadership from Luther Rice Theological Seminary, and a D. Min. from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Dr. Oliver is an active member of the Eta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. But at the heart of this great man of God is his love for his family. Pastor Oliver’s joy and balance is his wife, First Lady Chi’Ira and three beautiful children; son Craig Jr., daughters Corrie Kené and Charlee Reign. As a dynamic ministry family, they are dedicated servants of God, and stand as a testament to what God can do in the lives of true believers!