Pastor Michael is the dedicated leader of The Love Church in Richmond, VA. Called to preach, heal, and lead God’s people to salvation, his life’s mission is to treat the needs of God’s people as holy, give a voice to the voiceless, and minister to their hopes and struggles.

A Ministry of Impact

Under Pastor Michael’s leadership, The Love Church offers transformative and relevant ministries, including:

• M3: Men Helping Men Be Men

• Help, Hope & Healing

• Financial Empowerment & Homeownership

• Breaking Bread Ministry

• 12 Noon Prayer (Monday–Saturday)

• Word on Wednesday @ 7 PM

• Powerful Sunday Worship Experiences

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Michael has served in multiple leadership roles, including Pastor of MOBC, RVA, Biblical Teacher for Richmond City Jail, and City-Wide Coordinator for the Faith Leaders Initiative of RVA. As an attorney and educator, he has also been an Adjunct Professor for Urban Ministry at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond and CEO of AJ Sanders Training & Consulting Management, LLC. His passion for uplifting the next generation extends to his role as Executive Director of Beating the Odds Independent Living Academy, which equips foster youth for independent living.

Education & Leadership

A former scholar-athlete, Pastor Michael earned a full four-year football scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where he played as a running back and received his B.A. Degree. His academic journey continued with a Law Degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He is also a proud graduate of the Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2008.

Family & Personal Life

On November 29, 2024, Pastor Michael will celebrate 28 years of marriage to Lady AJ, a Strategic Advisor, Coach & Strategist for Healthcare Organizations. Together, they are the proud parents of two daughters, Melissa and Tiffany, and grandparents to three grandchildren. More than 22 young people affectionately call them Mom and Dad.

Pastor Michael enjoys preaching, working out, music, traveling, photography, empowering God’s people, and spending time with family and close friends. He is deeply grateful for all the Lord’s blessings and firmly believes that the best is yet to come for The Love Church!