Recently installed senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Community Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Christopher Armstrong recognizes that he’s been bestowed the great honor of occupying the position once held by the late Rev. Mozel Roosevelt Sanders, his son Roosevelt and many other notable ministers.
Armstrong’s calling from God is not something he takes unconscientiously. In fact, he used the word “humbling” when asked, “How does it feel to be a part of the great pastoral history of Mt. Vernon?”
He’s only been pastoring at Mt. Vernon for five months and is still fairly new to Indianapolis; nevertheless he feels the warmth and commonality from the community, parishioners and fellow pastors.
Armstrong is no stranger to the pulpit. Before coming to Mt. Vernon, he ministered at the Rock Star Baptist Church of Brandon, Miss.; the United Baptist Church of Pearl, Miss.; and the Greater Antioch M.B. Church of Hattiesburg, Miss. He attended Alcorn State University, the West Florida Baptist Seminary and Slidell Baptist Seminary where he earned an Associate of Theology degree, Bachelor of Theology degree, Master of Theology degree and a Doctor of Divinity degree.
The Recorder was able to chat with Armstrong about his new pastoral position, family and relationship with Christ.
Recorder: How do you like Indianapolis so far?
“I love Indianapolis and everything about it. I have no immediate family here. Everyone is back home in Mississippi. But I’ve been welcomed here like I’m family. The parishioners have extended the red carpet for me time and time again. I think they’ve even fabricated it a couple times. (Laughs) Everyone has been so hospitable to me. The love the pastors have shown for me in this city is rare. I honestly believe they are showing such generosity because it’s who they are as pastors and because of the pastors that have labored before me at Mt. Vernon. I am humbled to be here and under the pastoral administration here and I do not take that lightly.”
What are your goals for Mount Vernon Community Missionary Baptist Church?
“Our motto as a church is to connect the community to Christ. We ultimately want to create a place where people can come and feel welcomed. There is no status quo or attire a person has to have. Just come as you are and you will be accepted regardless of your background.”
What do you hope to accomplish in the community as a church?
“Homelessness is rampant in the city of Indianapolis. We want to reach out to the homeless not only to provide shelter, but to get them back in the workplace and allowing them to be independent. We will try to address the cause of the effect, to create an independent atmosphere. To first embrace, encourage and enlighten them. We’d like to edge homelessness out. Cleaning up the streets, vacant homes and lots is also important. We represent our community. Jesus did say we will always have the poor with us, but he didn’t say they had to be in Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to working with the leaders of Indianapolis whether sacred or secular, helping the hurting and lifting the low and bridging every barrier.”
Being a pastor is not an easy task. How do you stay grounded and focused on the will of God?
“I talk to him consistently by praying and I plan. I have to prioritize my time by spending time for me and with me, while putting Christ first. I have to remember the church isn’t mine; I’m a steward. I know who it belongs to and I pray everyday that God gives me the wisdom, power and understanding to conduct it the way he wants to. It’s not my idea, it’s his. It’s not my vision, but his. My ways are not his ways. We need to make sure we know who is the owner, operator and the originator. Many times preachers lose focus and begin to think it’s ‘my’ church, ‘my’ choir. At the end of the day I don’t take it home with me, it’s all his. We can easily slip into the ‘it’s mine’ mentality. It’s not mine and I am aware of that.”
You are a family man with a wife, five children and a grandchild. How important is family to you?
“It’s great to have those loved ones around. I’m confident in the fact that I will never have the presence of their absence. They will always be there. I’m very thankful for my five siblings, children and my parents. It’s a blessing. Those things money can’t buy. I value those things which you can not put a value on.”
What are some words of wisdom you live by?
“Don’t let your past pain paralyze your present position. And always remember the prince of peace will provide a precious promise through every problem, flight or peril.”
At the end of the day, what do you hope people remember about Dr. Christopher Armstrong?
“That I am a servant. That’s it! They don’t have to remember what I said or what I did. There doesn’t have to be any letters of academia behind my name. I want them to note that I helped when they were hurting. I lifted people when they were low. I served. If no one remembers me 20 to 30 years from now that’s fine, but if they don’t remember Jesus that’s failure.”
Mt. Vernon Community Missionary Baptist Church is located at 709 N. Belmont, Indianapolis, IN 46222. For more information concerning Mt. Vernon call (317) 636-4964.
