Loving Mercy, Doing Justice, Walking Humbly with God
Biography
Pastor Lawrence W. Rodgers is a dynamic and visionary leader committed to embodying the teachings of Christ through faith, compassion, and justice. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Detroit, the oldest historically Black congregation in Michigan, established in 1836 by formerly enslaved and free African Americans. Under his leadership, the church has experienced significant growth, revitalization, and a renewed emphasis on community outreach and digital ministry.
A distinguished scholar, Pastor Rodgers has an impressive academic background. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Biblical Studies from Harding University, where he graduated with honors, receiving the Most Outstanding Bible and Ministry Major award. He then pursued advanced theological education at the Howard University School of Divinity, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree with high honors. During his time at Howard, he was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Biblical Scholarship Award and the Donald Barton Prize for excellence in pastoral leadership.
In addition to his theological training, Pastor Rodgers expanded his expertise into the field of social work, graduating with distinction from the University of Michigan's Master of Social Work program. He became a fellow with Princeton’s Black Theology and Leadership Institute in 2015, a cohort dedicated to mental health that galvanized Rodgers to work towards becoming a mental health practitioner. He saw this as a great need in the community and recognized it coupled well with ministry. The University of Michigan's Master of Social Work program was ranked as the number one social work program in the nation at the time of his graduation. His education at Michigan provided him with a deep understanding of the complex needs of individuals and communities, further enhancing his ability to serve as a compassionate and effective leader.
Pastor Rodgers is also a published author. His latest book, The Inward Revolution, was released by Leafwood Publishers in August 2024 and is now available for purchase on Amazon. This work reflects his deep commitment to spiritual growth and personal transformation, themes that resonate throughout his ministry. He has also contributed to several academic publications, including "Freedom from Harm, Abuse, and Exploitation: A Reflection on Proverbs 22:16" in Alice Ogden Bellis' Proverbs, Wisdom Commentary Series (Liturgical Press, 2018), and “The Church Must No Longer Remain Silent About Racism in America” in Tanya Brice's Reconciliation Reconsidered (ACU Press, 2016).
Pastor Rodgers is a respected voice in the faith community, regularly preaching, lecturing, and teaching both in academic settings and congregations. He has served as an adjunct professor and contributed to theological education and discourse internationally, particularly in Africa. His work has been published in various academic and popular outlets, including The Christian Century and the Race, Rhetoric, and Religion Patheos blog.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Rodgers is deeply involved in social justice initiatives. He has led projects addressing homelessness, human trafficking, and food security, and is a Certified Trainer for Healing Communities USA, an organization dedicated to supporting re-entry citizens. His commitment to community development is further demonstrated through his roles on the executive board of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and as a board member of Downtown Outreach, an organization dedicated to compassionate acts in Downtown Detroit.
Pastor Rodgers’s life and ministry are marked by a profound dedication to serving others, both within the church and in the broader community. He is a devoted husband to Bettae Rodgers, a distinguished pharmaceutical research scientist, and a loving father to their three children. His vision for the church is one of a beloved community—a refuge where all are welcomed, nurtured, and empowered.
