Bruce V. Allen, Pastor and founder of The Church Fellowship is a renaissance man in the truest sense of its meaning. A spiritual leader, father and family man, visionary, community leader, entrepreneur and accomplished artistic talent, the breadth and scope of his talent and involvement in life’s pursuits is inspiring.
A native of East St. Louis, IL, Bruce V. Allen attended Bethune-Cookman College on a full music scholarship graduating cum laude, while receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with minor studies in music. His post-graduate education includes a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from St. Thomas Christian College. Most recently, Dr. Allen became an Alumnus of the prestigious Harvard University School of Divinity by completing the rigorous Summer Leadership Institute.
Prior to becoming Pastor of The Church Fellowship, Bruce V. Allen served for over a decade as Associate Pastor/Minister of Music for the Abyssinia Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL. During that time, Dr. Allen became a strong proponent of Praise & Worship within the overall context of the African-American worship service. In 1997 he was certified by the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc. in the area of Praise & Worship. His resume also includes an integral participation as guest clinician in a recording of sacred music by Composer Leon C. Roberts entitled Come Bless The Lord.
Pastor Allen’s reputation and vision as a community leader and businessman continues to grow. From the development of his church’s much needed day care center to the creation of a full service Christian Bookstore, Pastor Allen is a dedicated and responsible activist in his community.
Final mention must be made of Bishop-Elect Allen’s involvement, indeed dedication to the pioneering and award-winning Inspirational Jazz duo, Allen & Allen. Co-leader and keyboardist of the group along with saxophonist, Allen T.D. Wiggins, he has helped to establish Allen & Allen as a national presence on the music scene and a much in demand performance duo. Finally, for the first time in his professional career, Pastor Allen has recently released his first solo project, “Just B. Allen This Time”. The project has given Pastor Allen to brand a new musical genre called “praisetrumental”. The fusion of praise, worship and instrumental music have already caused a stir all across the country.
