African American Church Evangelism Institute
Partnering with Pastors to Cultivate Conversion Growth
The African American Church Evangelism Institute is catalyzing a movement of evangelism and mission in communities through local African American churches across the country.
59% of churches across America are either plateauing or declining, 31% of churches are growing primarily through transfer growth and only 10% of churches are growing significantly through conversion growth. Through a two-year cohort, pastors learn how to revitalize their congregation by becoming “conversion communities”, where churched and unchurched people come to faith, grow in their faith, and become more welcoming places for young Millennials and Gen Z.
New Leadership Appointments
The African American Church Evangelism Institute is pleased to welcome two accomplished leaders who will help advance the institute’s mission of equipping churches and leaders to share the Gospel with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.
Pastor Christopher J. Harris
Director, African American Church Evangelism Institute
As Director of the African American Church Evangelism Institute, Pastor Harris will provide strategic leadership for the institute’s vision, programs, partnerships, and initiatives, helping equip pastors and congregations to cultivate cultures of evangelism and disciple-making. Harris brings extensive experience as a pastor, executive leader, strategist, and organizational consultant. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Pastor at Crossover Church, where he leads organizational strategy, ministry operations, and vision implementation. His passion for leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and Kingdom impact positions him well to guide the continued growth and influence of AACEI.
Rev. Dr. Essentino A. Lewis, Jr.
Coach Director, Church Evangelism Institutes
As Coach Director for the Church Evangelism Institutes, Rev. Dr. Essentino A. Lewis, Jr. will help recruit, train, and support cohort coaches while strengthening the coaching experience for pastors and church leaders participating in institute programs. Dr. Lewis serves as Senior Pastor of Clifton Park Baptist Church in the Washington, D.C. area and brings decades of experience in pastoral ministry, leadership development, and community engagement. A respected educator, attorney, and denominational leader, he also serves as President of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and as an Adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. His commitment to discipleship, evangelism, and leader development will help equip pastors to lead lasting Gospel impact in their churches and communities.
