Rev. Brian Willingham

Pastor Brian Willingham began his journey in ministry in 2014 when he was licensed by the United Methodist Church after training at the United Methodist Theological Seminary. His passion for faith and community is reflected in his extensive body of work as an author. Pastor Willingham has written seven impactful books, including Thunder Enlightening: The Poetry and Photography of a Black Man in Middle America and Soul of a Black Cop, the latter of which won a bronze medal for best nonfiction in the Great Lakes region by the Independent Publishers Association. His other works include A Voice in the Morning, a daily devotional, Sixteen Biblical Principles of Leadership, Twenty Laws for Living, Words to Live By, and The Book of I Am: 30 Days to Transformation.

Pastor Willingham's life has been marked by service, both to his country and his community. He served in the United States Army for seven years, achieving the rank of Sergeant and was stationed in Germany during the historic fall of the Berlin Wall. After his military service, he dedicated his career to law enforcement as a Flint Police Officer, where his work was recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush in 2007. His experiences in law enforcement were also featured in the Netflix documentary Flint Town and in his op-ed, "Finding Hope in the Flint Police Department," published by The New York Times.

Pastor Willingham is the founder of People of Christ Ministries, established on July 14, 2024, where he continues to serve with dedication and compassion. He has been married to his wife, Rhonda, for 36 years, and they have three adult children: Dorian (married to Michelle), Brittany, and Brandon. Pastor Willingham's life and work embody his commitment to faith, leadership, and the betterment of his community.