Reverend Doctor Monte Norwood
A second-generation minister, the Reverend Doctor Monte Norwood is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and the son of Bishop Matthew and the late, Lady Miriam Norwood. He graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oral Roberts University in biblical literature with a minor concentration in Spanish. He then graduated with a master of divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, receiving many honors including selection as a “Benjamin E. Mays Fellow,” by The Fund for Theological Education. He subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in Afro-American Studies. In 1994, he became one of the youngest ministers in history to earn the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary with a focus on proclamation, church planting, and church growth.
Dr. Norwood has served in pastoral ministry in Oklahoma, California and served as the founding and senior pastor of the Imani Church in Euclid, Ohio, from 1992-2005. Pastor Norwood founded the Imani Community Development Corporation which, among many multifaceted community endeavors, founded a successful early childhood development training center and the Imani Scholars Preschool and Day Care. The congregation continues as one of the fastest growing congregations within the United Church of Christ and the northeast Ohio region. In 2005, with the leading of the Holy Spirit and invitation of his father, Bishop Matthew Norwood, Pastor Norwood joined the pastoral staff of Bible Way Ministries, his home church where he currently serves as senior pastor.
As a writer, public theologian, community activist, and academic, Dr. Norwood’s service to the Body of Christ has included serving as Teaching Assistant at Fuller Theological Seminary, Adjunct teaching faculty at the Cuyahoga Community College, Adjunct teaching faculty at the Cleveland State University, and Adjunct teaching faculty at Beulah Heights University. He has traveled and ministered in several nations including Cote Ivoire (The Ivory Coast), Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and throughout the Holy Land and the Palestinian Territories. Among his published works is an essay: "Where Do We Go From Here?—Symbol To Substance," included in the book Atonement: The Million-Man March, Pilgrim Press, 1996. His ultimate goal is that the members of the Body of Christ, disciples, learners, and servants, become “intentional, proactive, and productive,” living out their full divine call and purpose, taking seriously God’s call for each of us to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ and to be the visible presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the earth today. Dr. Norwood is recognized for his challenging and engaging teaching style of ministry. After 30 years of a dedicated marriage, Dr. Norwood and his deceased wife, are the proud parents of three adult children. In June 2020 he married the former Wanda Renee Jackson and together they look forward to leading forward for the kingdom! One of his life verses is Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live, is Christ; And to die is gain.” To God be all of the glory!
Dr. Norwood has served in pastoral ministry in Oklahoma, California and served as the founding and senior pastor of the Imani Church in Euclid, Ohio, from 1992-2005. Pastor Norwood founded the Imani Community Development Corporation which, among many multifaceted community endeavors, founded a successful early childhood development training center and the Imani Scholars Preschool and Day Care. The congregation continues as one of the fastest growing congregations within the United Church of Christ and the northeast Ohio region. In 2005, with the leading of the Holy Spirit and invitation of his father, Bishop Matthew Norwood, Pastor Norwood joined the pastoral staff of Bible Way Ministries, his home church where he currently serves as senior pastor.
As a writer, public theologian, community activist, and academic, Dr. Norwood’s service to the Body of Christ has included serving as Teaching Assistant at Fuller Theological Seminary, Adjunct teaching faculty at the Cuyahoga Community College, Adjunct teaching faculty at the Cleveland State University, and Adjunct teaching faculty at Beulah Heights University. He has traveled and ministered in several nations including Cote Ivoire (The Ivory Coast), Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and throughout the Holy Land and the Palestinian Territories. Among his published works is an essay: "Where Do We Go From Here?—Symbol To Substance," included in the book Atonement: The Million-Man March, Pilgrim Press, 1996. His ultimate goal is that the members of the Body of Christ, disciples, learners, and servants, become “intentional, proactive, and productive,” living out their full divine call and purpose, taking seriously God’s call for each of us to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ and to be the visible presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the earth today. Dr. Norwood is recognized for his challenging and engaging teaching style of ministry. After 30 years of a dedicated marriage, Dr. Norwood and his deceased wife, are the proud parents of three adult children. In June 2020 he married the former Wanda Renee Jackson and together they look forward to leading forward for the kingdom! One of his life verses is Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live, is Christ; And to die is gain.” To God be all of the glory!