Dr. James H. Chester

James Hubert Chester was born to Charles and Kayola Chester on August 23, 1952 in Fort Pierce, Florida.As a young boy, James attended Chester A. Moore Elementary School in Fort Pierce, Florida. He also attended Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida where he graduated in May 1968.James is married to Ann Shiver Chester.They have four children: Kayola Nicole, Charles James, Tabitha Jamie, and Jeremiah Isaiah.

James began his studies at Palm Beach Junior College and graduated in May 1980 with an Associates Degree in Business Administration. He transferred to Barry University of Miami and graduated in June 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

James served as a Deacon in the Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, Florida from 1981 to 1986 under the leadership of Elder Robert J. Hendley, Jr. In November 1986, he answered the call of God to proclaim the Good News of the gospel.In May 1987, he answered God’s call as pastorate of Orthodox Zion Primitive Baptist Church and he was ordained as an Elder on November 29, 1987 by East Florida Primitive Baptist association in Bartow, Florida. Pastor Chester completed coursework for many classes at the Hampton Minister Institute from 1987 to 1991. The church continued to flourish under the leadership of Pastor Chester with his thirst and hunger to learn more about God’s word led him to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended Knox Theological Seminary.On May 17, 2002 he received his Master of DivinityDegree and on May 18, 2007 he received his Doctorate of Ministry Degree. During his tenure atKnox his life and direction for ministry would change. This change was one of the most important moves he made, as the church immediately began the reap the benefits of that time of study and reformation.By the spirit and power of God, the church began to transform from a program driven church to a purpose driven church. Pastor Chester established the ministry vision of transforming lives to fully functioning followers of Christ.This transformation was accomplished through the SWORD intentional balancing of the five purpose of the church: Service, Worship, Outreach, Relationship and Discipleship.

Pastor Chester reached and even greater pinnacle. His deep desire to seek and save the lost, to teach and preach the gospel and raise up men and women to serve God faithfully, compelled him to take a mighty leap into what was proven to be “just the beginning” of things to come.

During the past twenty years as the pastor of Orthodox, there have been many accomplishments.In 1990, the property adjacent to 908 3rd Street was purchased and a parking lot was erected for the church parking.At the same time the church was edifice was completely remodeled inside and out.In 1992, 4.8-acres land was purchased in its current location.On April 16, 1994 construction began on the 8500 sq. ft. multipurpose worship facility.In March 2004, a six thousand sq. ft. addition was completed, which added a fellowship hall, two bathrooms and six classrooms.The commercial kitchen was also completed at that time.In September 2006, a web based software management system was implemented to manage all visitors, members, finance, and the church web sites.

More significantly, Pastor Chester emphasizes that in order for a church to mature spiritually and multiply in numbers, it must be a healthy church. Pastor Chester has guided the church to church renewal, which resulted in the following ministries: Audio, Awana, Building, Benevolent, Child Development, Children, Connection Power, Couples, Discipleship,Evangelism Explosion, Financial, Hospitality, Kingdom focus, Prayer, Matrons, Men’s Music, Nutrition, Overcomes,, Pastoral Care, Prison, Seniors, Social Services, spiritual Gift, Stephen, Transportation, Tutoring, Usher, Women’s Youth and Zion Praise Ensemble Choir.Each ministry is under the leadership of staff ministers. Pastor Chester believes that wherever God guides, He also provides as we Move Forward In The Mighty Hands Of God!