Dr. Robert E. Brumfield

Currently serving as the Presiding Elder of the South District, Chicago conference of the 4th Episcopal District, Dr. Robert Brumfield previously served as Pastor of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church for approximately 20 years. Under his Pastorate of Oak Grove, a number of new ministries and programs that addressed the expanding needs of the congregation and community were instituted, that included the Community Affairs Ministry; Neighborhood Evangelism Ministry; Solid Rock Café (bible study) for teens; Liturgical Dance Ministry for Adults; “Iron Sharpens Iron,” a quarterly worship service for men; Daughters of Virtue Empowered with Spirituality (D.O.V.E.S) a mentoring ministry for girls; an after school tutorial program; a Health Commission and Sankofa/Rites of Passage, an African-centered rites of passage experience.

Prior to Oak Grove, Dr. Brumfield served as the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he spearheaded the restoration and renovation of Bethel-Indianapolis, which is now a National Historical Landmark. Additionally, he led renovation and restoration initiatives at four other AME Churches: Bethel (Liberty, MS); Allen Chapel (Meridian, MS); Allen Chapel (Thibodaux, LA) and Bethel (Baton Rouge, LA).

Dr. Brumfield’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life and improving the human condition of God’s people by rebuilding families and reshaping communities through discipleship, leadership, fellowship and stewardship is evident in all he does with and through God’s people, the community and civic and political organizations. Dr. Brumfield immersed himself in the city of Detroit at a grassroots level and was appointed an advisor to the Former Governor Jennifer Granholm, current Governor Gretchen Withmar, several Detroit Mayors and to the Detroit Chief of Police. He is also a Deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff Department and Chaplin.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Brumfield began his ministry in the Eighth Episcopal District (Louisiana and Mississippi) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1980. During his pastorate at Bethel-Baton Rouge, he helped organize and sponsor the Louisiana Delegation to the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. In 1984, Dr. Brumfield spearheaded the first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration in the state of Mississippi for the city of Meridian.
In 1986 he did the same thing in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The following year, in 1987, he organized the first Juneteenth Celebration in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dr. Brumfield earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Juris Doctorate from Tulane University and holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from Notre Dame Graduate School of Theology. He is a life member of the NAACP; a member of the National Urban League, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Nu Omega Chapter; Member, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; Hiram Lodge Prince Hall Mason; Wolverine Consistory #6 and the United Supreme Council A.A.S.R.F. 33*.

Married to former Sharon Johnson; father of five.

One of Dr. Brumfield’s fondest memories as Pastor at Bethel Liberty in Mississippi was ordering sacred wine in preparation for Sunday service communion. The officers purchased MadDog 20/20 as they were accustomed and he served/administered it accordingly to the congregation. Whether it was done intentionally or customarily, he still shares this story and experience with Itinerant Deacons during their ministerial trajectory as a reminder of his humble beginnings.