Wilfred Graves Ministries was born long before it was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It arose from the founder’s lifelong commitment to the integration of faith and learning. Wilfred Graves Jr. grew up in a context where following Christ and valuing education were both strongly encouraged. Wilfred’s parents were active in ministry within the Church of God in Christ, and several of his relatives, including his mother, were public-school teachers.
There was a clear connection between Wilfred’s spiritual growth and intellectual development during his early years. Wilfred publicly confessed Jesus Christ as Lord at age seven. That same year, he was identified as a gifted student and began taking advanced coursework. He preached his first sermon before the age of ten, and by the age of twelve, he regularly taught Bible lessons at his local church. Around that time, he also began to demonstrate a high aptitude for mathematics. He later became his high school's valedictorian and went on to earn degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (S.B., mathematics) and Stanford University (M.S., statistics).
While in graduate school at Stanford, Wilfred accepted God’s call to full-time ministry. He soon enrolled in an M.Div. program at Fuller Theological Seminary, moved to Southern California, and began working as an aerospace engineer at Northrop Grumman. In 1999, he completed his M.Div. and received two fellowships to pursue a doctoral degree at Fuller Seminary. That year, he was also ordained as an elder in the Church of God in Christ. In 2002, Wilfred resigned from Northrop Grumman, and in 2003, he was appointed to the executive ministry leadership team of West Angeles Church. In 2007, he finished his studies and became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in historical theology from Fuller.
Dr. Graves is Director of the Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology and a member of the faculty. For more than twenty years, he has served as a teaching pastor and scholar, including many years at West Angeles Church. He sits on multiple nonprofit boards and has had the privilege of mentoring hundreds of students, pastors, and congregational leaders while reaching many thousands more in person and through various media.
In 2006, Wilfred met Malaika Howard, a medical student at Michigan State University, a former kindergarten teacher, and an accomplished artist who was very involved in the teaching and music ministries of the Church of God in Christ. Malaika’s father, the late Pastor Aaron Howard, invited Wilfred to speak to his congregation on the topic of mathematics and ministry. Wilfred’s sermon was part of the “Black Intelligence Series,” which Pastor Howard created to underscore the importance of education and faith in the lives of young people. After the completion of this unique series, Wilfred and Malaika became good friends and were later married.
Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. founded Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. to help people better understand the teachings of Scripture and thoughtfully apply biblical principles to their everyday lives. His wife and ministry partner, Dr. Malaika E. Graves, is currently the Executive Vice President of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a woman of faith and a California board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Malaika views her medical practice as a ministry of healing and compassion. Both she and her husband are passionate advocates for the health and well-being of children, families, and communities.
Our Vision
Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. exists for the glory of God and the support of his gracious work of salvation in the world. Our vision is for all people to find wholeness (shalom), experience total life transformation, and become productive followers of the Lord Jesus Christ by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop mature Christ-followers through clear, engaging, and practical biblical teaching. We are committed to the integration of knowledge and critical reflection, of faith and action. Our work focuses on evangelism, biblical education, spiritual formation, religious scholarship, leadership development, and community outreach.
These six areas of ministry focus express the passion and commitment of the leadership and supporters of Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. These areas are at the heart of preparing people to grow in Christ and to become productive Christ-followers. Narrowing our focus to these six interrelated areas enables the organization to use its resources effectively as it lives out God’s vision and mission for the Body of Christ.
Our Ministry Scope
Through preaching, public speaking, academic and ministerial writing, educational initiatives, and partnerships with other organizations, we work to equip believers to think deeply and clearly about their faith, grow spiritually, and serve as more effective representatives of Jesus Christ. We strive to be a loving, vibrant ministry of the Word and Spirit that addresses the needs of the whole person and prepares God’s people for faithful and effective service in the world.
Regular Preaching
We regularly preach the gospel in churches and in a variety of other settings, including ministry conferences, college and university chapel services, rescue missions, and even parking lots. The Great Commission calls us to go into the world and share the good news with all people.
Public Speaking
We are available for lectures, seminars, workshops, and other live presentations in churches, high schools, colleges, universities, and ministry conferences. In recent years, we have also used online platforms to reach larger virtual audiences.
Academic & Ministerial Writings
Our leadership team is currently developing books, articles, essays, devotionals, and blog posts on topics such as apologetics, spiritual formation, Christian parenting, and self-care.
Education Initiatives
We are committed to communicating truth to people of every age through teaching, mentoring, motivational talks, and other creative forms of engagement. This commitment includes investing resources to share Christian beliefs and values with younger generations. We are strong advocates for creating and expanding educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities. Each year, Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. awards stipends to students headed to college or graduate school.
Partnerships
Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. serves as a teaching pastor and professor and sits on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations. Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. partners with churches, businesses, foundations, and other charitable organizations to advance its vision and extend its mission.
To connect with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. or to request him to speak at a church, event, or conference, please visit the Contact page for booking instructions and other relevant information.
Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.