Rev. Christopher L. Haywood is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina and has roots in Fuquay-Varina where he attended high school. Currently, Rev. Haywood serves as the Senior Pastor of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in Spring Hope, North Carolina, where "A stranger can find a friend and a sinner can find Christ." He has served as the Senior Pastor of Historic Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, North Carolina for ten years. Rev. Haywood also served as Senior Pastor of Praise & Deliverance A.M.E. Church (Wilmington, N.C.) for seven years. He has taught Theology, New Testament studies, Old Testament studies, Understanding the Bible, Homiletics, and Sermon Preparation throughout the U.S. at conferences, such as: African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist Church, Church of God in Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Non-Denomination Churches, as well as many other secular and non-secular organizations.

Rev. Haywood was called to preach in 2000. He was ordained as a deacon in the AME Church in 2003 under the leadership of Bishop Vinton Anderson. In 2011, Rev. Haywood was ordained an elder under the leadership of Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Through God's grace and anointing, Rev. Haywood has led several different ministries, inclusive of: family planning, sons of thunder, food programs, mentorship programs, empowerment programs, financial planning, leadership, etc.

Rev. Haywood has spent the past 24 years in ministry, specializing in community leadership and development. He has served as a lead facilitator and consultant for Wilmington Housing Authority, in which he developed Operation S.T.E.P. (Start Taking Encounters Personally) to inspire youth across the Carolinas. He created and taught the implementation plans through motivational sessions and seminars. Rev. Haywood counseled staff and students in positive goal setting objectives, goal attainment, and the importance of developing life strategies for success. He also served as a global supply chain manager overseeing operations in the United States, Argentina, and facilitated trades in Asia. He served as a leader in customer service, production planning, and logistics at DuPont for twelve years. Pastor Haywood is a prolific motivational speaker, life coach, and is currently writing a book titled, "Investing in You", which is projected to be released in February 2026.

Rev. Haywood is a professional actor and has performed in Wilmington, North Carolina at Historic Thalian Hall, in Sam Art Williams, 'The Dance on Widow's Row'. Sam Art Williams was a member of the Negro Ensemble Company (Samuel Jackson, Denzel Washington, Adolph Ceasar) and an executive producer of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Rev. Haywood has completed several voice-over projects, commercials, and motion pictures. Rev. Haywood plays the role of a Pastor in the short film called 'I Do', a bass drummer in the Frank Duson Jazz band in Bolden-the Silent Film, and is the voice for the Palm Cove Community Commercial, located at Sunset Beach, N.C. Be sure to follow him on social media and remember him in your prayers as he prepares for projects in the 4th Quarter 2025.

Currently, Pastor Haywood is pursuing his doctoral degree (Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership and Higher Education at Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix, Arizona. He completed residency work in Clinical Pastoral Education at Duke University (Durham, N.C.). He has completed his residences, course work, and is working towards completing his dissertation in October 2025. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at historic Payne Theological Seminary, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, in May 2011. He shared a thesis on holistic and divine healing, supporting that God is a healer in the midst of the church service. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Textiles and Industrial Technology from East Carolina University, located in Greenville, N.C., in 1996. From 1991 through 1993, he was a linebacker and member of the ECU Pirates. In 1991 the Pirates were Peach Bowl Champions. They completed the year with an 11-1 record and finished the season by being ranked # 9 in the nation.

Pastor Haywood resides in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and is the proud father of four beautiful children: Diamond Lynette', Ebony Marie, Jaden Simone, and Christopher James. With all of his accolades he would want you know that he is a humble servant of God. All he is and all that he desires to be is because of God's Grace and Mercy. He is a child of God, a born-again believer. Remember, "When the Praises Go Up; The Blessings Come Down." God is so Awesome, that He doesn't need to consult your past, to determine your future." Blessing & Favor in the Lord Jesus Christ!!!