He was born in Charleston, SC and grew up in a religious family. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 12 and felt a calling to ministry at the age of 16. He began preaching at local churches and evangelizing. He also developed a passion for learning and pursued higher education in various fields.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management from DeVry University, Houston, TX, his Master of Business Administration degree from The Keller Graduate School of Management, and his Doctor of Business Administration degree from Walden University.
He is the founder and CEO of Archbishop M.J. Rivers Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization that focuses on evangelism, urban ministry, and discipleship training. He is also the patriarch and primate of Paraclete Evangelistic Ministries Fellowship of Churches International, a network of churches and ministries that share a common vision of reaching the world for Christ.
He is fully enthroned as the Metropolitan Archbishop of The Worldwide Anglican Episcopal Communion & Ecumenical Ministry (WAECAEM), an international communion of churches that uphold the historic faith and practice of Anglicanism. He oversees the operations of the Archdiocese of North Carolina and serves as the spiritual leader of thousands of believers around the world.
He is the founding president and CEO of Paraclete Theological Seminary, a High Christology Biblical-based university that prepares servants in the kingdom of God. He has also served as an associate professor and dissertation chair at the University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies and the UOP-Charlotte School of Business. He has taught courses in business, management, leadership, ethics, theology, biblical studies, and more. He has published several books and articles on various topics related to his fields of expertise.
He is a former member of the board of directors for The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation, overseeing the operation of the Access Channel 21 Television Station. He is also the former chairman of religious affairs for the NAACP in Monroe County, North Carolina, and former board member of Operation Reach Out in Monroe, North Carolina. He has been involved in many social justice issues and has advocated for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom.
He is the president and CEO of Phronesis Consulting Firm, a business consulting, leadership, and project management company that helps organizations achieve their goals1. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and a member of the Project Management Institute – LA Chapter.
He is also a member of the Association of Management Consultants, The Association of Strategic Planning, Business Start-Up Specialist, and former chairman of volunteerism and community affairs at The LA Chapter of The National Black MBA Association.
He is the president and founder of The National D.B.A. Society, an organization that supports doctoral students and graduates in business administration.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to the community, including the President’s Lifetime Achievement Service Award for completing more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service in his lifetime.
Archbishop Rivers has been featured in several media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Charlotte Observer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, Essence Magazine, Charisma Magazine, Christianity Today Magazine, and more.
Archbishop Dr. Melvin J. Rivers is a Man of God who exemplifies excellence in everything he does. He is a visionary leader who inspires others to follow his example. He is a humble servant who loves God and people. He is a faithful steward who uses his gifts and talents for God’s glory.
He is Archbishop Dr. Melvin J. Rivers: