Bishop Alvin R. Foley

Candidate Visit: Sunday September 28, 2025

Bishop Alvin R. Foley – Pastoral Biography  

With heartfelt joy and a deep sense of calling, Bishop Alvin R. Foley presents himself as a  candidate for the sacred role of pastor to the Greater Macedonia Baptist Church. A native and  resident of Houston, Texas, Bishop Foley has preached the Gospel for more than forty years.  Throughout his life, God has faithfully guided his steps, shaping him for ministry through family  influence, rigorous preparation, and hands-on pastoral experience.  

Early Life and Call to Ministry  

Bishop Foley was blessed to be raised in a home where faith was not only taught but lived daily.  His father was a dedicated pastor, and his mother a steadfast Christian woman whose quiet strength  anchored the family. Together, they instilled in their children the unshakable conviction that  serving God is the highest calling. This spiritual foundation bore fruit in the Foley family—two of  his siblings also answered the call to ministry.  

At the age of nineteen, after much prayer and reflection, Bishop Foley publicly announced his call  to the ministry. He fully surrendered his life to God’s will, committing himself to the lifelong work  of preaching, teaching, and shepherding God’s people. That decision set him on a journey that  would encompass pastoral leadership, advanced theological study, and a deep investment in the  spiritual growth of others.  

Family Life  

Bishop Foley is blessed to share life and ministry with his wife, Dee Foley, whose support,  encouragement, and faith have been a constant source of strength. They are the proud parents of  three adult children: Paris, Allia, and Alvin II. His family remains both his earthly joy and his  spiritual inspiration, reflecting the biblical truth that leadership begins in the home.  

Educational Preparation  

Bishop Foley believes that an effective pastor must be both spiritually grounded and intellectually  prepared. Over the years, he has pursued extensive formal education to equip himself for ministry  and leadership:  

 Bachelor of Science, Prairie View A&M University (1991) – Industrial, Commercial,  Blueprinting, and Computer-Aided Drafting and Design.  

 Bachelor & Master of Theology, Inter-Baptist Theological Seminary (1991–1993) –  Concentration on the nature of God, systematic theology, and the development of doctrine.   Master of Public Administration, Texas Southern University (2011) – Advanced training  

in urban growth management, public policy, and organizational leadership.   Doctor of Ministry, Southern California Bible Institute (2013) – Dissertation on  Preaching Prophetically in a Postmodern Culture: Communicating with Contemporary  Audiences in Strategic Leadership.

 PhD Candidate, Northwestern Theological Seminary – Currently completing final  dissertation work in Christian Education.  

He has also completed the Pastoral Training Intensive in episcopal leadership at Harvard  Divinity School.  

Ministerial and Leadership Experience  

Bishop Foley’s ministry has been shaped by more than twenty-seven years of pastoral leadership,  as well as influential roles in denominational service and church growth initiatives.  

Community of Faith Church – San Bernardino, CA (1997–2007)  

He served as Senior Pastor and Spiritual Leader, preaching weekly, teaching Bible studies,  providing pastoral care, and overseeing all aspects of ministry. His role extended into community  outreach, counseling, evangelism, and leadership development.  

New Mount Tabor Baptist Church (now Mountain Fellowship Church) – Houston, TX  (2007–2023)  

For sixteen years, Bishop Foley served as Senior Pastor, leading the congregation in worship,  discipleship, community service, and strategic vision. In addition to preaching and teaching, he  managed church administration, discipline, and growth initiatives. He provided pastoral  counseling, officiated weddings and funerals, and engaged in hospital and home visitation. In June  2023, he was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus for his faithful service.  

Overseer – Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (Five Years)  

Bishop Foley provided oversight to ten Baptist churches in Southern California, serving as spiritual  leader, advisor, mentor, and conference host. He facilitated leadership training, pastoral support,  and ministry coordination across congregations.  

Consecrated Bishop – International Churches of Praise (2007)  

As First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Foley contributed to policy and procedural  reforms to better serve member churches. He also led Southern Region efforts for church growth  and enrollment, fostering unity and expansion. 

Ministry Philosophy  

Bishop Foley is deeply committed to reaching unbelievers with the saving message of Jesus Christ  and maturing believers for effective ministry. His leadership style is pastoral yet visionary—rooted  in biblical truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and responsive to the needs of the community. He  believes in building strong, healthy churches that are Christ-centered, community-engaged, and  mission-focused. 

Core Strengths and Attributes  

 Aggressive self-starter with drive, ambition, and perseverance.  

 Compassionate servant-leader with a heart for the less fortunate.  

 Industrious, reliable, and consistently well-prepared.  

 Commendable performance in Kingdom service.  

 Cooperative, dependable, and highly motivated under pressure.  

 Outspoken yet humble, diligent, and respectful.  

Community Involvement & Recognition  

 Volunteer – Houston Food Bank (feeding the homeless)  

 Volunteer – Black Heritage Festival  

 Volunteer – Mental Health Awareness Seminar  

 Volunteer – Coordinate Health Fairs  

 Volunteer – Voter Registration Drives  

 Volunteer – School Supply Drives  

 Member – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  

 Recipient – Strathmore’s Who’s Who Honor (2011) for leadership and professional  achievement.  

Personal Interests  

Outside of ministry, Bishop Foley enjoys fishing, golfing, and hunting, which provide  opportunities for rest, reflection, and fellowship.  

Closing Commitment  

Above all, Bishop Alvin R. Foley sees pastoral ministry not as a position, but as a sacred trust. His  background, training, and heart for God’s people uniquely position him to serve as a faithful  shepherd. Should God lead him to this pastoral assignment, he is committed to pouring his full  time, energy, and love into nurturing a vibrant, Christ-centered congregation that fulfills the Great  Commission and glorifies God in all things. 

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