Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Robert J. Fontell, Jr. is the third of four children born to Gloria Fontell and the late Robert J. Fontell, Sr. in North Philadelphia. Pastor Fontell was joined in covenant marriage to Sis. Tirzah Fontell on August 2, 1997.
Pastor Fontell gave his life to Christ on June 8, 1994 and actively began to serve in ministry. Pastor Fontell was licensed to preach the Gospel on November 16, 2003 and ordained to pastor on May 28, 2006 by his Pastor Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr. while attending Bible Way Baptist Church.
Pastor Fontell was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. He graduated from John Bartram High School (Motivation Center). Pastor Fontell graduated from North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University) with a Master of Science in Bible degree. Pastor Fontell received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Missio Seminary (formerly Biblical Theological Seminary) in 2022.
In April of 2008, Pastor Fontell was declared Pastor-Elect of The Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia. Pastor Fontell was installed as Pastor of The Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia (now Calvary Christian Church) in June 2008.
In addition to being a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel, Dr. Fontell serves as a Church Advancement Consultant for the Greater Philadelphia region for the Baptist Resource Network PA/SJ. Dr. Fontell has been described by one of his close friends as having a big heart for God and he loves helping others deepen their relationship with God. Pastor Fontell’s life verse is Matthew 6:33.