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 together in marriage covenant to Sis. Tirzah Fontell on August 2, 1997.
Pastor Fontell gave his life to Christ on June 8, 1994 at Calvary Baptist Church in West Philadelphia under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Cherry. He served on numerous ministries and was ordained a Deacon in January 1997. Pastor Fontell later joined Sharon Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Keith W. Reed, Sr. and in August 1999, was ordained a Deacon and served on various ministries. In December 2002, Pastor Fontell & Sis. Tirzah joined Bible Way Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr. Pastor Fontell was licensed to preach the Gospel on November 16, 2003 and ordained Youth Pastor on May 28, 2006.
Pastor Fontell was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. He graduated from John Bartram High School (Motivation Center), where he excelled in sports in football and track. He was awarded a track scholarship to North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC. While running track at NCCU he was award All-America honors and he graduated from NCCU with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Pastor Fontell also holds a Master of Science in Bible degree from Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University). He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree from Missio Seminary (formerly Biblical Theological Seminary).
In April of 2008, Pastor Fontell was declared Pastor-Elect of The Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia. On Sunday, June 29, 2008, Pastor Fontell was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia. On November 1, 2009, Pastor with the members of Calvary Christian Church (formerly known as The Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia) celebrated their 1st Worship Service at their new location, 6000-38 E. Roosevelt Blvd in the Northeast section of Philadelphia.
Pastor Fontell serves in numerous community and denominational positions: Baptist Resource Network, Healthy Church Consultant (current); Greater Philadelphia Baptist Association, Moderator (current); Southern Baptist Convention, Committee on Committees, PA Representative (past); Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Assoc., Finance (past); Catholic Community Services, Executive Board (current).
Pastor Fontell is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Pastor 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