Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. serves as the founding pastor of Center of Praise Ministries of Sacramento, California.

He is described as an apostolic strategist, communicator, teacher, thinker, and progressive leader. He possesses a passion towards ministering the Word of God in a clear, provocative, and revelatory manner that is well received by all generations and cultural groups. He serves as a mentor and friend among multitudes of pastors, trans-denominationally. The merging of his spiritual journey, and that of social science, has served to facilitate an approach that reaches and embraces the disenfranchised, the poor, the youth, the elderly, the marginalized, and people of all faith communities.

He has sought to excel academically and professionally by completing education accomplishments that have earned him the following:

  • Doctor of Ministry, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University)
  • Master of Arts in Practical Theology (High Honors), Oral Roberts University
  • Master of Arts in Social Work, University of Oklahoma
  • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Oral Roberts University
  • Associate in Arts Degree, American River College

Bishop Lovelace continues to be a sought after voice and counsel within the church and civic community. He has been the recipient of various awards, commendations, and recognitions:

  • The Prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers and  Collegium Scholars at Morehouse College (2012), in honor of his profound commitment to the Beloved World Community, his ethically centered ministerial contributions, and his embrace of the prophetic traditions of Dr. King.
  • 2013 Person of the Year – Observer Media Group
  • President’s Award 2012, Sacramento Black Chambers of Commerce
  • Glory Award, 2002, Observer Media Group
  • Black History Faith Hero 2000, Greater Sacramento Urban League

Dr. Lovelace’s published dissertation is entitled: “Implementing A Structured Small Group Curriculum Among African American Men.” He is a contributing writer with the Great Commission Research Journal, an academic journal devoted to research and scholarly thinking on the perspective of church growth. He is a Senior Fellow (Class XV) with the American Leadership Forum, Mountain Valley Chapter, an Advisory Board member of East Lawn, Inc., member of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and serves on the Board of Trustees at William Jessup University.  He continues to serve the Center of Praise Family as Director of Development and the Ministerial Training Leader.

He is married to the love of his life, Dianna L. (Richardson) Lovelace of East Palo Alto, California. They are the parents of one son and care for their niece. It is the privilege of our visionary leader to serve all; proclaiming Redemption, Justice, and Empowerment.