Reverend Robert L. China, Jr. is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. He attended local area public schools and is a graduate of Lincoln High School. After high school, he enrolled in Morris College, and he earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree. He completed the Institute of Church Administration and Management, completed Baptist Hospital Pastoral Care Specialist training, and engaged in Continuing Education classes at Lexington Medical Center.
In 1976 he was called into the work of ministry. He was ordained an itinerate Elder in the AME church in 1981 by Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Sr.
Following years of preparation, God embraced Reverend China to embark upon his pastoral ministry. Demonstrating unwavering faith, he made the decision to devote his life and service to the ministry as a full-time Pastor. He has worked in the ministry for more than 40 years and pastored in AME churches throughout South Carolina, most recently in the Central Conference, before being assigned to Wayman Chapel in November 2019. As Pastor of Wayman Chapel, Reverend China immediately bonded with the members. Under his leadership, Wayman Chapel is now affectionately known as “the Chapel” and members and the community feel the welcoming spirit at the Chapel. With such a great calling to fulfill, Reverend China connects with members, their families and the community.
The work of the Lord has always been first and foremost in his heart. Reverend China has often stated that as Pastor, “he comes to serve others, not to be served by the congregation”. He has never made the ministry about him and his family, but about Jesus Christ. His charismatic style of preaching and humorous personality flows into his sermons as he teaches Biblical truths while using practical anecdotes to capture the attention of the congregation.
As a planter goes forth to sow, Reverend China has an anointing that allows him to minister to those in need of healing of the mind, body, and soul through his sermons, Bible Study and Pastoral counseling. He is a Pastor, not just a preacher, who tries to lift people when they are in need, and he aims to be a source of support for all.
Reverend China is supported in his ministry by his wife, Gail, their adult children, and grandchildren. His ultimate desire is to see people fully embrace God’s love and to walk in victory and power as they experience the fullness of God’s promises.