Raymond and his wife Michelle were married in August of 2008.  They live in Philadelphia with their two boys Isaiah who was two in October, and Nathan who was just born in March of 2011. 

Pastor Raymond graduated from Eastern University in St. Davids, PA with his Bachelor of Arts, 

majoring in Youth Ministry, with minors in Biblical Studies and Communications.  He then felt led to attend Palmer Theological Seminary in 2005.  He received his Master of Divinity in 2008.  Pastor Raymond has been ordained and received by the Presbytery of Philadelphia

Pastor Raymond founded the Philadelphia Project and currently holds the position of Executive Chair on the Board.  Pastor Raymond’s experience includes working with families and youth at Grace Presbyterian Church, Bethany Collegiate Presbyterian Church, and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

I seek to serve in a congregation that is diverse.  Diversity ranges from socio-economic classes to ethnic make up, from political viewpoints to positions on Biblical interpretation.  I believe that the diversity we find within the church is a much greater representation of the diversity we find outside of the church.  I desire to serve a congregation who recognizes their position of influence in the world, and desires to share their enlightenment with those whom remain spiritually lost.  Ultimately I desire to serve a congregation that exists for those not yet a part of it.

 My calling is fully wrapped up in my understanding of our position with God.  I have a heart for those who have turned their hearts away from God, or have hardened their hearts toward the compelling love of God.  My early church experience, discipleship, and mentoring, have molded my desires to offer deep learning opportunities within the community of faith, as well as opportunities to experience God in a real and tangible manner through missions opportunities.

I believe in leading by example.  My goal for leadership is to first model, then equip followed by empowering.  As I work with folks in the congregation, one of my goals is for them to see me living out the life of discipleship that we as a church are challenging them to live as well.  Through a strong commitment to Biblical teaching, and the faithful practice of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I desire for others to be equipped with the tools necessary for faithful living and fulfillment in their own journey of discipleship.  Finally empowering others to not only be “hearers” but also “doers” of the word.

I believe in the triune God.  I believe in Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human; the manifestation of God in humanity, with the mission to offer degenerated humanity reconciliation through his sacrificial atonement.  Jesus’ salvific work is a continuation of the continuous plan of God to redeem the created, reconciling it to himself

God has remained committed to the plan of salvation for humanity.  Jesus was born of a virgin as described in scripture.  If he were not fully God, Jesus would never have been able to accomplish the mission of salvation; the atonement would never have been an appropriate sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world.

Jesus’ death and resurrection is a culmination of the work of God in the Old Testament.  His life sacrificed on the cross, served as atonement for our sins which have plagued humanity’s relationship with God.  Though Jesus’ obedient life, death and resurrection have freed humanity from the lordship of sin, powers and principalities, and even the bondage of the devil, there is no effect for those who are non-receptive.

Those who receive and believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus have been given the gift of eternal life.  As a result of the sins of humanity there is a separation that exists between people and God.  Aside from being covered by the blood of Christ redemption is unobtainable.  Those who reject the salvation offered by Christ will experience the reality of their life choices, which is an eternal separation from God.  Sanctification is the process that is at work within all whom have embraced the gift of 

salvation, a process that restores humanity through the salvific act of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  Living in alignment with the will of God, seeking justice, and working in effort to share the gifts of God with others are all things that the Christians are called to do, however in themselves they do not earn the gift of salvation.

The Holy Spirit is one person in the Trinity.  The Holy Spirit is the life-giving Trinitarian God that has always existed though not always having been recognized by humanity.

Sin is the conscious or ignorant absence of Biblical or Godly responses.  It is the reality of the schism between God and His creation, which is inherent in all of humanity.

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality.  It serves as a sign and seal of the covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.  It represents the cleansing of sin, the dying and the rising with new life in Christ, a tie that gathers all of Christendom and a daily charge to live for Christ.  The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of remembrance.  Through Communion, there is a union of people and God.

I believe in the Holy Word of God as found in the Bible today, inspired, and infallible.  I believe in Jesus Christ, my savior, Lord, and God.