Reverend Dr. Alvin T. Armstead, Jr. 

Senior Pastor

Reverend Dr. Alvin Armstead is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He was licensed to preach the gospel and ordained at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, Virginia, under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick. In 2008, he was called to serve to be the Pastor of Cypress Baptist Church in Surry, Virginia. During his pastorate, the congregation expanded its mission and vision, implemented new outreach programs and initiated youth focused ministries. 


Rev. Armstead was called to serve at the First Union Baptist Church (Dill Road), Richmond, Virginia in September 2011. During his tenure, the congregation experienced tremendous growth in attendance at worship services, Bible study, and new souls were added to the church. Rev. Armstead’s heart for growing the congregation and serving the community were evident as he worked diligently to encourage discipleship and spiritual formation. 

Dr. Armstead now serves as the Senior Pastor of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the congregation has reaffirmed its mission and vision to Exalt, Enlist, Equip, and Engage an intergenerational community of disciples by bearing witness of God’s love for the world. UMMBC is a congregation committed to going “Beyond the Sanctuary” to serve the community in meaningful ways. In September 2022, United Metropolitan and several strategic partners broke ground on a $65 million real estate development, Metropolitan Village. This new development is designed to promote hope and health. Additionally, Metropolitan Village is on track to meet the growing housing demand throughout the City of Winston Salem, NC. 


Dr. Armstead’s community involvement aligns with his personal commitment to service. His unique perspective, insights, and compassion has undoubtedly been invaluable in furthering the impactful work within the church and several other organizations. Dr. Armstead is an active member and supporter of the Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem, General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and the National Baptist Convention, Inc. Dr. Armstead served as an advisory board member for the Ecclesiastical Council of the Triad Pastors Network in conjunction with the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Recently, he joined an esteemed team of individuals as a board member of The United Way of Forsyth County. Dr. Armstead’s exceptional leadership and passion for fostering positive change continues to have a lasting impact on those he has had the opportunity to serve. 


Rev. Armstead is devoted to academic scholarship and holds a number of degrees. In May 2018, he completed his doctoral thesis entitled, Living Beyond Sunday: Preaching as a Catalyst for Discipleship and awarded the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching degree from Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL. He received his Master of Divinity degree from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA where he graduated with honors. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA. 


Dr. Armstead is the proud father of two daughters, Aria and Alauna.