Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church selects Addison as its new senior pastor

Willie Addison Jr., a Florida native, will lead a Christ-centered, cross-cultural congregation in Richmond, Virginia.   

April 19, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, Va. — Willie Addison Jr., a Christian pastor with nearly 30 years of ministerial experience, has been named the new senior pastor at Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. He will guide a congregation of Christ-centered believers who embody and embrace cross-cultural and community-based evangelism, an approach that is foundational to his ministry.

Addison will succeed C. Stanley Morton, who is retiring. Addison’s official first day is June 30.

“I am beyond excited about this great opportunity to share the word of God and become part of the church family at Crown and Joy Presbyterian,” Addison said. “It is my heart’s desire to be involved in cross-cultural ministry, and Crown and Joy epitomizes that precisely. My wife, Sonya, and I look forward to coming on board and getting to know everyone.”

Addison most recently served as interim pastor and associate pastor at Christ Church InTown in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to that, Addison was senior pastor at two other churches in Jacksonville, which is his hometown.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has guided me along this journey,” Addison said. “Florida has meant so much to me. It’s where I was born and raised and where I ultimately evolved as a pastor. I am grateful to the church families who entrusted me to be their leader. I forever have love for you.”

Addison, who came to faith at a young age, assumed his first pastorship in 1994, when he became the youth pastor at New Jerusalem First Missionary Baptist Church in Hollywood, Florida. He remained in that position for nine years.

While living in South Florida, Addison worked full time as a law enforcement officer. Although he enjoyed serving and protecting his community, he soon realized Christian ministry was his ultimate calling. This is fitting for someone who literally grew up in the church and delivered his first sermon at age 23.

“Pastor Willie genuinely loves people and has a real pastor’s heart,” said Rick Trumbo, an elder at Crown and Joy Presbyterian. “His humility stands out to me, and it is among his many favorable qualities that will be key in helping us grow and move forward as a church.”

Addison loves traveling and learning about various cultures and continually seeks to make cross-culturalism an integral part of his approach to ministry. He is passionate about church leadership and has a natural disposition for community building.

Daryl King, a highly engaged, eight-year member of Crown and Joy Presbyterian, believes Addison will integrate well, especially considering the Christ-centered church’s intentional focus on cross-culturalism. 

“Pastor Willie will bring a definitive evangelistic zeal to our church,” King said. “I believe his style of preaching will connect with our church members and visitors. He’s going to be a great addition.”

Addison holds two master’s degrees – a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He earned his bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Barry University.

He and Sonya have been married for nearly 34 years. They have two adult sons, a “daughter-in-love” and two grandchildren.

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Follow this link to access a high-resolution photo of Willie Addison Jr. 

For media inquiries, contact Jesef Williams of Spectacular Vernacular at [email protected] or (904) 930-2567.