Dr. Rufus L. Riley and Dr Vanessa K. Riley have a great passion for God’s Word and His people.
- Proud parents of 3 Daughters and 5 Grandchildren
- Accepted Christ as Savior at the age of six and was baptized at Southern
- Tabernacle M.B. Church, Lovejoy/Brooklyn, IL.
- Graduated from Lovejoy High School in Brooklyn, IL in May 1972, while also completing a Higher Learning Program: Upward Bound through S.I.U. Edwardsville, IL.
- Called to Preach May 1992.
- Attended Howlett and Associates from May 1992 thru January 1993. Earned class certificates in (B.E.S.T.) Behavioral Excellence Search Training; Advanced
- Interactional Strategies, Christ-Centered Counseling, Christ-Centered Counseling (Urge Control). Instructor, Rev. Dr. E. Stanley Howlett.
- Licensed to Preach August 16, 1992 at Canaan Galilee M.B. Church, Madison (Eagle Park), IL. by Pastor Rodney J. Howlett, Sr.
- Ordained December 15, 1996 at Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church, Alorton, IL. by Pastor Rodney J. Howlett, Sr. (deceased).
- Attended Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute and earned, Bachelor, Master and Doctor’s Degrees in Christian Behavior.
- Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute awarded Pastor Rufus Riley a Professorship in Homiletics, Pastoral Theology, Christian Behavior and Biblical Studies.
- Served as Pastoral Administrator over 24 years at Pilgrim Rest M. B. Church
- under the leadership of Pastor Rodney J. Howlett, Sr.
- Assistant Director of Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, East St. Louis Extension.
- Pastor Rufus Riley is also a Chaplain for St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in Belleville, IL., and teaches classes in Evangelism and Anger Management
- Conflict Resolution at the St. Clair County Jail.
- Instructor in Ministerial and Deacon Ordinational Training.
- Former Associate Dean of New Salem Baptist District Association of Christian Education.
- Also attended numerous classes in Christian Education.
- Retired Investigator from the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Police.
