Elder Michael Richardson is the Pastor and lifetime member of the Emanuel Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) where the late Bishop C.C. Owens is founder.

Prior to assuming the pastoral duties of Emanuel, he served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop C.C. Owens as Assistant Pastor for 15 years. Since his recent appointment as pastor, he has devoted his energy and efforts to continue the work and fulfill the vision of his former pastor. The mission of his ministry is “Building upon a Solid Foundation”.                  

For 15 years Elder Michael Richardson served as President of the Lake Shore District Youth Department within the Southern Illinois Jurisdiction (C.O.G.I.C.) where he has worked untiringly and effectively to implement various social, spiritual, scholastic and athletic programs for the betterment of young people. For several years he served as Bible Bowl and Transportation Coordinator for the Southern Illinois Jurisdiction’s Youth department.  Under the leadership of Superintendent Brandon Porter he served as the Treasurer for the International (C.O.G.I.C.) Youth Department.  Elder Richardson currently serves as Chairman of the Auxiliaries In Ministry department, Treasurer of the Council of Pastors and Elders and Member of Jurisdictional Tithing Committee in First Jurisdiction of Illinois (C.O.G.I.C.).

He currently works at J.P. Morgan Chase Corporation where he has been employed for 32 years.   He formerly served as the Chairman of Ashley’s Helping Hands, a recently organized non-for Profit Corporation whose mission is to provide services for youth, elderly and handicap individuals.

Elder Richardson has a tremendous love for God and people and an unyielding passion for ministry and excellence.  He rises to every challenge, participates on every scene and contributes unselfishly for the cause of Christ. He is an anointed Gospel preacher who uniquely combines information, revelation and inspiration to deliver the unadulterated truth of God’s word to challenge and change lives for Jesus Christ.  

He is happily married to Evangelist Missionary Anastasia Richardson, who for nearly 30 years has been his loving wife, his best friend and a devoted partner in ministry.