Dr. Brian LaMont Monford, Sr. is a native of Lima, Ohio, where he accepted Christ at an early age. Raised amid the challenges of a chaotic childhood marked by family separation, drug addiction, and the tragic murder of his mother, Dr. Monford discovered through his own journey that faith does not exempt us from hardship—it gives us strength to walk through it. At the age of seventeen, he answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, beginning a lifelong commitment to sharing a message of hope, healing, purpose, and perseverance.
Dr. Monford earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee, and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio.
In 1991, at the age of 24, Dr. Monford became pastor of Philippian Missionary Baptist Church in Lima, Ohio, where he has faithfully served for 35 years. Under his leadership, Philippian has experienced significant growth and expanded its impact throughout the Lima community.
A gifted preacher, teacher, community leader, and published author, Dr. Monford first authored From Valleys to Victoriesin 1995. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a single-parent household surrounded by drugs, tragedy, and adversity, the book encouraged readers to rise above their circumstances, pursue self-sufficiency, and discover and fulfill their God-given purpose.
His latest book, Rejection in Familiar Places: How to Thrive While Working the Hard Soil of Familiarity, continues his commitment to helping people navigate difficult circumstances and overcome the limitations that can arise when those closest to us fail to recognize our God-given potential.
Dr. Monford is also the co-founder of the Mary Alice House, a sober living environment providing support and opportunity for men and women seeking to overcome addiction and substance abuse.
His commitment to community and kingdom has earned him numerous honors and community service awards. He was also inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Monford is married to the former Teresa A. Humphries. Together they have four children—Brian, Jr., Brandon, Brianna, and Brandi—and grandchildren, including Markey and Jrue.
Through preaching, teaching, writing, mentoring, and community service, Dr. Monford continuesa to use his life experiences and God-given gifts to inspire others to move from valleys to victories, from rejection to purpose, and from adversity to destiny.
