Our Pastor
Dr. Laurent S. Grosvenor (pronounced La-Ron Grove-ner) was born in Manchester, England, and educated at the Hulme Grammar School for Boys. Called to ministry at an early age, he preached his first sermon at the age of nine and has been used by God to proclaim the gospel across the UK, USA, Kenya, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, Canada, Trinidad, South Africa, Ghana, and Bermuda. His preaching ministry has also been welcomed on national platforms, having served as a preacher for the National Baptist Convention of America, the Progressive National Baptist Convention, and the Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Conference, among others.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Grosvenor is a graduate of Oakwood University, where he served as a Presidential Ambassador, a Chapel Assistant, and was awarded the prestigious Evangelism Award. He holds a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on building community bridges where many have built walls. He is also a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) with the Society for Human Resource Management, equipping him with the skills to lead both people and organizations with strategic clarity and care.
For four years, Dr. Grosvenor pastored in Alabama, where spiritual and numerical growth was evident. Since 2018, he has served as the Lead Pastor of Alpha Church in Austin, TX, leading with a heart for discipleship, community engagement, and transformative ministry for all ages and generations. He has served on the Austin Black Fund, various city advisories, and has been the keynote speaker at several city religious and civic events. Beginning in 2021, he was asked to serve as the Chief Diversity Officer at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a global population health organization with over 10,000 staff and collaborators, based at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Ordained by Dr. A.B. Sutton, Jr. and Dr. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Dr. Grosvenor’s ministry is marked by a passion for sound doctrine, excellence, and a commitment to developing leaders who will shape the future of the church. He believes in bridging generational and cultural divides, creating spaces where faith is deepened, relationships are strengthened, and the transformative power of the gospel is made evident in everyday lives. His ability to lead with both intellectual depth and pastoral warmth allows him to connect with people from all walks of life, making the gospel accessible, relevant, and life-changing.
Pastor Grosvenor is joyfully married to Crystal Joi Grosvenor, MD (née Forman), an accomplished internal medicine physician, a professor, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Together, both Pastor and Dr. Crystal are dedicated to serving God and His people with faith and love. Pastor Grosvenor is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys soccer, tennis, singing old hymns, and spending time with members of the church. Pastor Grosvenor is accessible to all members, embodying humility and grace in every interaction, whether a seasoned saint, a newborn, or anyone in between. He is committed to building a Christ-centered community where everyone, regardless of background or status, feels seen, valued, and empowered.
He lives by the principle: “We ought not strive to be known as great preachers, but rather as ones through whom, when we preach, people realize how great the gospel is.”