Synopsis
Consider our reality: the pandemic, division over “vaccination vs. non-vaccination,” mask vs. no mask,” global warming, abortion vs. life choice, social unrest, and senseless violence. Bias media in all forums are fueling the flames with every strategy of society and dysfunction in our families.
So then, it is Pastor Ronald L. Griffins’ assignment to use his personal experience during his cancer journey to encourage you as we all experience life together. In the face of what sometimes seems like there is no answer and no way out of this horrible place, Forced to Focus has given him a clearer picture and a closer relationship with God. Pastor Griffins’ heart desire is that what he experienced will encourage you to refocus on God and discover that He is The Answer above all.
Meet The Author
On January 26, 1992, Pastor Ronald L. Griffin was installed as the second Pastor of the Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ. His formative years were rooted in the loving discipline and spiritual guidance, he received from his parents, Vivian and Richard Clowney, and the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishops, Elders, and Mothers of the Church. Most significantly, in later years, his late father-in-law, Bishop Willie LeRoy Harris, and his late mother-in-law, Ima Harris, directed his theological formation and Christian thinking.
Pastor Griffin is a graduate of Southwestern High School and earned his Bachelor of General Studies degree with distinction from Wayne State University in 1980. The countless number of conferences, seminars, and workshops he attended further enhanced his leadership skills and training. For nearly 26 years, Pastor Griffin was employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in leadership/executive positions and was responsible for several key operations and hundreds of employees. Prior to devoting all of his time to his Pastoral Ministry, Pastor Griffin was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Urban League. In that capacity, he revitalized community programs and their relationship with other community organizations.
As added testimony to his leadership skills, his character, and his commitment to being God’s servant, Pastor Griffin has received many commendations and has served on a number of community boards, some of which are:
- Past Vice Chair & Chair Detroit Board of Police Commissioner – 2008-2010
- Recipient of Certificate of Recognition from Chief of Police, Detroit Police Department in July 2002
- Recipient of Spirit of Detroit Award from Detroit City Council, July 2002
- Past Chairman of Public Relations and current member of the Executive Board, First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan Southwest
- Chairman of Superintendents, First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Michigan Southwest
- Member of the Care Corps – Wayne County Sheriff Chaplain
- Past member of the Business Education Alliance, an affiliate of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce
- Past member of the United Neighborhood Centers of America
- Past Board member, Historic Old Trinity Lutheran
- Lifetime member of NAACP
- Recipient of the Outstanding Young Man of America award in 1983
- Recipient of the YMCA Minority Achiever of the Year award in 1983
In July 1998, Bishop John H. Sheard, Jurisdictional Prelate, First Ecclesiastical, Michigan Southwest, appointed Pastor Griffin Superintendent. As Superintendent, Pastor Griffin is responsible for “The Rose of Sharon District,” and the two Churches in this District. On August 28, 2011, at the 65 Annual Holy Convocation, Bishop John H. Sheard appointed Pastor Griffin Administrative-Assistant.
On a personal note, Pastor Griffin has been married 50 years to Linda F. Griffin. The Griffins have 2 Adult Children, 1 Daughter in Love and 1 Son in Love, 8 Grandchildren, 8 God-children, and 2 God-Grandchildren.
