Meet The Pastor
Dr. Ryan Griffin
As a native of Jacksonville, FL, I’m the second oldest child out of six girls. In 2007, I completed my secondary education at A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology (A.P.R.) where I was crowned Miss A.P.R and salutatorian of my graduating class. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) where I majored in Criminal Justice and minor in Religion & Philosophy.
While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was honored to be a liturgical dancer for the B-CU Concert Chorale. I have a passion for teaching dance to youth and young adult groups.
In the spring of 2017, I completed my Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration at B-CU. I’m the proud mother of Taylor and Ryan Griffin Jr. and the wife of my college sweetheart Pastor Ryan Griffin. Along with Ryan, we co-founded the young adult ministry F.I.Y.A. (Fruitful Instruction for Young Adults) and founder of the Joshua Generation Youth Ministry. Lady Ashanti Griffin continues to aim towards and produce excellence in all of her ministry opportunities. She has a heart for people and committed to the success of others. Her goal in life is to remain an example and to inspire others to trust and believe in themselves.
Originally a native of Miami, FL, on September 16, 2012, I was ordained as an Associate Pastor at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, FL under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey D. Robinson, Sr. While there, I founded the Mt. Carmel young adult ministry F.I.Y.A (fruitful instructions for young adults).
I graduated with honors from Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) with B.A. in History and a minor in Criminal Justice as well as Religion and Philosophy. While attending B-CU, I enjoyed being a student-athlete earning various awards including the Army strong leadership award and a selection to the All- MEAC team in football. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I earned my master’s in Transformative Leadership at Bethune-Cookman University while serving as the Director of Player Development and Chaplin for the fighting Wildcat football team. In the summer of 2018, I earned my doctorate degree in Higher Ed. Leadership and became the first male in my family to earn such an honor.
I married my college sweetheart, Ashanti Griffin. We’ve been blessed with our daughter Taylor and son Ryan, Jr. On September 6, 2020, I had the honor of preaching my first sermon as the senior pastor of Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church.
