Rev. Matthew Bonner receives full Teaching Fellowship for 

Ph.D. studies at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 

             Rev. Matthew W. Bonner, former pastor of the historic Saint Paul CME Church in Norfolk, VA has requested an academic sabbatical from the pastoral ministry for approximately three years, effective August 2011.  The purpose is to pursue the Ph.D. degree in Education, with a concentration in Counseling in the College of Education, Department of Counseling and Human Services at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA.
  This blessed opportunity came through ODU in the form of an all-expense paid graduate assistantship, including a cost of living stipend over the next three years. In addition to his studies, Bonner’s responsibilities include teaching undergraduate students and supervising Masters candidates in the Department of Counseling and Human Services.
Bonner received the MS degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University in Baltimore Maryland in May 2011; the M. Div. degree in Religion from Howard University School of Divinity in 2000; and the BA degree in Africana Studies and Religion from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1996.  
In thinking about this opportunity, Bonner shares, “I believe beyond a shadow of doubt that this calling is a part of God’s Master Plan to prepare me for even greater service, which the rapid changes and complexity of congregational life and ministry require in this present age.  I want to make a difference as I serve my God, the church, the community, and the global society.”  Bonner continues,     “As I contemplate my 10 years in the pastoral ministry, I have never taken lightly the obligations of God’s calling upon my life.  I strive to make my life a living testimony of what I teach and preach. I put my life totally in God’s hands, and leave the rest to Him.”
Graduating from Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. (1992) with honors, he received the Carl Rowan’s Project Excellence –Paul Roberson four-year academic scholarship to Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1992-1996.  While at Rutgers University, he participated in numerous activities including, Vice-President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Voter Registration; Tutor in New Brunswick Public Schools; and One Hundred Black Men’s “Adopt a Little Brother” program.
While a student at the Howard University School of Divinity, Washington, DC, he served as a local preacher at Bunton Memorial CME Church, Washington, DC.  Bonner was Director of Youth Work, a Sunday School teacher, and a teacher for Seniors Ministry Bible Study.
Additionally, he served as a tutor for Slowe Elementary School, Washington, DC 1998-2000; Interned at the Constituency for Africa-Washington, DC, summer 1996; and represented Howard Divinity School at the National Conferences for Community Justice, Seminarians Interacting Program, Union Theological Seminary and Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, New York and Pauling New York, 1999.
Bonner received a number of honors and awards for his diligence.  He received Howard University Trustee full-tuition scholarship at the Divinity School.   He served as Editor of the Howard University School of Divinity Newsletter from 1998-2000.  And in May 1998, he received the Black Methodist Clergy Scholarship.  This award is given to a Methodist student in recognition of promise as a minister and for consistent academic performance in the School of Divinity.   Also, his biography was published in the 22nd Annual Edition of the National Dean’s List 1998-99.
At his May 2000 graduation, Howard University School of Divinity, he received the following awards: The American Bible Society 2000 Scholarly Award for outstanding achievement in Biblical Studies, and the Dean’s Interpretation Award for high academic achievement, commitment to ministry, and demonstrated gifts for Biblical scholarship.
His first pastorate was Mount Zion CME Church in Sharon Hill Pennsylvania where he served for five years.  While in the Sharon Hill Community, he was appointed to the Southern Darby Township (PA) Preservation Committee which provided him with the opportunity to make his voice heard. Its purpose was to preserve surroundings, integrity, and quality of life of the community for present and future generations through economic, social and political development and empowerment.  This is another example of his willingness to go the second mile in empowering people to live a quality life.  Following his experience at Mount Zion, he was assigned to Russell Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), Alexandria, Virginia, where he served from August 2005-2010.  Under his administration, the church retired the mortgage on the parsonage and instituted Family Bible Study, thus increasing the numbers engaged in weekly Bible Study.  
While at Russell Temple, Bonner began his studies in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University and clinical internships.  In 2009-2010 Bonner interned at Fort Belvoir Family and Marriage Center (VA) where he counseled military individuals, couples and their families. Additionally, he interned with Fairfax County Community Services Board where he counseled individuals recovering from substance abuse.  Additionally, he has taught in several capacities within the New York Washington Region and the Washington- Virginia District.  He served as instructor for the Interdenominational theological Center (ITC) Extension Program, in both the Washington-Virginia and Philadelphia Districts (PA) where he taught Philosophy of Religion and New Testament studies, 2009 and 2003, respectively.  
He is a native of Alabama and the son of   Reverend Wardell Bonner (pastor of St. John CME Church, Washington, DC) and Dr. Bester Joyce Bonner.   Bonner chose as his life soul mate Michelle Demming Bonner, formerly of Montclair, New Jersey.  They are the proud parents of two sons, Jacob Samuel and Joshua Matthew.  Bonner is forever grateful to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for the firm foundation it has given him throughout his life.  He proclaims that all bishops, presiding elders, ministers and lay have touched his life and helped him.  The church has enabled him to grow in knowledge, deepening his spiritual life and rekindling his sense of calling and destiny.