Bishop Roy D. Ferguson began his illustrious secular career in August 1967. Quickly, Elder Ferguson began his meteoric rise within the company. In 1969, he entered the skilled trades Apprenticeship Program of Ford Motor Co. plumbing/pipefitting and attained the journeyman status by 1973. Realizing and accepting the need for spiritual development, Elder Ferguson joined the International Gospel Center Church in 1966. He became an Ordained Elder in 1970. This leadership position required good moral character, a sense of dedication and a genuine passion for people who are hurting. Visiting the sick and shut-in were a major part of his duties, in addition to performing funerals, weddings and counseling other parishioners. Moreover, Elder Ferguson matriculated through Wayne State University, earning a B.S. in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering Technology in 1977. He then changed careers from a journeyman skilled tradesman to a salaried manufacturing engineering position. By 1980, he had earned a M.A. in Business Management from Central Michigan University. His commitment to the pursuit of excellence did not go unnoticed by the management team on his job. The rank of engineering supervisor was gained by 1986. Promotion was again the order of the day in 1988 when he became productivity manager.
Senior level management elevation occurred in 1989 in the form of modernization manager. At this top-level position, he became responsible for an eighty- million dollar plant renovation program. His attention to detail and the ability to see the big picture made the project a success. Again he was rewarded for his diligence. This time as the area-manufacturing manager in 1992. The position called for the responsibility of ninety-six million dollars in assets that yielded sales revenue of four hundred twenty million dollars annually and the supervision of over 11 hundred hourly and salaried employees.
The spirit of God moved on Elder Ferguson as he organized and led a pilgrimage of fifty people from across the United States to the Holy Land. This sacred journey was captured on film and made into a documentary that has been showcased around the country.
Elder Ferguson’s unique personal combination of business acumen and spirituality was being thoroughly developed and in 1998, he stepped out and formed World Deliverance Temple Church in Southfield, MI. As Pastor of fifty people at the first service, he recognized he had a responsibility that demanded all of the experience he had gained up to that point.
Undaunted, Pastor Ferguson remained at Ford Motor Company in the positions of global marketing sales/service manager and manufacturing engineering and strategy manager until his retirement in 2001. At the same time, he pastored a growing congregation that needed guidance and nurturing in addition to developing a vision for the people.
World Deliverance Temple moved to Dearborn Heights, MI in 1999, where they purchased a 24,000 sq ft facility, positioned on 2.5 acres of land and now the ministry has grown to over six hundred members. In 2001, the building underwent a $1.5 million renovation and expansion program that included upgrades to the office wing, fellowship hall, sanctuary and provisions for a daycare.
Pastor Ferguson used all of his expertise to lead the project to completion.
Pastor Ferguson did not leave his community behind. He personally developed an entire city block in Romulus, MI by either renovating existing homes or building homes from the ground up. He has received numerous accommodations/accolades from mayors, other elected city officials and the President of the United States for his community achievements.
In November of 2003, after completing all the requirements for his doctorate, a Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred upon him. He has completed his dissertation for a Ph.D. in Theology entitled “Poverty shall No Longer Knock At Thy Door.” from Friends International Christian University. Pastor Ferguson also received an honorary doctorate from Saint Thomas Christian College.
Pastor Ferguson has recently acknowledged the calling to the office of a bishop, as he continues to pastor his local church. In preparation for his elevation, he has also, obtained a degree from the African American College of Bishops, which concluded with a final pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, a visit to the Vatican, and an audience with the Pope.
Bishop Roy D. Ferguson is married to Co-Pastor Delores Ferguson and they have three children, Brandon, and twins Lindsey and Jemika.
