Reverend Dr. Michael Lynn Sessoms is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and the youngest of ten children born to the late Gary and Kay-Frances Sessoms. Baptized at an early age, Rev. Sessoms committed himself to Christian service immediately following his high school graduation, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to the work of the Lord and His church.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Sessoms has faithfully served in multiple leadership capacities, including Pastor, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Deacon’s Board, Choir Director, and Usher. He was licensed to preach the Gospel on December 10, 2000, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Anthony Copland, and ordained on February 20, 2006, by the Independent Baptist Alliance of Alaska.
Rev. Sessoms is a committed scholar and practitioner, holding multiple academic degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia),
- Master of Science in Emergency Disaster Management (Magna Cum Laude) from Trident University’s School of Health Sciences (Cypress, California),
- Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University (Richmond, Virginia),
- Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary (Hyde Park).
A retired military veteran, Rev. Sessoms served honorably for over 20 years. His military service included notable pastoral assignments at:
- Corinthian Baptist Church in Fairbanks, Alaska, and
- Philippi Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia.
He also ministered internationally in Germany, Iraq, and Seoul, South Korea, demonstrating a commitment to Gospel ministry even in challenging global contexts. His military record is distinguished by leadership, pastoral care in deployed settings, and National Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) service.
On April 1, 2017, Rev. Sessoms was installed as the 10th Pastor of the Historic Little Union Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia, where he continues to serve faithfully.
Beyond his pastoral responsibilities, Rev. Sessoms is active in civic and community leadership:
- Executive Board Member and Region 3 President of the Northern Virginia Baptist Association,
- Co-Chair of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE),
- Member of the Hampton University Minister’s Conference and Choir Directors Guild,
- Volunteer mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Prince William County,
- Silver Lifetime Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Rev. Sessoms is married to Pamela Green of Suffolk, Virginia. Together, they are the proud parents of Geoffrey Elijah and Kiersten Michelle.
Rev. Sessoms is known as a Gospel preacher, a servant leader, a mentor, and, most importantly, a child of God. His life and ministry are anchored in his favorite Scripture, Romans 10:14–15:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can
they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear
without someone preaching to them?How beautiful are the feet of those who bring
good news!