REMEMBERING THE
APOSTLE OF CALVARY
Apostle Richard M. Avant was a native of Philadelphia, PA. He completed his secondary education at Dobbins Vocational High School, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Temple University, an Engineering Degree from Spring Garden College, and studied at the Philadelphia College of Bible. He received his Masters Degree in Theology, a Doctorate of Ministry Degree, and Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Religious Studies from the Friends International Christian University, Merced, CA.
He worked as a journeyman’s machinist, tool designer, process engineer, and high school teacher. While teaching, he was also a coach of track and football. He retired in June 1993 from the Carver High School of Engineering Science in Philadelphia, PA.
Apostle Avant was called into the ministry in 1978 and ordained a minister of the gospel in 1979. He served as co-pastor of the Adonai Baptist Church in Philadelphia under the pastorate of Rev. James Stevenson.
In 1982, he was called to pastor Calvary Baptist Church in Dover, DE. As the Pastor, he was blessed to have thirty-eight persons on his Ministerial Staff. Thirteen ministers, previously a part of Calvary’s Ministerial Staff, are now pastors of their own churches. In May 2014, Rev. Dr. Avant was officially installed into the office of Apostle. He truly carried an apostolic mantel and was a pastor’s pastor.
Calvary Baptist Church grew tremendously under Apostle Avant’s tithing program. As a result of his total dependency upon God for vision, direction, and action, Calvary expanded to two facilities, one of which houses the Youth Church. At the time of his home-going, the membership totaled approximately 500.
Apostle Avant was the founder and past president of the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance (IMA) of Dover and Vicinity. Under his leadership, The IMA sponsored the first city-wide crusade in Dover, DE which included approximately fifteen churches of different denominations, both black and white, who joined in the spiritual fight to win Dover for Christ Jesus. He also partnered a relationship with Grace Presbyterian Church with an emphasis on breaking down denominational and racial barriers.
Apostle Avant was the Vice Chairman of the Dover Interfaith Mission, a program organized to assist homeless men find housing. He served for over 15 years on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club. He was involved in the One Church, One Family Program, an organization that sponsors and/or assists a family that is financially disadvantaged, adopts that family, and helps them to improve their quality of life. He was also connected with the Dover Men of Reconciliation, a group of Christian men who seek to break down racial barriers and become more productive in the community; the Dover Coalition Against Gambling Expansion; and he was active with the Promise Keepers, men of Christian faith whose goals are to maintain family values and morals.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Most importantly, Apostle Avant was a man after God’s own heart. He was a man with a pastor’s heart for God’s people. Apostle Avant exemplified Matthew 7:20 – “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Apostle Richard M. Avant transitioned from earth to Heaven on Friday, April 1, 2016.
Rev. Avant leaves behind legacy in church and community – Delaware State News
Rev. Richard M. Avant, 85, longtime pastor of Calvary Baptist Church – The Philadelphia Tribune