Pastor Charles has been engaged in prophetic Spirit-filled ministry for more than 40 years, having begun his first church at the age of 19.  Born and raised in a Pentecostal church in Southern New England, Pastor Charles received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at a very early age and began ministering as a children's evangelist at the age of twelve.  He also worked as the Children's Church director in his local church for four years by pastoral appointment.  This pastor is a no-nonsense, plain-spoken man who likes to keep things simple.  He believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a simple, uncluttered message that has been contorted and disfigured by many in the church.  His approach to the Gospel, and the Word of God in general, is practical and relevant to believer's lives.  Pastor Charles has preached evangelistically in various denominations and non-denominational churches throughout the United States and has worked in pastoral ministry in several states.​

While many in the church have become accustomed to being herded into mega churches and treated as a number, Pastor Charles believes in old-fashioned hands-on pastoring.  He's there for the people of God in times of distress and trouble. He welcomes opportunities to minister in prisons, nursing homes, and any venues where folks cannot get out to church.  This pastor loves people, and his only desire is to encourage and uplift all believers.  He preaches sound doctrine with love, understanding that God's people get beat up enough in the world during the week.  They certainly don't come to church to be condemned and preached into Hell.  We believe you will find his straightforward, compassionate message a blessing as you walk in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Charles wrestled with is sexual identity for decades, experiencing paralyzing depression and loneliness.  In 1989 he finally came to accept the fact that he was gay and "came out."  For more than three years he was out of the church living a backslidden life, convinced that God hated him and wanted nothing to do with him.  In 1993, however, the Lord finally convinced him that he was not an abomination to God, but a loved and valued member of the family of God.  So, with a brand-new direction, he began his current inclusive and affirming ministry.  He has no desire to be viewed as the pastor of a “gay church” but prefers instead that folks understand he is a Spirit-filled man of God who happens to be gay, pastoring a ministry that includes and affirms ALL sincere believers, without prejudice or exception.  Pastor Charles and his life-partner, Tommy, have been together more than twenty years and were legally married in 2015 after it became possible for them to do so.  Whether you are Black, white, Asian, Latino, straight, gay, old, young, rich, or poor - you will find a warm and sincere welcome at Forward Christian Life Center!