OUR PASTOR
Pastor Michael Anthony Foster better known as "Pastor Mike" is a native of Sacramento, California. Pastor Mike was born to Bishop David C. Foster, Sr., and First Lady Ethel M. Foster on February 10,1969. He is the brother of David C. Foster. Jr. (Shawana), Marie Young, (Cedric), and Audrey Lofton (Andre).
Pastor Mike attended and graduated from Grant High School in 1987. Outside of academics, he excelled in sports such as basketball and track winning a variety of gold medals and trophies. He is a proud “Pacer!”
Pastor Mike had a strong spiritual foundation laid for him. He was raised in Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Sacramento, California under the leadership of the late Dist. Elder Robert B. Holman, Sr. and First Lady Barbara Holman. He surrendered his life to Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on January 8, 1979, at the age of ten.
In 1981, his parents founded Greater Grace Church (formerly Greater Grace Worship Center). Over the years, under the leadership of his father, Bishop David C. Foster, Sr, Pastor Mike has served in many executive leadership team roles in ministry such as Lead Financial Officer, Ministerial Alliance, Music Ministry, Sunday School, Media Ministry as well as the Youth Ministry. He has been blessed with many gifts and talents. He leads by example with his strong work ethic and serves with deep sincerity.
It was in 1988 that Bishop Foster saw his son’s love and passion for music and appointed him as the Minister of Music. He orchestrated and directed the choir. He plays drums, keyboard and other instruments. His true love is the bass guitar of which he owns several.
On October 12, 1992, Pastor Mike married the late Lady Mary Foster. Together they raised five children (Brandon Harris, Michelle Foster, Michael Foster, Jazmyne Dockery and Jada Foster). They also gained a son-in-love, Troy Dockery Jr. After 30 years of marriage, on January 22, 2023, the Lord, in his divine wisdom, called Lady Mary Foster from labor to reward. Pastor Mike is “Grampy” to his six grandchildren (Cameron Hall, Skylar Hall, Brandon Harris, Jr, Demetrius Harris, Brooklyn Dockery and the newest grandchild, Milaan Tidwell).
Psalms 37:23 states, ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way’
Pastor Mike walked in obedience and into the calling over his life. He earned his minister’s license on March 26, 2017 and continued to serve in his executive leadership team roles. On May 7, 2017 he was elevated and ordained as a Greater Grace Church Elder and installed as Youth Pastor. In this role he willingly accepted greater responsibilities such as preaching every 2nd Sunday, teaching Bible Study for both Youth and Adults, overseeing Youth Takeover Sundays, Teens Rap sessions and Childrens’ Church. Pastor Mike is faithful, serves with excellence and exemplifies biblical principals in his daily life.
During this phase in his life, his love for music led him to play music for the Sacramento Metropolitan Adult and Youth Division of the GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America), Genesis Church, Capitol City Seventh Day Adventist Church, Progressive Baptist Church and the Martin Luther King, Jr Choir made of members from Capital Christian Center and Genesis Church. He has a heart and genuine love for people. He continues the motto of his father of “reaching, teaching and discipling souls”. Pastor Mike is truly aligned with the teachings of the Bible. On many occasions God has opened doors for him to share the gospel outside of Greater Grace Church.
On December 17, 2020, he was installed as the Assistant Pastor of Greater Grace Church. On June 27, 2021, Greater Grace Church administration underwent realignment and Pastor Mike was appointed to lead the Ministerial Alliance. Pastor Mike continued to be diligent and faithful to the Lord and the body of Christ. He was commissioned to carry the torch and continue the legacy that began under the leadership of his father, Bishop David C. Foster, Sr.
Luke 12:48, “for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”
On September 10, 2023, with the love of Christ, the adoration and support of his parents, church family and friends, Assistant Pastor Michael A. Foster was installed as the Pastor of Greater Grace Church. As he transitions, he is truly blessed to have Godly council from his father which is a rarity for those who step into the role as pastor.
Pastor Mike is known as the “People Preacher”. His love and support have truly made a positive impact on the church family. He developed and implemented the new Greater Grace Church theme: “Love, Live and Lead like JESUS”.
On February 3, 2024, the Lord blessed Pastor Mike Foster to marry Lady Rachel Foster. Lady Rachel is a beautiful addition to the Greater Grace Church family. Her warm presence and sweet spirit are already felt by the congregation. She has a passion for souls and a caring nature. Her greatest contributions are her love for God, her husband, family and church family.
Pastor Mike demonstrates compassion for souls by his ongoing dedication to fasting, prayer, Bible Study, teaching and preaching the Word of God. He is humble, caring, meek in spirit and has a warm heart that does not go unnoticed. He is loved and appreciated by the people of God and the community he serves.