Rev. Charles Fisher has a remarkable resume. The new head of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church has been a teacher, principal, tennis coach, basketball coach and even a professional NBA player.
He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers out of James Madison University in 1983 and played for them for a year before being released. Eventually he found his higher calling.
“The journey has been truly very interesting,” Fisher said during a recent interview at his new office at the church in Tavernier. He said his background in athletics helped mold him into the leader he is today.
“Being always on a team, I knew the importance of motivation, positivity, encouragement and leadership skills,” he said.
Fisher holds several degrees, including a master’s and doctorate in religious education, along with a bachelor’s and master’s in physical education. Yet, he remains humble.
“When I came here, they said ‘Maybe you should have everyone call you Dr. Charles or Dr. Fisher, you’ve earned that,’” Fisher recalled. “I said I’m not big on that, that doesn’t matter,” he continued.
Despite his accomplishments, the pastor is the first to admit he is a work in progress.
“God is still molding me and directing my steps,” he said.
On July 1, Fisher became the new pastor at the 150-member Methodist Church. This church has deep roots in the community and is also known for its community-based generous food pantry and gold seal child development center (CDC).
“All the people that are coming to the food pantry, I want them to see that Burton is a loving church. I want them to come and be a part of the church, same thing with the CDC,” said Fisher.
About a month into his new role, Fisher has nothing but praise for his new congregation.
“Amazing. I’m very impressed and just blown away by the leadership here at Burton, the church, and the activities they have here,” he said.
“You have a child development center ministry, food pantry ministry, and the church ministry with the community. It’s just thrilling; it’s a blessing, it truly is a blessing,” he continued.
Fisher wasn’t always a Methodist. He grew up Baptist. A few years ago a friend asked him to deliver a sermon at her Methodist church and he was hooked.
“She said ‘Would you come and preach for me on Mother’s Day?’ And I haven’t left the Methodist church since,” Fisher said with a smile.
Fisher grew up in Cape Charles, Virginia but his career in coaching and teaching took him from coast to coast, from California to South Florida.
He has no idea how long he will serve at Burton Memorial, but he does know what he hopes to achieve.
“What I am hoping to accomplish is to develop spiritual leaders, be a beacon for this community, to build relationships that will want to be a powerhouse for the lord,” said Fisher.
“I would hope that by building relationships I will make families stronger, know that they are valued and important, I’m just looking to change behaviors while I’m here,” he added.
Fisher is married to Shirelle Washington-Fisher, a nurse practitioner. They are the proud parents of three grown children.
He delivers a sermon every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. The church is located at 93001 Overseas Highway in Tavernier.
