Archbishop Allen T.D. Wiggins, Sr.

Archbishop Allen T. D. Wiggins is a visionary leader—pastor, author, community builder, and influencer—whose ministry has helped shape Orlando, Florida, with a focused commitment to the Greater Washington Shores community. For more than two decades, he has led with faith, innovation, and a drive to build sustainable, flourishing communities.

The Hope Church was founded in 1983 by his parents, Reverend Dr. R. W. and Beulah Wiggins. In 2001, the late Reverend Dr. R. W. Wiggins passed the mantle of leadership to his son, elevating Reverend Allen T. D. Wiggins to Senior Pastor. In 2007, he was consecrated Bishop in the Lord’s church by the International Bishops’ Conference, Inc. (IBC). In 2017, Archbishop Leroy Bailey, Jr. passed the mantle of Presiding Prelate of IBC—an interdenominational sanctioning body for Christian faith leaders—to Archbishop Wiggins. He has continued to advance the Kingdom both locally and around the globe. Archbishop Wiggins earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and holds two honorary ministry doctorate degrees.

Answering the challenging needs of the community, Archbishop Wiggins championed Hope Center West, a “Live, Work, Learn, Play, and Worship” community transformation model. This comprehensive approach produced a collection of small businesses, affordable and attainable housing, senior residential housing, a Private Christian Academy (preschool–8th grade), and a Special Needs Learning Center. He also was pivotal to the elimination of a longstanding food and fuel desert, helping to secure brands such as Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7‑Eleven, and AutoZone—expanding access to essentials, creating jobs, and contributing to the ongoing uplifting of the community.

Before his pastoral tenure, he gained national prominence with the inspirational jazz duo Allen & Allen—a two-time Stellar Award recipient with ten commercially released recordings—and is regarded as a pioneer of gospel jazz.

He provides leadership to Frontline Outreach, Inc., helping launch forward-focused initiatives such as Frontline Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studios, designed to awaken the genius in today’s young scholars. He also serves on the boards of Lift Orlando (Purpose Built Communities Network) and The First Academy (an elite Christian private school in Orlando, FL).

His publications include Daily Hope (a 40-day devotional), Leverage – Use What You Got, and Called to Serve – A Biblical and Practical Guide to the Diaconate. Honors include the Better Man of the Year Award, Community Game Changer (Orlando Magic and Florida Blue), and Vision Orlando’s Bridge Builder Award.

He and his wife, Lady Deborah Wiggins, are parents of five: Michael, Brandy, Julian, Allen II, and Jonathan. He is guided by the principle: “Sometimes you gotta create what you want to be a part of.