Dr. Allen S. Turner is the proud and visionary Senior Pastor of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Livermore, California. A native Californian, he continues a rich spiritual legacy, succeeding his father, the late Dr. Allen Turner, who faithfully shepherded St. Matthews for 23 years. Having served at the helm for 14 years, Dr. Turner blends a profound reverence for the church’s history with a forward-thinking, progressive approach to modern ministry.

Dr. Turner’s foundation in education and leadership began at California High School in San Ramon. He earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, before completing his graduate studies at the prestigious Fuller Theological Seminary.

An ardent advocate for education and community empowerment, Dr. Turner has guided St. Matthews into a season of unprecedented, holistic growth. In 2005, guided by a vision from the Lord, he founded God’s Love Outreach Ministries as a non-profit extension of the church.

Through this groundbreaking initiative, St. Matthews made history as the first church in the United States to secure a multi-year, $1.5 million contract to provide chaplaincy services for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. This monumental door allowed the ministry to share the Gospel with over 60,000 inmates annually and oversee a network of more than 450 religious volunteers.

Furthering the mission of Christ’s compassion, Dr. Turner established a women’s transitional home (2005–2017) that offered sanctuary and case management for at-risk, homeless, and abused women. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, this home gracefully evolved into a state-licensed Adult Mental Health Residential facility, securing a vital contract with Alameda Health Systems to provide compassionate residential care. Additionally, his commitment to youth empowerment birthed a transformative tutoring program that successfully uplifted high-school students on the brink of dropping out, elevating their GPAs from a 1.5 to a 3.0+ and proudly guiding them to graduation.

Within the walls of St. Matthews, Dr. Turner has fostered an atmosphere of vibrant spiritual and mental wellness. Anchored in a steadfast commitment to Faith, Family, and Community, the church has hosted multiple national women’s conferences and Northern California youth summits, raising up the next generation of Christian leaders.

Dr. Turner has purposefully designed the church’s ministries to offer tailored enrichment for couples, singles, men, women, and youth through monthly courses and quarterly spiritual retreats. Through seasons of both mountain peaks and valley lows, he has remained a steadfast anchor for his congregation, leading with unwavering integrity. Because of his dedication, St. Matthews is recognized as a sanctuary where visitors frequently testify, “I can feel the love of God in this church.”

As a gifted educator and seminary professor, Dr. Turner possesses a profound teaching grace. He authors the doctrinal studies and curriculums used to teach the St. Matthews membership, as well as comprehensive training guides for Ministerial Licensing, Ordination, and Deacon Training.

He is also the accomplished author of eight foundational books:

Beyond his vast ministry accomplishments, Dr. Turner is a devoted family man. He is the proud father of three daughters—Adojinah and twins Alaisha and Ashley—and the doting grandfather to one beautiful granddaughter, London.

Above all, Dr. Turner possesses a genuine shepherd’s heart for his flock. His ultimate passion and daily prayer is to ensure that every soul entrusted to his pastoral care is spiritually prepared and ready to be welcomed into Heaven when God calls them home.