As the primary teaching pastor, Dr. Coates has a passion for carefully unpacking the truths of Scripture. With over 29 years of Pastoring experience, he brings the message in ways that make you laugh, cry and more importantly reflect. Dr. Coates' passion is worship (having over 35 years as a musician and clinician) and church growth/development. He lectures around the country, instructing Pastors, Bishops and church leaders on the principles of church life and abundance through his consulting firm Growth Matters LLC.

He is a Chaplain for the Annapolis Police Department and staff pastor at Lasting Tributes Funeral Home. He has authored three books, one making the Amazon best seller list. As a historian, he directs the Annapolis Juneteenth Festival and Freedom Way- a traveling exhibition that examines the blueprints of slavery, Black resistance, and liberation.

He and his wife, Sheree reside in Riva, MD. along with their two children, Olivia and Ian.