William L. Burress, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Restoration Temple Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pastor Burress has been an ordained clergyman through the worldwide Church of God in Christ since 2008 and has served faithfully in various Auxiliaries, such as Director of the Outreach & Evangelism ministry and Youth Pastor, within the Church of God in Christ for more than 20 years.

Not only a leader in ministry, but Pastor Burress is bi-vocational. Pastor Burress is currently an employee at the Black Impact Collaborative and is contracted with the Kent County Friend of the Court serving in many capacities within those organizations. Aligning with his vision to serve God and encourage people to a Christ-centered relationship, Pastor Burress is also employed as a Chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains. 

As an active advocate for community advancement and the development of people, Pastor Burress’ career over the years has also included Workforce Development Specialist and Career Navigator/Coach at the Urban League of West Michigan and Community Health Program Specialist-Fatherhood Coordinator at Spectrum Health & Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. Pastor Burress’ lifework and love for people helps them to achieve their life goals. Pastor Burress is also the  Founder and President of C.H.A.N.C.E (Cultivating Hope Around Noble Character Enrichment) Inc., a non-profit organization in Grand Rapids.  The mission of C.H.A.N.C.E is to cultivate hope and enrich character in young adults, helping them achieve their greatest potential through mentorship, education and restorative practices. Pastor Burress earned an Associates Degree from Grand Rapids Community College prior to obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University.  

As a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pastor Burress’ sense of hometown pride extends to caring for and providing resources to the people of the community enough to help them to enhance and grow spiritually and naturally. Pastor Burress is a spiritual advisor and counselor to many around the city and beyond. Many of his friends and colleagues highlight his thoughtful style of preaching, candor and his ability to engage people to a Christ-centered lifestyle.

Pastor Burress is happily married to Shanan C. Burress and they have two beautiful children, Laila and William Jr.