Archbishop Allen T. D. Wiggins is a visionary leader — pastor, author, community builder, and influencer — whose ministry has helped shape Orlando, Florida, with a particular focus on the Greater Washington Shores community. For more than two decades, he has led with faith, innovation, and a commitment to building sustainable and 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 officially 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 degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), and he holds two honorary ministry doctorate degrees.
Answering the challenging needs of the community, Archbishop Wiggins championed an initiative called Hope Center West, a "Live, Work, Learn, Play, and Worship" community transformation model. This comprehensive approach produced a collection of small businesses on the campus, affordable and attainable housing, senior residential housing, a Private Christian Academy serving preschool through eighth grade, and a Special Needs Learning Center.
He also was pivotal to the elimination of a longstanding food and fuel desert, helping to secure national brands such as Walmart Neighborhood Market, 7‑Eleven, and AutoZone — expanding access to essential services, creating jobs, and contributing to the ongoing uplifting of the community.
Before his pastoral tenure, Archbishop Wiggins gained national prominence as one-half of the inspirational jazz duo Allen & Allen. A two-time Stellar Award recipient, he produced and published ten commercially released recordings and is widely regarded as a pioneer of gospel jazz.
He also provides leadership to Frontline Outreach, Inc., helping to launch brands and programs that remain relevant with the times — such as Frontline Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studios — designed to awaken the genius in the young scholars of today. Archbishop Wiggins serves on the board of the Purpose Built Communities Network premier nonprofit Lift Orlando, and on the board of one of Central Florida's elite schools, The First Academy.
An accomplished author, 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. His ministry, writing, and music reflect a consistent commitment to excellence, encouragement, and empowerment. His honors include the Better Man of the Year Award, Community Game Changer (Orlando Magic and Florida Blue), and Vision Orlando's Bridge Builder Award.
Archbishop Wiggins and his wife, Lady Deborah Wiggins, are the proud parents of five children: Michael, Brandy, Julian, Allen II, and Jonathan.
"Sometimes you gotta create what you want to be a part of."