Meet Bishop Wortham

Senior Pastor, Bishop E. McD. Wortham

A man with gray hair and glasses wearing a black suit and shirt, standing in a studio with a black background, a large studio light, and green plants.

Two men in suits standing in an elevator or conference room with empty chairs behind them.

Ministry and Community Development

Dr. Wortham’s transformation of The Palladium stands as a testament to his commitment to revitalizing communities through faith and strategic development. Under his leadership, the facility became more than a church; it evolved into a hub for outreach, empowerment, and neighborhood renewal.

Dr. Wortham is a master teacher in both spiritual and secular arenas. He has taught Business Management at Morgan State University, the University of the District of Columbia, Baltimore City Community College, and other institutions of higher learning.

Through Our Father's Bread Ministry, he serves the Baltimore community by distributing food and essential supplies weekly. His consistent, hands-on presence reflects his deep belief in servant leadership and practical ministry.

Elder Chester H. Wortham, Jr.

Assistant Pastor | Spiritual Support

Elder Chester Wortham dressed as a priest, wearing glasses and a clerical collar, standing indoors with a blurred background.

Elder Chester H. Wortham, Jr. faithfully served as the Assistant Pastor of the Higher Dimensions

Christian Center, providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and sound biblical instruction to the congregation. His ministry has been marked by wisdom, steadiness, and a deep commitment to developing spiritually mature believers.

Elder Wortham earned an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from the Anointed by God Ministries Alliance and Seminary and was a Certified Chaplain. He also pursued advanced theological studies toward a Doctorate in Theology at Andersonville Theological Seminary, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to biblical scholarship and Kingdom advancement.

For more than 20 years, Elder Wortham faithfully taught the Adult Bible Study at Higher Dimensions Christian Center, equipping generations of believers with practical, life-applicable biblical teaching. His instruction was known for clarity, spiritual depth, and an unwavering emphasis on disciplined Christian living.
Together with his wife, Elder Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, he led two international missions to Israel and a third to Greece, ministering at significant biblical and historical sites. During these sacred journeys, they baptized believers in the Jordan River and provided transformational teaching that connected Scripture to sacred geography, strengthening the faith of all who participated.
Elder Wortham also co-led the Marriage and Family Ministry, offering premarital counseling, marital enrichment sessions, and weekend retreats designed to strengthen covenant relationships and build Christ-centered homes.
Professionally, Elder Wortham concluded a distinguished career in healthcare administration as the Director of Special Services at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In that capacity, he oversaw Mail Systems, Print Management Services, Patient Transport, Salvage &
Sustainability, Training, and Education. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Management degree from the University of Phoenix. A respected facilitator and educator, he traveled nationally conducting seminars and previously served as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Baltimore County – Essex, teaching customer service and leadership development to Maryland state supervisors and managers. He also served as a Level II Instructor for Impact Training, equipping healthcare professionals with essential technical and leadership skills.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and service, Elder Wortham received the prestigious
Johns Hopkins President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership, and was inducted into the Johns Hopkins Hall of Fame — honors that reflected his integrity, excellence, and lasting impact within the institution.
Beyond the church and professional arena, Elder Wortham ministered at the Jessup Pre-Release Center and the Helping Up Mission, serving men in transition and supporting individuals on their journey toward restoration and renewed purpose.
Now retired from his professional career, Elder Chester H. Wortham, Jr.’s legacy reflects a life devoted to service—sacred and civic—marked by excellence, humility, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening families, institutions, and communities for the glory of God.

Elder Dr. Deborah L. Wortham

Executive Director of Ministries

Dr. Deborah Wortham, with curly reddish-brown hair, wearing a black clergy shirt with a white clerical collar, pearl earrings, and red lipstick, against a dark gray background.

Elder Chester H. Wortham, Jr. faithfully served as the Assistant Pastor of the Higher Dimensions

Christian Center, providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and sound biblical instruction to the congregation. His ministry has been marked by wisdom, steadiness, and a deep commitment to developing spiritually mature believers.

Elder Wortham earned an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from the Anointed by God Ministries Alliance and Seminary and was a Certified Chaplain. He also pursued advanced theological studies toward a Doctorate in Theology at Andersonville Theological Seminary, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to biblical scholarship and Kingdom advancement.

Higher Dimensions Christian Center
Dr. Deborah L. Wortham is an ordained Elder, certified chaplain, and seasoned educational leader who serves as Executive Director for Ministries at Higher Dimensions Christian Center. In this role, she provides spiritual oversight, strategic leadership, and organizational alignment across ministry departments. She also serves as President of the Presbytery Board, supporting ministerial standards, credentialing, and leadership development.
Licensed in 1998 and ordained in 2001, Dr. Wortham has served in numerous ministry roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Deaconess, Marriage Ministry Chair, Premarital Counselor, Choir Director, Protocol Executive, and Ministerial Licensing Examiner. She is a Certified Chaplain through Anointed by God Ministries Alliance & Seminary (where she also received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities) and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Studies at Andersonville Theological Seminary.
Dr. Wortham holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s degree from Morgan State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Following her service with the Baltimore City Public Schools, she served as the Superintendent of Schools in five districts across New York and Pennsylvania, retiring after leading Roosevelt Union Free School District into a new era of stability and success.
She previously served at The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York under Dr. Floyd H. Flake and Dr. Elaine M. Flake, where she strengthened her foundation in structured, excellence-driven ministry leadership.
A proud Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Wortham is also the author of Setting the Atmosphere: Beliefs, Practices, and Protocols for Faith-Filled Leaders, a work that bridges spiritual conviction with leadership excellence.
Her life and leadership reflect one guiding principle:
“To God be the Glory for the great things He has done.”