Theodore Matthews often referred to in many circles as Pastor Teddy is a father, pastor, NFL Chaplain, sought after speaker, and thought leader.

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He has committed his life to empowering people with the tools needed to maximize their potential, live on purpose, and become barrier breakers.

 

Theodore “Pastor Teddy” Matthews, a Chicagoland native, is the founder and Lead Pastor of Empowerment Church. He also serves as the Executive Director of its counterpart, the Empowerment Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, committed to restoring hope, revitalizing vision, and rebuilding communities. For more than a decade, Theodore has served in senior leadership roles across public and private sectors, anchored in the advancement and holistic development of communities and individuals, alike. Most recently becoming the Official Team Chaplain for the Chicago Bears.

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In addition to his work as a spiritual leader and empowerment speaker, Theodore also serves as a trusted advisor, coach and consultant to key leaders, including C-suite executives, elected officials, media influencers, and organizations. He is a dynamic communicator and skilled problem-solver with a gift for deconstructing complexities to reveal the potential for next-level achievement. 

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Theodore's unique abilities have been strengthened by his own story of trials to triumph. His perseverance through the hardships of being a young, African American male growing up in a fatherless home and in an underserved community equipped him with a wealth of wisdom on how to make lemonade out of lemons. His colorful life experiences have become the substance of his multi-generational relatability and appeal as well as his ability to teach resilience to individuals from all walks of life. At every turn, he is preparing people to meet the big moments, transitions, and up and downs in life with faith, and grooming them into barrier breakers. 

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He is a certified speaker, coach, and trainer with both the John Maxwell Team as well Eric Thomas & Associates, under the tutelage of Dr. Eric Thomas more commonly known as “ET the Hip Hop Preacher.” 

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