Our Pastor

Rev. Robert V. Shipman Sr.

Pastor Robert V. Shipman, Sr. was born in Rankin, Pennsylvania.  He is the fifth of thirteen children born to the late Edward and Jessie Coleman. He was educated in the public school system of the General Braddock Area (now known as Woodland Hills School District).  After a young life of very limited church exposure, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and received the “new birth” in 1973.

Pastor Shipman received the call to the Gospel Ministry in 1974.  He served under the late Rev. Dr. Julius O. Neal until the latter was called home to be with the Lord.  He then served as the Interim Pastor at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Donora, PA for 1 1/2 years.  In 1982, Pastor Shipman was called to serve at the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Cardale, PA, where he remained for 9 ½ years.

In June of 1991, Pastor Shipman accepted the call of the Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA and continues his service here.  He is a graduate of Rowan University of Glassboro, NJ.  He is a Certified Teacher of Secondary Education with a major in Social Studies and Certified in African Studies.  Pastor Shipman has served as:

  • Director of Christian Education for the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention
  • 2nd Vice President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity (2 years)
  • 1st Vice President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity
  • President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity
  • Pastor’s theological training was through the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary of Pittsburgh, PA. and the Reformed Episcopal Seminary of Blue Bell, PA.
In addition to being Pastor of Prince of Peace, he also is the Founder and CEO of our non-profit, Prince of Peace Ministries, Inc. Through his leadership and love of people, in our Strawberry Mansion community, our city, and across the world, we are able to serve others with community dinners, clothing giveaways, educational resource fairs, and missionary outreach events.

Over the years he has served in leadership positions in various Baptist Associations, such as, the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference, the PA Baptist State Congress of Christian Education, and the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association (PEKBA). Upon retiring Pastor Shipman’s focus will be on his non-profit, ShipProductions, which will serve as a bridge for the community to access resources for growth.

Our Pastor’s example of love for people and community has been impactful on how we love and serve the community. He gives unconditionally with his time, resources, and knowledge without ever asking for anything in return.  As Pastor Shipman loves God and church, he also loves his family and is a man of loyalty. He was married for 40 ½ years to the late Yvonne A. Shipman.  He is the father of three children, Pamela C. Shipman, Robert V. Shipman Jr., and Shavonne T. Shipman.  He is the Pop-Pop to Courtney L. Gray, Marc Gray II, Sydney “Sweetie Pie” Shipman, and Yvonna “Queen Bee” Shipman.  In 2022, he married Shanta N. Mason and is blessed with Shanta's daughter, Dior Green and her husband, Devan Green.