| Past and Present African American Church of Christ Ministers |
Recognizing Current preachers in the african American church of christ
W. F. Washington, Ph.D., International Evangelist
New Golden Heights Church of Christ
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dr. W. F. Washington, Sr., serves as the Executive Committee Chairman for the Churches of Christ National Lectureship and Senior Managing Editor of the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper. He is one the most respected and sought after gospel preachers among churches of Christ today. His clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is heard on radio and television from pulpits throughout America, and across the globe. He is a renowned Conflict Resolution and Management Consultant for congregations who from time to time may experience church conflict.
The full-time ministry of Dr. W. F. Washington began in Texas. As a college sophomore, he served as Minister of the Westside Church of Christ in Marshall, Texas. After graduating from college and as full-time preacher, he worked as Assistant Principal for Administration at Pemberton High School in Marshall. Commensurate with his ministry in Marshall, he was employed by Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, as Dean of Students at 23 years of age. He was selected by the American Personnel Association as the youngest Dean of Students in American universities and colleges. Today, Dr. Washington is the full-time minister of the New Golden Heights Church of Christ where he has labored for over four decades.
When Dr. Washington arrived in Fort Lauderdale in 1974, he led 125 members who met in a small back street church building located on 15th Court to a three million dollar, two thousand seat sanctuary with a total membership of more than 4,500. The Church meets in their modern Roman/Gothic style building on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Under the leadership of Dr. Washington, the “Heights” is considered as one of the largest and fastest growing African American churches in Broward County, Florida. Dr. Washington is a respected leader among Ministers of faith, in addition to local and national elected officials. His steadfast commitment to evangelism and cultural empowerment is demonstrated in the organizations he has founded such as the Golden Heights Multi-Crisis Center in 1991, and the Golden Heights Christian Academy in 1992.
The “Heights” has over 16 outreach ministries along with their “Feeding the Hungry” ministry which feeds and clothes over 3,000 homeless persons each year. The media outreach ministry of Dr. Washington began in 1974, when he implemented his radio ministry on WRBD radio. During that time he was selected twice as “Minister of the Year.” Dr. Washington can be seen on his weekly television broadcast on the CBS Network of Miami. The “Heights” also has two regular weekly radio programs.
Dr. W. F. Washington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with an emphasis in History and Western Civilization from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. He has completed thirty Master Degree hours in Criminology and Contemporary Corrections from Sam Houston State University and received a Ph.D., in Behavioral Psychology, from National Christian University. In the year 2003, a Doctorate of Humane Letters was conferred upon him from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Beta, Mississippi. Dr. Washington is also the founder of the Ministers' Institute Conference (MIC) which convenes each year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the month of January. He is the author of several publications including Journey to Canaan (2003 best seller); and Church Growth, Church Health, and Church Administration (2006). Furthermore, he has published several other works including Can You Run With Horses; The Church on a Collision Course; Is God Black?; When You Have Lost a Loved One; The Christian and Stress; The Christian and Depression; and Instant Replay: An Anthology on Abortion.
Born and raised in the city of Valdosta, Georgia, W. F. Washington traveled as a young preacher and singer with some of God’s greatest gospel preachers. Men such as John Henry Clay (his father in the Gospel), Ulysses Shields, Marshall Keeble, Luke Miller, V. E. Williamson, James L Cothran, William Whitaker, and David Shanks, were instrumental in helping to mold his ministry. Dr. Washington is married to the former Deloris Dixon of Hallsville, Texas, and they have four children, Willie, Jr., Antonio, MarQuite’, and Soncyarai; three grandchildren, Arielle, Gabrielle, and Nevaeh; one daughter-in law, Niermala; and two son in-laws, Orpheus and Daryl. Dr. Washington’s purpose in life is to glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ in the fulfillment of His mission on earth and to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer. He is confidently awaiting the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dr. Roosevelt C. Wells, International Evangelist (1933-2019)
Harlem Church of Christ
New York City, New York
The late Dr. Roosevelt C. Wells previously served as Advisory Committee Chairman for the Churches of Christ National Lectureship and staff writer for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper. As Minister Emeritus of the Harlem Church of Christ in New York City, New York, Dr. Wells considered himself blessed by God to have been granted the privilege of experiencing and fulfilling his life long dreams. First and foremost, being an Evangelist of Jesus Christ. Secondly, having been able to travel around the world. Dr. R. C. Wells began his ministerial career at the age of ten at his home congregation, the Eighth Street Church of Christ, in Waco, Texas. He was extremely blessed by being associated with “the Church,” the Church of Christ, practically all of his life and becoming a member of “the Church” at the age of nine. His mother, Nora Mae Fisher Wells, his grandparents and almost all of his relatives on his mother’s side, were and are still members of “the Church.”
Having grown up in “the Church” Wells listened to and was exposed to the great gospel preachers of the twentieth century both locally and nationally. Through his association with these preachers he gained inspiration and encouragement, most specifically by Dr. R. N. Hogan of Los Angeles, California, as he held an evangelistic tent meeting in the city of Waco, Texas, where Wells grew up. Dr. Wells still treasures the blessings he enjoyed for having been the reader for Dr. Hogan during his pre-teen and teenage years. With Dr. Hogan as his mentor and role model, Wells always promised that he would become a preacher just like him (an impossibility of course – however a man’s reach must exceed his grasp), or at least a preacher to the best of his ability.
Dr. R. C. Wells was a product of the Waco Public School system, having attended South Waco Public School and A. J. Moore High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society of American Schools. In his ninth year of school, he was privileged to become a student at the Nashville Christian Institute (NCI) in Nashville, Tennessee, under the tutelage of the renowned Marshall Keeble. Unfortunately, Dr. Wells was not privileged to graduate from Nashville Christian Institute. He returned home due to illness in order to give much needed support to his mother and to assist his family. He thereby graduated from A. J. Moore High School in Waco, Texas.
The educational dossier of R. C. Wells consists of many schools of matriculation in both religion and theology. He holds six advanced academic degrees: AA; BRE; BTH; MRE; MTH and THD from the following schools: Southwestern Christian College, Midwestern Theological Seminary, and Temple Theological Seminary. In addition, he holds three honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees. Furthermore, he has studied law at the Paralegal Institute, the Blackstone School of Law, and the Atlanta Law School. He also did an apprenticeship with the law firm Hill and Hill in Harlem, New York City, New York. He has served as a college professor at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, and Northeastern Christian College in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Dr. R. C. Wells was truly “set for the defense of the gospel of Christ.” He consistently and repeatedly in his teaching, preaching and writing, made it irrefutably clear that he is not “ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” He was willing to say it, willing to preach it, willing to write it, willing to publicly debate it, willing to suffer for it, and willing if need be… to die for it. He served local congregations in Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Pontiac, Michigan; and New York City, New York, where he served as Minister Emeritus and Elder along with Chairman of missions both domestic and foreign. During his tenure with the Harlem Church of Christ, foreign mission works have been established in Africa, India, and in New York State. He traveled around the world twice, preaching in 43 states of the United States and in eighteen nations of the world on five Continents.
Dr. Wells has written multiple tracts and several books which include And Ye Shall Know the Truth; I Shall Not Be Moved; Preacher, I Have a Question; Somebody Ought to Say Amen; Are You Worshipping God In Vain?; I’m Different Because; and Corruptive Contrary Winds: Human-isms. Dr. Roosevelt C. Wells has been married to the former Dorothy Carpenter for over half a century. They are the parents of three children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Eugene Lawton, International Evangelist (1937-2022)
Newark Church of Christ
Newark, New Jersey
The late Dr. Eugene Lawton a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, was baptized into the body of Christ under the preaching influence of S. J. Dudley and began preaching as a student at Southwestern Christian College. His academic credentials include an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas; a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California; advanced post graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.
Dr. Lawton has been preaching the gospel for over half a century and his experiences are quite numerous. He served as Minister of the East 7th Street Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, from 1959-1961 and Minister of the Newark Church of Christ in Newark, New Jersey, for nearly five decades. He worked as a field representative for Southwestern Christian College from 1961-63. He was the Academic Dean of Southwestern Christian College from 1969-1971, and he is presently a member of the Board of Directors of Southwestern Christian College. As an accomplished writer, Dr. Eugene Lawton has written articles in several national publications. He is the author of four books: Let Me Sound My Trumpet; Come Out With Your Hands Up; Fasten Your Seatbelts, and Can I Preach A Little?
In 1978, the Newark Church of Christ for the first time was among twenty-four congregations that baptized one hundred or more persons into Christ. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Eugene Lawton, the Newark Church of Christ in Newark, New Jersey, continues to be a rapid growing congregation with over 2,752 persons having been baptized into Christ during his ministry. God has indeed smiled on this great church. Dr. Lawton has preached on the “Liberation Hour,” a weekly radio program for thirty-four years and he has preached on cable television for fifteen years. Both programs have been instrumental in baptizing approximately 160 persons. He is the founder of the Northeastern Youth Conference which is attended by 1200 to 1300 young people and adults in Newark annually. He has directed this conference for over forty years.
Dr. Eugene Lawton is perpetually busy speaking on National Lectureships, College Lectureships, and National Youth Conferences. He has conducted Gospel Meetings and Evangelism Seminars from the Gulf to the Great Lakes and from the sunny shores of California to the skyscrapers of New York City. He is married to the former Diane Trone and they have three children: Fitzgerald, Cedric, and Kathleen; in addition to four grandchildren.
Dr. Jack Evans, Sr., International Evangelist (1937-2019)
President Emeritus of Southwestern Christian College
Terrell, Texas
The late Dr. Jack Evans, Sr., was a native of Houston, Texas. He was baptized into Christ in 1953 at the age of 15 under the preaching influence of Paul S. Settles and began preaching at the age of 16. After attending the public schools of Houston for nine years, he then transferred to Nashville Christian Institute (NCI) in Nashville, Tennessee, where the eminent Marshall Keeble was President. He graduated from NCI in 1957 and then enrolled in Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, from which he graduated in 1959. He served as the Associate Minister of the College Church of Christ while attending Southwestern.
After graduating from Southwestern Christian College, Jack Evans, Sr., enrolled in Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, majoring in History and Religion. He graduated from this university in 1961. He preached for a small congregation in Hale Center, Texas, while attending college in New Mexico. Upon graduation, Dr. Evans began graduate work in 1961, in History and English at the University of Texas in El Paso, Texas. In the year 1963, Evans received his Master of Arts degree. His unpublished thesis was entitled: “The History of Southwestern Christian College of Terrell, Texas." He was the Minister of the Cebada Street Church of Christ in El Paso while attending graduate school and he has had conferred upon him the Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degrees by Harding University, Pepperdine University, and Abilene Christian University.
Dr. Evans became Dean of SwCC in 1963. He served in this capacity and as an instructor in History for a period of four years. In 1967, he was appointed President of Southwestern Christian College; thus becoming the first African American president of the only predominantly Black Christian College among the churches of Christ. He retired from this position in the year 2017. Southwestern Christian College became fully accredited under his administration in 1973. He is listed in the “Who's Who in American College and University Administration” and “Who's Who in Texas Today.” He was also a member of the Board of Directors of David Lipscomb University.
Dr. Jack Evans, Sr., served as a featured speaker on virtually every major lectureship hosted by Christian colleges and in special seminars/meetings on other college campuses. He conducted gospel meetings and Crusades for churches of Christ throughout the nation and participated in a number of religious debates. In the year 1981, Evans became the keynote speaker for the biennial National Crusade for Christ. He was the author/editor of the Evans-Barr Debate; The Curing of Ham; The Cross or the Crescent; Sermons That Save; So What's the Big Issue?; Christian Response to the Muslim Challenge; The Two Covenants; and Sinai or Zion? He co-authored with Dr. James Maxwell, Vice-President Emeritus of Southwestern Christian College on Divorce and Remarriage and with the late Dr. G. P. Holt on Sermons of the Crusades.
He had begun to write his final book and personal memoir entitled Strength for the Journey before the decline of his health. Dr. Jack Evans, Sr., transitioned from this dimension of life on the morning of November 1, 2019. As a prolific debater in the unparalleled spirit of the prophet Elijah, Dr. Evans will be remembered as an unfaltering "Guardian of the Gospel" and a consummate "Champion of the Cross."
Dr. Robert M. Woods, International Evangelist (1930-2017)
Monroe Street Church of Christ
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Robert Matthew Woods was a native of Gallatin, Tennessee. He was the only son of five children born to Herk and Susie Woods. Each of his four sisters, Amanda, Mymie, Lottie, and Elsie, including his parents are deceased. At the age of eleven, Robert M. Woods was enrolled in the Nashville Christian Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, where Marshall Keeble served as President. Dr. Woods was baptized into the body of Christ under the preaching influence of A. C. Holt and preached his first sermon at eleven years of age. He then began to travel with Brother Keeble as one of his featured “boy preachers.”
In 1949, Woods graduated from Nashville Christian Institute and returned to Gallatin, Tennessee, where he became the Minister of his home congregation. In the year 1952, Dr. Robert M. Woods married the late Anna Holladay and moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he became Minister of the old Maypole Avenue Church of Christ following Jesse S. Pace. The old Maypole Avenue Church of Christ, then located at 1903 West Maypole Avenue on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois, is the “Mother Church” among Blacks and whites in the city of Chicago. It was established in the spring of 1917 with the assistance of G. P. Bowser in the home of J. T. Daniels of Nashville, Tennessee. Brother and Sister Daniels came to Chicago in 1916 to better their economic status, but there was no Church of Christ among either race to be found. Daniels also began a successful grocery business in addition to selling coal and ice. It was also during this time that Levi Kennedy, Jr., worked for Brother Daniels in his business.
Within a short period of time, the congregation moved from the Daniels' home to a funeral parlor located on Lake Street. The members later purchased a two unit apartment building located at 2538 West Maypole Avenue; thus deriving the name “The Maypole Avenue Church of Christ.” This was a frame building with living quarters upstairs and the first floor converted into a place for worship. In the year 1957 under the leadership of Dr. Woods, the congregation relocated to Claremont Avenue on the near North Side of the city. The Lawndale Avenue Church of Christ was formed as a mission work from this group and in 1965, the congregation moved once again to its present location at 3300 West Monroe Street. In 1965, the Monroe Street Church of Christ hosted the last National Youth Conference to be conducted in a church building. Furthermore, the idea of the National Crusade for Christ originated at the Monroe Street Church of Christ in 1978.
On August 26, 1988, the Monroe Street church building experienced a devastating fire and it appeared that the congregation would have to relocate for a fourth time. However, through much prayer and perseverance, the facility was restored within thirteen months and a half million dollar effort. Today, the Monroe Street church building is listed on the registry of Chicago historical landmarks.
Dr. Robert M. Woods served as Minister of the Monroe Street Church of Christ for forty years. In 1965, he was appointed as the first teacher of the United Men’s and Ladies Bible Class of Greater Chicago. He has publicly debated the cause of Christ against false teachers and conducted gospel meetings throughout the United States, as well as two Campaigns for Christ in the Bermuda Islands. Dr. Robert M. Woods has preached the gospel in Nassau, Bahamas, in addition to National, Regional, and Southwestern Christian College lectureships. He is the senior member of the Board of Directors for Southwestern Christian College having served for over half a century; a former adviser for the Midwest Lectureship and Midwest Youth Conference; and a member of the Churches of Christ National Lectureship Executive Committee.
Dr. Robert M. Woods served as Minister Emeritus of the Monroe Street Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, and the Hayes-Glass Drive Church of Christ in Bremen, Georgia. Following the death of his first wife Anna Woods in 1986, Dr. Woods married the former Sara Marie Taylor. Because of his continuous commitment to the crux of Christ and the “Living Logos,” a Doctorate of Humane Letters was conferred upon him by Southwestern Christian College. Dr. Robert M. Woods passed away on February 9, 2017, after experiencing an extended illness.
Dr. Billy C. Curl, International Evangelist and Missionary
Crenshaw Church of Christ
Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Billy C. Curl is a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, which is the home of Stephen Austin University. In 1960, he enrolled in Southwestern Christian College and upon graduating in 1962, he enrolled in Abilene Christian College (now University). Academically speaking, Dr. Curl graduated from ACU with a degree in Speech Pathology. For a period of six years, Billy C. Curl served as a missionary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He learned to speak the language while ministering to the deaf population as well as preaching. He used his educational training and spiritual development to establish more than thirty congregations that have grown well above thirty-thousand members.
Dr. Curl serves as Minister Emeritus and elder for the Crenshaw Church of Christ in Los Angeles, California. He has been preaching and leading the Crenshaw congregation for over thirty years. Dr. Curl has taught at the Los Angeles Bible College in addition to conducting marriage seminars and retreats across the brotherhood.
Dr. Billy C. Curl is a frequent speaker on national and local lectureships including the annual Southwestern Christian College Lectureship. He often conducts mission campaigns in South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Furthermore, Dr. Curl is president of the Board of Directors for Normandie Christian School in Los Angeles, California, and is past Vice-Chairman of the Southwestern Christian College Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Abilene Christian University and Southwestern Christian College.
Dr. Shelton T. W. Gibbs, III
Greenville Avenue Church of Christ
Dallas, TX
Dr. Shelton T. W. Gibbs, III, is a native of Ardmore, Oklahoma. He is the son of the late Dr. Shelton T. W. Gibbs, Jr., and grandson of the late Shelton T. W. Gibbs, Sr., a pioneer preacher in the African American Church of Christ. Academically speaking, he has received an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College; a Bachelor of Arts from Abilene Christian University; and a Master of Arts from Amber University. He has performed additional study at the American Bible College and Seminary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Southern Christian University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Dr. Shelton T. W. Gibbs III, is the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the National Academy of Christian Studies in Fort Worth, Texas, along with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Southwestern Christian College. Dr. Gibbs has labored for congregations in Metropolis, Illinois; Clarksville, Mineral Wells, Abilene, and Edgewood, Texas. He has also served in the capacities of Admissions Director and Associate Professor of Bible at Southwestern Christian College. In addition, he has performed evangelistic work across the nation including campaigns in Jamaica, West Indies.
David C. Penn, Ed.S., Ph.D.
Robbins Church of Christ
Robbins, IL
Dr. David C. Penn is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He is Senior Minister of the Robbins Church of Christ in Robbins, Illinois, where has served with distinction since 1984. Dr. Penn attended the Nashville Christian Institute (NCI) in Nashville, Tennessee, during the presidency of the renowned Marshall Keeble. He is also the nephew of the late Dr. Levi Kennedy, Jr., who baptized him into the body of Christ at the Michigan Avenue Church of Christ.
Dr. Penn has been preaching the gospel since 1967. He has conducted evangelistic and revival meetings along with seminars and workshops in over thirty states across the nation. Furthermore, he is a frequent keynote speaker on National and Regional Lectureships hosted by the Churches of Christ. Dr. David C. Penn is Vice-Chairman and Secretary for the Churches of Christ National Lectureship Executive Committee; a member of the Executive Board of Directors and Academic Dean for the School of Religious Studies in Little Rock, Arkansas; member of the Board of Regents for Metropolitan Christian University in Louisville, Kentucky; member of the Board of Directors and Director of Biblical Accountability for the National Association of Private Theological Institutions (NAPTI); and former Chairman of the Midwest Lectureship.
He is a co-founder and former Chairman of the Midwest Youth Conference; co-founder of the National Crusade for Christ; founder of the Windy City Lectureship among the Chicago area Churches of Christ; founder of Imani Counseling Services, Inc., a private faith-based non-profit counseling agency chartered by the state of Illinois; founder of the Institute of Biblical Studies (Chicago); and Chief Editorial Consultant for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper. Dr. Penn has served congregations in Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. David C. Penn is a graduate of Rochester University; City University of Seattle, Washington; University of Nebraska; University of Missouri; St. Xavier University; Abilene Christian University; Concordia University of Chicago; California Coast University; International Theological Seminary; Northwestern Theological Seminary; North Central Theological Seminary; and Colorado Theological Seminary. His academic portfolio includes an Associate of Arts; Bachelor of Arts; Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction); Master of Arts (Educational Administration); Graduate Certificate in Civics and Democracy (Harvard University); Master of Arts (History); Master of Religious Education; Doctor of Education (Educational Administration); Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership); Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Pastoral Counseling); Educational Specialist Degree [Ed.S.] (Educational Administration); Doctor of Ministry; and a Graduate Certificate in School Superintendency. He has also performed post-graduate study at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria, South Africa. A Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) was conferred upon him by St. Timothy Theological Institute; Doctor of Laws (LLD.) by United Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) by Metropolitan Christian University.
In addition to congregational ministry, Dr. Penn is licensed in the states of Illinois and Tennessee as a “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) Social Science educator and administrator. His endorsements include Principal and Superintendent certification, World History, United States History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Political Science. He is a former Professor of History at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois, Professor of History at Olive-Harvey College in Chicago, Illinois, and Professor of Biblical Studies and Urban Ministry for Metropolitan Christian University in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Penn was selected in 2005 by the Illinois Council for the Social Studies to serve as a featured keynote presenter at the annual Illinois Council for the Social Studies Fall State Conference in Lisle, Illinois.
Dr. David C. Penn is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., in addition to Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Epsilon Tau, Phi Beta Delta, and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Societies. He is the former Vice-President of the Phi Alpha Theta Pi Nu Chapter of the University of Nebraska. Other associations include the Nancy Lyman Roelkner Scholarship Committee of the American Historical Society; National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE); National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS); Illinois Council for the Social Studies (ICSS); Organization of American Historians (OAH); Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD); The Urban History Association (UHA); and the African Studies Association (ASA).
Dr. Peter N. Gough, former Professor of History at the University of Nebraska, strongly recommended that Dr. Penn should seek publication from either the Journal of Black Studies, African American Review, or Studies in Midwestern History in regard to his impressive Master's Thesis essay. This qualitative research entitled "The Great Depression: It's Socioeconomic, Sociopolitical, and Cognitive Impact Upon African Americans in the City of Chicago, Illinois" was presented to the University of Nebraska College of Natural & Social Sciences and received an outstanding appraisal from the entire History Department.
Dr. Penn is recognized by the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists; National Board of Christian Clinical Therapists; National Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors; and the National Christian Counselors Association. Additional affiliations are held with the American Counseling Association; American Association of Christian Counselors; International Association of Biblical Counseling; and the Southern Africa Association of Pastoral Work in Pretoria, South Africa. In the year 2005, Dr. Penn authored his first book “My Soul Looks Back and Wonders… How I Got Over.” His second book “The Power of His Penetrating Presence” published in 2006, is a compendium of sermons presented by various Ministers at the Churches of Christ 62nd Annual National Lectureship held in Chicago, Illinois. His third book entitled "Can I Get A Witness?" was published in the year 2019.
Among the recognized publications in the fields of academia and religion, Dr. Penn is listed in the 19th and 20th Marquis Editions of “Who’s Who In the Midwest” (Wilmette, IL); “Who’s Who In Society” (Springfield, IL); “American Counseling Association” (Alexandria, VA); “Social Science Education Consortium, Inc.” (Boulder, CO); “Black Preaching Network” and “Two Thousand Notable Americans” (Washington, DC). As an accomplished educator, author, historiographer, theologian, and public school administrator, Dr. Penn has written articles for the Chicago Defender, Chicago Sun Times, and Cincinnati Herald newspapers. He has also written articles for the African American Pulpit, Christian Courier, Christian Echo, and Gospel Tribune.
Harvey M. Jackson, Ed.S., Ph.D.
Lampton Street Church of Christ
Mound Bayou, MS
Dr. Harvey M. Jackson is a native of Bolivar County Mississippi. He was encouraged and mentored in the faith by Dr. W. F. Washington and began preaching the gospel at the age of fourteen. Since 1967, Dr. Jackson has devoutly served as Ministering Evangelist of the Lampton Street Church of Christ in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. His stewardship in the field of evangelism has led thousands to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As an articulate “Warrior of the Word” he has gained both national and international recognition by having preached in thirty-eight states including Jerusalem; Caesarea Philippi; Cobourg, Canada; Nassau Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies; Capernaum; Haiti and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. His ministry has positively impacted the lives of over forty preachers.
The desire of Dr. Jackson to expand his academic horizons led him to matriculate from several universities and seminaries. These institutions of higher learning include Delta State University; University of Miami; United Bible College; California Coast University; Reform Theological Seminary; University of Mississippi and Mississippi Valley State University. His academic portfolio includes a Bachelor of Arts (Social Science); Master of Education (Psychology); Educational Specialist Degree (Counseling and Psychology); Doctorate in Theology, and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology.
Dr. Harvey M. Jackson is licensed in the state of Mississippi as a “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) Social Science educator and administrator. He has served as a middle and secondary school instructor in Cleveland and Coahoma County, Mississippi; Secondary Counselor in the Cleveland School District; Director of Mental Health Service; Assistant Director of Job Placement for ex-offenders at the Mississippi Department of Corrections; and Director of Upward Bound Programs at Mississippi Valley State University.
He is former President of the Cleveland District School Board; former President of the Mississippi Valley State University National Alumni Association; President of the Mississippi State Lectureship for Churches of Christ; President of the Mississippi Valley State University Omega Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Delta Kappa; both of which are International Honor Societies in Education.
Furthermore, Dr. Jackson is a member of the National School Board Association; member of the Mississippi Council to Save Historically Black Colleges; member of the Beta Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; member of the Mississippi Valley State University Foundation Board; founder and President of the Mississippi Delta Bible Institute in Mound Bayou, Mississippi; founder of the first Bolivar County Boys and Girls Club in Mound Bayou, Mississippi; and Mental Health Consultant for the Leflore County Headstart Program.
Other accolades include serving as a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) which evaluates teacher preparation programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States that ensures educational quality and academic effectiveness; Outstanding Men in America Award (1980); Southwestern Christian College Minister of the Year Award (1981); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Community Service Award (1989); National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Award for exemplary service to Historically Black Universities and Colleges (1997); Mississippi Valley State University College of Education Dean Award (2006); "Who’s Who" in Executive and Professionals (2000-2001); and "Who’s Who" in V.I.P. Professionals (2004-2005).
Dr. Harvey M. Jackson currently serves as Associate Professor of Psychology in the College of Education at Mississippi Valley State University, a position he has held since 1991; National Director for the "W. F. Washington Theological Institute" in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; staff writer for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper; and a member of the Churches of Christ National Lectureship Executive Committee.
Dr. James O. Maxwell
Vice-President Emeritus of Southwestern Christian College
Terrell, TX
Dr. James O. Maxwell served as former Vice-President of Institutional Expansion at Southwestern Christian College. He was Academic Dean at SwCC from 1971 to 1978. As Vice-President, he initiated and maintained fund-raising campaigns; wrote proposals for public and private grants; prepared news releases of college functions; edited the SwCC Communiqué, and solicited deferred gifts for the college. He was also a professor of Bible and Religious Education.
Dr. Maxwell received an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College; Bachelor of Arts in Speech Education from Pepperdine University; Master of Religious Education from Central Theological Seminary in Kansas City; Master of Science in Higher Education from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce); and Master of Theology (Equivalent) from Southern Methodist University. He completed all the required coursework except a thesis for a Master of Arts in Speech Communication at The Ohio State University. He also earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University (Perkins School of Theology).
Dr. James O. Maxwell served as Minister for the North Gulfport and Moss Point, Mississippi, Churches of Christ; Cleveland Avenue Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio; Roswell Church of Christ in Kansas City, Kansas; Lawrence and Marder, Cherry Valley, and Southern Hills Churches of Christ in Dallas, Texas. Upon retiring from the Southern Hills congregation in 2006, he immediately began work as Minister of Development and Outreach with the Roswell Avenue Church of Christ in Kansas City, Kansas. Currently, he is commuting from Texas to Kansas while working with the Roswell Avenue congregation.
He was selected as a Title III “Proposal Reader” by the Office of Education to evaluate proposals prepared by colleges and universities for Federal Grants and was one of the originators of “Let’s Do It Christ’s Way,” a TV program sponsored by several Dallas Metroplex Churches of Christ.
Dr. Maxwell is author of There Is a Lion in the Way; The Way of Truth; The Bible and Abortion; The Tangled Web of Deceit; Super Bowl VII (a commentary on the symbols in the book of Revelation); Hush Your Mouth; I Can't come Down; and Don’t Know Much About Church History. Recently, he authored No Upreach Without Outreach and Let’s Go Back... Way Back! He has co-authored with Dr. Jack Evans, Divorce and Remarriage in the Church of Christ, and edited four SwCC Lectureship books. He has also published four of his debates entitled, Jesus-Only Doctrine and Pentecostalism; Divorce and Remarriage; Metaphysical Research; and The Axe is Laid To The Root of the Tree (7th Day Adventism).
Dr. James O. Maxwell also wrote six lessons that were published in three Twentieth Century Christian Adult Bible Quarterlies. Furthermore, he is the editor and a staff writer for the Christian Echo and has written for the Gospel Advocate. He has written twelve tracts, eleven of which are featured in the Haun Publishing Company and the Gospel Advocate Catalogs. His community service has included President of Urban Development; Executive Board member of the John C. Ford Legal and Business Aid Community Assistance Program of Dallas, Texas; Board of Trustees member of New Life Behavior Prison Ministry and Curriculum for Inmates; and Terrell State Hospital Ethnic Relations Committee. He currently serves on the board of the Terrell Historic Preservation Commission.
His honors include Outstanding Alumnus of SwCC in 1971; honored for service rendered as SwCC Academic Dean; Key to the City Award of Augusta, Georgia in 1983; and a Twenty-Year Service Award from SwCC in 1991. He has also received the Father of Valor and the Man of Valor Awards from the SwCC Beautification Committee. In 2012, Dr. Maxwell received the Christian Chronicle Service Award.
Dr. Andrew J. Hairston
Simpson Street Church of Christ
Atlanta, GA
Dr. Andrew J. Hairston is a native of Winston-Salem, NC, where he graduated from Carver High School. He attended Southwestern Christian College where he earned his Associate degree. After Southwestern he earned his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts from Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, and completed his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Brite Seminary at Texas Christian University.
Dr. Hairston holds a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School; Master of Law from Woodrow Wilson College of Law; Doctor of Ministry from Emory University, and Master of Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada at Reno. He also holds Honorary Doctor degrees from Southwestern Christian College, John Marshall Law School, and Abilene Christian University.
Ecclesiastically speaking, Dr. Hairston has served the Simpson Street Church of Christ with distinction since 1961. He has traveled around the globe including Liberia, West Africa, where he co-founded the Wells-Hairston Elementary/High School. Professionally speaking, he has served as Assistant Solicitor General of the State Court of Fulton County Georgia, and Chief Solicitor of the Municipal Court of Atlanta, Georgia. Furthermore, he is a retired US Army Reserve Chaplain (Col); retired Chief Judge of the city Court of Atlanta, Georgia, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Southwestern Christian College his undergraduate alma mater.
Although he is a student of many different disciplines, none surpasses Dr. Andrew J. Hairston’s involvement with the Lord’s Church. He considers his call from God first and above all else. He views the Church as God’s unique instrument of human redemption in that it engages people at all levels. According to Dr. Hairston, the visible kingdom of God is tasked with a unique mission in that it engages the souls of humanity for now and in the life that is to come.
Founded by Jesus Christ through His holy apostles and disciples, Dr. Hairston believes the Church has a charge it must accept and relentlessly pursue. The essential and foremost function of the Church is to perform and operate as God’s agent “Redeeming the Lost and Empowering the Redeemed.” This is the primary charge of the Church in the world and that charge must be pursued in fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection.
Dr. Ben Foster
Southwestern Christian College
Terrell, TX
Dr. Ben Foster is a native of Morrilton, Arkansas. He has been actively involved in the ministry of Christ for over forty-five years. As a recognized and distinguished educator, Dr. Foster has served on the faculty of Southwestern Christian College in the department of Bible and Related Subjects since 1971. Furthermore, he began serving as Vice-President for Student Affairs at SwCC in 1978.
The academic credentials of Dr. Foster include an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College, in addition to a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from Abilene Christian College. He was the first African American male student to receive a Masters Degree from Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University). In 1997, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the National Academy of Christian Studies in Fort Worth, Texas, and in 2004, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was conferred upon him by Southwestern Christian College. Dr. Foster has also engaged in doctoral studies at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and at East Texas University in Commerce, Texas.
As a national and international evangelist, Dr. Ben Foster has preached the gospel throughout the United States including Germany, Bermuda, Jamaica, and Israel. He has served congregations in the cities of Hawkins, Longview, Dallas, and Garland, Texas. Dr. Foster is the author of several publications including Decently and in Order; Old Testament Survey; Back to the Bible I Will Go; and Here I Stand on the Issues. He is also listed in several editions of “Outstanding Educators in America.”
Daniel Harrison, Ph.D.
Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
Dr. Daniel Harrison is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. He is a retired Speech professor and Communications Department Chair of Kennedy-King Junior College in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Harrison has served as Senior Minister of the Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ for nearly fifty years. He is also the National Director for the Churches of Christ Crusade which began in Chicago.
Academically speaking, Dr. Harrison is a former student of Nashville Christian Institute (NCI). He received an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas; a Bachelor and Master degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago; and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of New York at Buffalo. In addition to the Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Daniel Harrison has served congregations in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Morristown, New Jersey.
Dr. John H. Dansby
Russell Road Church of Christ
Shreveport, LA
Dr. John H. Dansby, Sr., is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. He presently serves as Senior Minister of the Russell Road Church of Christ in Shreveport, Louisiana. As a career military man, Dr. Dansby and his family moved to Shreveport on a military assignment in 1975. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1984 after twenty-eight years of service. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal. In addition, Dr. Dansby holds the highest enlisted rank possible in the armed forces as Chief Master Sergeant.
Academically speaking, Dr. John H. Dansby, Sr., holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts in General Counseling. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors for Southwestern Christian College.
Dr. Dansby is a member of the Greater Shreveport Optimist Club, the Bossier Branch, NAACP, and life member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. He has taught Management along with Leadership and Communications for Wiley College in Marshall, Texas; Management for Louisiana Tech University; and Leadership Management for Central Texas Community College in Killeen, Texas. Because of his vast knowledge and expertise in business negotiations, Dr. John H. Dansby was selected as the Director of Staff and Finance for the National Crusade for Christ.
Dr. Steven N. Thompson, Sr.
Central Church of Christ
Milwaukee, WI
Dr. Steven N. Thompson, Sr., is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Southwestern Christian College and a former student of the University of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Thompson is the fourth son of the late James H. Thompson of Memphis, Tennessee, who was also a gospel preacher in the Church of Christ. Steven has served congregations in Martin, Tennessee; Youngstown, Ohio; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His style is articulate, digestible, and it purges the hearts of those who hear him.
The civic involvement of Dr. Steven N. Thompson, Sr., includes being the former President of the board and Interim Director of Milwaukee Careers Cooperative; a non-profit employment agency which provides temporary and permanent job opportunities to the disadvantaged. Furthermore, he has dealt with many problematic situations that have plagued communities throughout the inner-city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
His religious involvement includes being a member of the Midwest Youth Conference Advisory Committee; Midwest Lectureship Advisory Committee; Churches of Christ National Lectureship Advisory Committee; and a staff writer for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper. He has been a featured keynote speaker for the annual "Windy City Lectureship" hosted by the Chicago area Churches of Christ since its inception in the year 2009. Dr. Thompson is also a facilitator of the annual "W. F. Washington Theological Institute" which convenes each January in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His preaching objective is to tell the story of Jesus in a practical manner to practical people and to practice the story he tells.
Dr. Steven N. Thompson currently serves as Senior Minister of the Central Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has labored since 1985. Because of his steadfast devotion and consecrated commitment to the visible kingdom, a Doctorate of Humane Letters was conferred upon him in 2015 by Metropolitan Christian University in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Loyd C. Harris
McAlmont Church of Christ
North Little Rock, AK
Dr. Loyd Clay Harris is a native of Homer, Louisiana. After completing secondary education in the Springhill, Louisiana, public school system, he attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, with an emphasis in Religion and Mathematics. In 1972, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and later completed post graduate studies in Administration and Religion at East Texas State University; Alabama Christian School of Religion; Harding Graduate School; and International Bible Institute and Seminary.
Dr. Harris began preaching at the age of nine years old and was ordained to the ministry in 1960. As a teenager he served congregations in Cullen, Louisiana; Emerson, Arkansas; and did an internship at Perrin Street Church of Christ in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was Assistant Minister at Lyle Street Church of Christ in Big Sandy, Texas, and from 1968-74 he served as Minister of the Shawnee Church of Christ in Nacogdoches, Texas. From 1974-77 he was Minister of the Shepherd Street of Christ in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and from 1977 to 1986, he served as Minister of the Highway 82 Church of Christ in Greenville, Mississippi.
From October 1986 until December 1998, he served as Minister of the Meridian Street Church of Christ in Moss Point, Mississippi, and since January 1, 1999 he has been the Senior Minister of the McAlmont Church of Christ in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Harris is founder and President of the School of Religious Studies College of Bible and Religion (SRS); co-founder of the Christian Retreat in Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Bible Chair at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
Dr. Loyd C. Harris began the “Answering Voice” radio programs in Nacogdoches, Texas, in 1971 and the “Answering Voice” television programs in 1972. He has conducted “Answering Voice” broadcasts for over thirty-six years. In 1974, he carried the “Answering Voice” ministry to daily broadcasts. He has been on the air daily for over thirty-four years. He is an accomplished educator, newspaper publisher, author and lecturer. Dr. Harris is regarded by many in our circle of fellowship as the “Analytical Preacher.”
Conley Gibbs, Jr.
Gateway Community Church of Christ
St. Louis, MO
Conley Gibbs, Jr., is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He presently serves as Senior Minister of the Gateway Community Church of Christ in St. Louis, Missouri. Minister Gibbs began preaching the gospel at the young age of twelve years old. He received further ministerial development and was ordained to the ministry under the tutelage of Dr. David C. Penn, his “Father in the Gospel.” Brother Gibbs is a featured speaker on state and regional lectureships in addition to the Churches of Christ Annual National Lectureship. He has conducted marriage retreats, singles seminars, and spiritual enrichment workshops throughout the brotherhood.
Brother Gibbs has worked successfully in prison and radio ministry. The 2014 sociopolitical crisis in Ferguson, Missouri, which centered around the shooting of Michael Brown, attracted national and international media attention from across the globe. As a result, both civic and religious leaders throughout the nation including the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) in London, England, consulted with Gibbs seeking his input and thoughts. He has also given extensive interviews regarding the dilemma in Ferguson, Missouri, to prominent news journals such as the Christian Chronicle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Christian Post.
Conley Gibbs, Jr., serves on the Board of Directors for several faith-based and civic related organizations along with the Ferguson Ministers’ Alliance. He is a member of the Churches of Christ National Lectureship Advisory Committee and a staff writer for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper. In the year 2006, he authored his first book entitled A Symphony: Creating the Sound of Marital Harmony published by Xulon Press, Inc. Ecclesiastically speaking, Brother Gibbs has served congregations in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Michigan, and Missouri. Academically speaking, Conley Gibbs, Jr., holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. He has been a selected keynote speaker for the annual "Windy City Lectureship" hosted by the Chicago area Churches of Christ since its inception in the year 2009.
DonBurnell Holly
Norris Road Church of Christ / SouthEastSide Church of Christ
Memphis, TN
DonBurnell Holly is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for 37 years. He is the Senior Minister for the Norris Road Church of Christ and the SouthEastSide Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. He also serves as one of the elders for the SouthEastSide congregation. Minister DonBurnell Holly was mentored in the faith by the late Dr. Nokomis Yeldell, former Minister of the Norris Road Church of Christ. He is a frequent speaker on National, Regional, and state Lectureships hosted by the African American Church of Christ. He is a member of the National Lectureship Advisory Committee; Regional Staff member of the "W. F. Washington Theological Institute" which is annually held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a staff writer for the National Lectureship Christian Courier newspaper.
Minister Holly is a graduate of the University of Memphis where he received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management and a minor in Accounting Management. He was previously employed at Federal Express Corporation where he retired after 35 1/2 years of service as a Systems Architect Adviser in the Information and Telecommunications Division. Minister DonBurnell Holly is a passionate student of the Scripture and a powerful expositor of the inspired Word. Beginning in the year 2016, Minister Holly has been a featured keynote speaker at the annual “Windy City Lectureship” hosted by the Chicago area Churches of Christ.
Dr. Ralph P. Smith, Sr.
Centreville Church of Christ
East St. Louis, IL
Dr. Ralph P. Smith, Sr., is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He was baptized into the body of Christ in 1959 and mentored in the faith by the late Evangelist Leroy Durley while living in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Smith accepted the call to preach the gospel in 1969 and attended Bear Valley International Bible Institute in Denver, Colorado. He previously worked in the capacity of Associate Minister at the Josephine Street Church of Christ and Littleton Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Smith is a frequent speaker on National and Regional Lectureships held by the Church of Christ. Currently, he serves as Senior Minister of the Centreville Church of Christ in East St. Louis, Illinois. Dr. Smith serves as Chaplain for the Centreville Police Department and he is President of the Board of Directors for the "Clyde C. Jordan Senior Citizens Center" in East St. Louis, Illinois. He is also the Director for the National Association of Celebrated Seniors (NACS) which serves over a thousand seniors and bridgegappers. In the year 2017, a Doctorate of Divinity was conferred upon Ralph P. Smith by Midwestern Christian Institute in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. In July 2017, he also received the first "Windy City Lectureship Outstanding Minister Award" from the Chicago area Churches of Christ.
Robert L. Holt
East Glen Park Church of Christ
Gary, IN
Robert L. Holt is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the son of the legendary Evangelist Dr. G. P. Holt who single-handedly built the Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana, into one of the largest congregations in the nation. He is also the grandson of Marion F. Holt; grandson of T. H. Busby; nephew of Marion V. Holt; and great-nephew of A. C. Holt. Each of the aforementioned men were renowned pioneer preachers in the African American Church of Christ and distinguished proclaimers of the gospel message.
In addition to his celebrated pedigree, Minister Robert L. Holt is the great-grandson of the late G. P. Bowser founder of Southwestern Christian College; founder of the Christian Echo; and “Father of Christian Education” among African Americans in the Church of Christ. Robert L. Holt is a graduate of Southwestern Christian College where he received his Associate of Arts and was awarded the first basketball scholarship offered by this institution. He is a frequent speaker on National, Regional, and state Lectureships hosted by the African American Church of Christ and has served congregations in the states of Oklahoma, Michigan, and Alabama. He has been a selected keynote speaker for the annual "Windy City Lectureship" hosted by the Chicago area Churches of Christ since its inception in the year 2009. Currently, Robert L. Holt is Senior Minister of the East Glen Park Church of Christ in Gary, Indiana.
Leroy Butler, Jr.
Woodlawn Forrest Church of Christ
Valdosta, GA
Leroy Butler, Jr. is a native of Valdosta, Georgia, and attended Valdosta Public Schools from 1955 to 1967. After graduation he attended Valdosta State College, Valdosta Area Vocational Technical School, Southern Bible Institute, Alabama Christian School of Religion, University of Biblical Studies and Southwest Bible College & Seminary. Minister Butler is a highly acclaimed gospel preacher and organizational leader. He is a frequent speaker on National and Regional Lectureships held across the nation by the Church of Christ. He has also conducted gospel meetings and participated in religious campaigns including radio broadcasts in the countries of Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies. Minister Leroy Butler, Jr., is a member of the National Lectureship Advisory Committee and was elected in October 2007, as Vice-Chairman for the Churches of Christ Southeastern Regional Lectureship.
Leroy Butler, Jr., has served as Senior Minister of the Woodlawn Forrest Church of Christ (formerly West Adair Church of Christ) since July of 1981 and was ordained as one of the Shepherds of Woodlawn Forrest in March of 2000. In 1983, he was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men in America and in February 1990, the Black History Action Committee of Lowndes County selected him as an outstanding spiritual leader in the community. In concert with pastoral and ministerial responsibilities, Minister Leroy Butler, Jr., is the founder, President and Chairman of the Board of Life Assets Unlimited, LLC, a real estate investment company; past member of the National Association of Security Dealers; the National Association of Realtors and the Valdosta Board of Realtors. He is also co-founder of ButGod Enterprises, LLC a real estate investment partnership.
In May of 2000, Butler founded the F.A.I.T.H. Scholarship Foundation, INC, which has raised thousands of dollars to provide scholarships for underserved and disadvantaged youth entering Christian colleges or universities. Furthermore, he serves on the Board of Directors of several community based, public and private non-profit organizations. He is President of the Coalition of African American Churches (COAAC) and treasurer for Helping Others Manage Efficiently (H.O.M.E.) which he helped to establish. He was secretary/treasurer for the Central Valdosta Development Authority for three years and a founding board member for the Lowndes County Partnership for Health.
Minister Leroy Butler, Jr., currently serves as Planning Committee Chairman on the Valdosta-Lowndes County Hospital Authority and is past Chairman of the Lowndes County Board of Equalization where he served for over 12 years. He is a founding member of “100 Black Men” of Valdosta, Georgia, and was appointed in 2006 as a founding member of the Board of Trustees for Lowndes Associated Ministry to People (LAMP).
Dr. Harold R. Redd
Midtown Church of Christ / Raliegh Springs Church of Christ
Memphis, TN
Dr. Harold R. Redd is a native of Meeker, Oklahoma. He has preached more than forty-three years for congregations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; West Memphis, Arkansas; and Memphis, Tennessee. He currently serves as Senior Minister for the Midtown and Raleigh Springs congregations in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to local work, Dr. Redd is a frequent speaker on National and Regional Lectureships hosted by the Churches of Christ and has taught Bible courses in Christian High Schools.
Furthermore, he is an annual “Seminarian Presenter” at the “W. F. Washington Theological Institute” held each year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was during the WFWTI held in 2017 that Dr. Redd spoke on the subject entitled “The Cross in the Old Testament” where he methodically examined the redemptive purpose of God through Old Testament allegories depicting the futuristic atonement of Jesus Christ. One of the distinctive features regarding the 2017 National Lectureship held in Atlanta, Georgia, included a live dialogue interview session with Dr. Redd who elaborated on the importance and necessity of recognizing local congregational autonomy.
Dr. Harold R. Redd is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible. He has also received a Master of Theology from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee, and a Doctor of Ministry from Abilene Christian University. As a widely respected biblical scholar and academician, Dr. Redd continues to focus his energies on uplifting the “Sovereign Savior” while fulfilling the missionary mandate of the Master.
Dr. Russell A. Pointer, Sr.
Minneapolis Central Church of Christ
Minneapolis, MN
Dr. Russell A. Pointer, Sr., is a native of Bronx, New York. He was inspired and mentored in the faith by the legendary Dr. R. C. Wells, Minister Emeritus of the Harlem Church of Christ in New York City, New York. He has preached both nationally and internationally in addition to serving as an Internal Review Board (IRB) member at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Pointer is a graduate of Southwestern Christian College where he received his Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees. He later attended Abilene Christian University; University of Phoenix; University of Mississippi; and Omega Bible Institute and Seminary where he obtained his Masters and Doctorate in Theology.
While attending Southwestern Christian College, Dr. Pointer had the distinct privilege to work under the late Dr. J. S. Winston and was granted the "G. P. Bowser Preaching Scholarship Award." Dr. Pointer serves on the board of the Hennepin County Sheriff's African American/Social Religious Leadership Council and he is a tenured member of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Community Advisory Board. Furthermore, he is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Russell A. Pointer, Sr., is a frequent speaker on National and Regional Lectureships held among the African American Church of Christ. Beginning in the year 2016, Dr. Pointer has been a requested keynote speaker at the annual “Windy City Lectureship” hosted by the Chicago area Churches of Christ. He currently serves as Senior Minister of the Minneapolis Central Church of Christ in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Dallas A. Walker Jr. (1939-2022)
Wyoming Avenue Church of Christ
Detroit, MI
Dallas A. Walker, Jr., was a premiere Evangelist known nationwide for his knowledge of the Bible and oratorical ability. He passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 83. Walker served as Senior Minister for the Wyoming Avenue Church of Christ in Detroit for 46 years, but his influence extended far beyond the Motor City. Attorney Fred D. Gray, Sr., 91, a prominent Civil Rights attorney for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with Rosa Parks, and recipient of the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" was a childhood friend of Walker. “Dallas Walker was an outstanding Evangelist,” Gray said. “He grew up in the same congregation I grew up in at the Holt Street Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama. Walker was born August 6, 1939, in Vernon, Alabama, and initially he attended Lamar County Training School. After graduation, he enrolled in Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas. He went on to earn degrees in Psychology from the University of Detroit and a Master’s degree in Counseling Education from Wayne State University, also in Detroit. Dallas A. Walker, Jr., was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Beverly A. Walker. He is survived by numerous family members and children.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Florence, Sr. (1933-2023)
Rochester, New York
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Florence was born August 9, 1933, in the city of Overtown, Miami. He later attended Nashville Christian Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, and became a “boy preacher” under the influence of Evangelist Marshall Keeble. Florence spent five years preaching in Florida before taking a job in 1959 at age 25, as Minister of the Reynolds Street Church of Christ in Rochester, New York. He was paid $65 a week with lodging upstairs from the sanctuary for him, his wife, Mary, and his children. Florence developed a close friendship with Malcolm X, who visited Rochester several times in the years before the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965. He was in attendance when Malcolm delivered his infamous speech entitled "Message to the Grass Roots" in Detroit, Michigan, in 1963.
Florence was visiting his family in Miami, Florida, in July 1964, when the Rochester riots took place but quickly returned to Rochester and stood at the forefront for racial justice. The following summer he was elected president of "FIGHT" a new Black militant organization that was to lead and dominate the Rochester, New York, Civil Rights agenda in the following crucial years to come. The name "FIGHT" was an acronym which stood for Freedom, Independence, God, Honor, Today. Florence drew inspiration from the apostle Paul's exhortation in his first letter to Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith.”
In 1974, Florence and several other followers founded the Central Church of Christ and began worshiping on South Plymouth Avenue, where it continues today under the leadership of Florence’s son, Minister Clifford Florence.Franklin D. Florence, Sr., ran unsuccessfully for the State Assembly in 1972 on the Liberal Party ticket. After the early 1970s, he was much less prominent but remained active in several community and political organizations focusing on Civil Rights, including serving as the head local organizer for Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign.
The peak of Florence’s influence was relatively short-lived, but the final impact of his career was not. At a time of changing racial dynamics across the county, he was the clear face of Black power in Rochester. His advocacy around hiring of Black people in particular was immensely significant. Franklin D. Florence, Sr., is survived by his wife, Mary, four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Churches of Christ "Historical" Annual National Lectureship USA
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