Classes begin in August, 2021
Get to know some of the church planters partnering with the Church Pastoral Center to reach Dallas, TX with the love of Christ.
Get to know the 2019-2020 graduates of Church Pastoral Center
Pastor Anthony Sweat was born March the 5th, 1982, in the city of Dallas, TX, the son of late parent, Shelia R. Sweat. I was raised in the city of Irving in the community of Bear Creek. My home childhood church is the Evergreen Baptist Church, where I served in many stages of the church, youth, drummer, and choir director. On April 9th, 2005, I was ordained as a Deacon. I was called to the ministry in August of 2005. I preached and received my License in November 2005. Then December 7th, 2019, I was ordained as a minister of The Gospel. I am the 4th generation preacher in my family. Then with much prayer, I was led and stepped out on faith and organized New Life in Christ Church Ministry. I’m happily married to Latravon Walker, and I have a beautiful daughter, Camryn, age 14, and two siblings Daniel Sweat and Lauren Miller.
Irvin Lynn Barrett, a native of Illinois, relocated to Texas for ministry in 2008, residing in Allen. He grew up outside the Chicago city limits in the western suburbs of Broadview and attended Proviso West High School in Hillside, Triton College in River Grove, and Chicago Baptist Institute, all in Illinois. Presently, he is pursuing a Theology Degree while attending Grand Canyon University as a Psychology Major.
Irvin is currently enjoying ministry in a fresh pastoral position in the rapidly expanding area of Collin County, Texas. With experience of over a quarter of a century in Pastoral Ministry, also serving as a Chaplain, a custom clothier, a licensed insurance agent with a leading fortune 500 insurance company, and a notary public.
He has been married since 1994 to Lady Nickquolette, and they have two beautiful children, Irvin II and Nadia, My Angel, and a soft barking fur baby.
Favorite Scripture James 1:2-4
Dr. Timothy Livingstone Watson was raised among eleven siblings in Atlantic City, NJ, and came to know the Lord early in life. Dr. Watson attended Garden State Bible College and Northeastern Bible College, and earned his bachelor’s degree at Cal State University, San Bernardino, California. His Master’s and Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling were awarded by Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Georgia.
Dr. Watson and his wife Alva founded Center of Hope Christian Ministries in 2002. Through this ministry, Dr. Watson has been recognized for excellence in team building, strategic planning, vision casting, and implementation. He has traveled extensively as a motivational speaker/preacher for many churches and business organizations throughout the country with a specific focus on economic empowerment and leadership training for the next generation.
Dr. Watson is an innovative executive pastor called to lead people and diverse ministry programs. He has a God-given ability to positively impact the congregation and community, leverage talents and gifts to meet the needs of others and fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism and outreach. He is experienced in expanding the Kingdom of God through newcomer celebrations, outreach, pastoral care, and small group ministries. Dr. Watson and his wife reside in Savannah, Texas.
Bishop Rodney G. Gamble Sr., a native of Fort Worth, Texas, was born and raised as a young boy in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Bishop Gamble currently serves as Lead Servant of Cornerstone Christian Ministries of Fort Worth, Texas. God transitioned Cornerstone from a church that was formerly named Cornerstone Church of God In Christ, where Bishop Gamble had served faithfully as Pastor since 1986. Bishop Gamble is joined in ministry with his lovely wife First Lady Tina Gamble. They have seven children and seventeen grandchildren.
Bishop Gamble answered his call to ministry in 1981 at the age of 22, while at the Golden Gate Church of God In Christ under the late Pastor L.C. Castleberry, where he faithfully served until he accepted his assignment to pastor his own congregation. Bishop Gamble also serves as Presiding Prelate of Churches in Covenant, a Fellowship of Churches that is dedicated to nourishing the Lead Servants and their Congregations.
As a college student, he matriculated at Southern Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas; Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary & College; Tyndale Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; and Andersonville Baptist Seminary in Camille, Georgia. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.
It is the vision of Bishop Gamble to come against traditionalism in churches today, to take the Gospel to the unsaved, and to equip believers for the battle that is before us in kingdom building. Pastor Gamble loves to present profound truths in practical and often humorous ways, reaching the unchurched and equipping the churched.
Lorenzo Artami was born in Lecco, Italy in 1986. Even though he grew up in a country that is rich in Christian art, architecture, and history, he did not know Christ until he migrated to America in 2010. After hearing the gospel from his future wife, Methinee, and a few years spent researching the claims of Christ, he was convicted of his sin and came to trust in Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 2013.
Shortly after getting married in 2015, Lorenzo and Methinee heard God’s calling to the mission field back in Italy, where only 1% of the population identifies as Evangelical Christians. Lorenzo has recently concluded the Residency Program at Park Cities Baptist Church and is looking forward to being a part of the CPC and being further equipped to better serve the Lord in Italy. They currently live in Dallas and have one son, Jonathan.
Born May 3, 1987, Kendrick grew up in the Oak Cliff area, which was severely impacted by drugs, poverty, and violence. He graduated Highschool in Rockwall in 2005 and was awarded an athletic scholarship to play football for Navarro Junior College. He accepted his call to ministry in 2009 after some troubles led him back to his roots. In 2009 he attended Southern Bible Institute and College in Dallas for his Bachelor’s in Ministry, graduating in 2013 magna cum laude.
He served seven years as Youth Pastor for New Life Fellowship church in Lancaster. During the same time, he was volunteering at God’s Way Fellowship Church in South Dallas, where Kendrick’s passion for homelessness helped to feed 200-300 people every week. He now works at Our Calling, whose mission is to help disciple the homeless community and to find placement solutions that get to the root of the issue. He is also a board member for another 501-3c, House of Justice, whose mission is to fight for affordable housing in Dallas. After moving to a new location, the church was divided, and during this time the core of God’s Way was formed. Pastor Kendrick has served in ministry almost 13 years in several capacities and has garnered a presence on social media with a weekly broadcast.
Chris Brown is a Dallas, Texas, native who accepted the call to teach and preach the gospel over 30 years ago. Chris has been married to his best friend and life partner April for 17 years and is the father to four children. He has served in various capacities and in various ministries throughout North Texas. He has a passion for serving those who have been forgotten by society. In 2014 Chris founded Operation Stomp Out Hunger, a food bank that serves 200 families each week. Chris again heard the call of God to plant a church that would empower the socially disenfranchised and marginalized members of the community. He enjoys sharing the Gospel, playing the organ, reading and spending time with his family.
I am a native of Dallas, Texas, born and raised in Southeast Dallas, a graduate of Skyline High School. After graduating high school, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Finance, and a Master of Theological Studies from Dallas Baptist University. During these great achievements, God blessed me with the love of my life of 29 years, Kim. My wife and I were blessed with two amazing children, Chasity, a student at University of Texas at Austin, and Caleb, a junior at Lancaster High School.
The beginning of my journey in answering the call to ministry began with my dad, Dr. H.D. Webb Sr., who taught me about the Lord at a very young age. My passion for the Lord continued to grow and flourish as a member of Griggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Here is where I discovered that God had blessed me with a gift of singing and a passion for working with young people. It has been my greatest joy and fulfillment to help people, young and old, to build a relationship with our Lord and Savior regardless of their past circumstances or history. This fulfillment continues to grow and be demonstrated through community service and outreach. St. John 14:35 states, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Pastor Jonathan C. Woods was led to saving faith in Christ Jesus at the early age of fourteen. Jonathan began evangelistic ministry in 1989 under Harve Oostydk and the STEP Foundation. Harve, a member of St. Michaels and a graduate of DTS, partnered with inner city schools and churches to elevate people in lower income areas. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (the late Pastor Luke C. Woods founder and builder of Christ Mission Baptist Church in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas), and working with the STEP foundation, Jonathan received his call by God and was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2006. In the process of time the Lord blessed Jonathan with his adoring wife of more than 25 years, six beautiful children, and twenty-one grandchildren.
After graduating from Southern Bible Institute of Dallas, where he studied and received his Associates Degree of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Diploma of Systematic Theology and with the heart of his grandfather and a desire to continue his work, Jonathan was given the vision to continue the mission. He was eventually elected as Senior Pastor of Christ Mission Baptist Church in 2018, where he is currently working with various entities to elevate the community.
Rodney Singleton is a Dallas native, born and raised in the Oak Cliff area. He and his wife Kimberly have been married for 23 years, with three sons, Braedon, Jadon and Isaac. Together they founded Christ Point Community Church in southeast Dallas, an area plague with poverty and crime. Southeast Dallas has become his family through trusted relationships in the community. Rodney is also a chaplain with Baylor Scott and White Health Hospital in Dallas where he has served for nearly 9 years; five years in the community of southeast Dallas. He has earned a Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy and Biblical Studies at Liberty Theological Seminary in 2018.
With the enormous task of transforming a community with so little resources, his focus is to share with families the incredible, and irresistible love of God, revealed through Jesus Christ. Sharing the gospel and preparing disciples to have an impact in the world is the mission. His vision is to build and train leaders who produce new leaders committed to Christ and the community.
Pastor Antone Smith is an anointed and powerful man of faith and power. He has over forty years of ministry experience and has traveled throughout the country as an evangelist and psalmist He is the founder of Dominion and Power Ministries which serves the Garland Texas community. Pastor Smith has been married to his wife Tanita for 30 years and has one son, Donovan.
He attended Oklahoma City University, the Potter’s Institute and is currently finishing a degree in Christian Ministries at DBU. He served as one of the Publication Managers for Dr. Jerry Savelle Ministries International traveling with the Believer’s Convention.
Pastor Smith has also served as a board member and musical director for the Teen Choir Explosion, which was a groundbreaking event for teens all over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a 480 voice youth choir, which included many youth pastors and recording artists in the area. He served on the ministry staff as Minister of Music at Christian Outreach Center in Fort Worth, Texas, for 10 years.
He served at Community Bible Church in Dallas, Texas for eight years as Minister of Music and President of the Board for CBC Learning Center. He is currently serving at Rowlett Friendship Baptist Church as Pastor of Worship, Evangelism, and Community Engagement. His ministry style is bold, inspiring, and uncompromising. His mission is evangelism, working with pastors, music staff, youth, and young adults to pursue their destiny and to experience the supernatural abundance of God.
Pastor Nahom Yefru was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before
he accepted Christ, his religion was Coptic Orthodox. He accepted Christ in
1992 through the testimony of his best friend. He received his call to
ministry in 1992 while fasting, praying, and seeking the face of the Lord.
While he is serving the Lord, Nahom attended Addis Ababa Bible College,
where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology in 2007.
Further, Nahom attended Presbyterian University and Theological
Seminary in South Korea where he pursued his ThM in Missiology in 2013.
During his study in South Korea, Nahom had the opportunity to serve for
one year in leading a Bible study at Young Sei Presbyterian Church, which
is a Korean church.
After Nahom finished his studies in Korea, he came to
the United States and attended Christ For the Nation Institute (CFNI),
where he studied pastoral leadership for one year.
Pastor Corey G. Battle was born July 11, 1978 in Paris, Texas to Bennie Rosetta (Reed) Battle and Willie Ed Rollerson. Pastor Corey Battle attended Paris schools and graduated from Paris High School in May of 1996. After school Pastor Corey Battle worked with kids at Paris Boys and Girls Club of Red River Valley for years. At the young age of 7 years old, Pastor Battle accepted the Lord and joined St. Luke Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Thomas Johnson.
Pastor Battle served there on the usher board and loved to be a doorkeeper. Pastor Battle spent his summers in Roxton, Texas, and then joined Rocky Ford Missionary Baptist Church at the age of 13 years old under the leadership of Bishop Connice Mayes. At a young age Pastor Battle was in the choir, ushering and attending Sunday school regularly. After graduating in 1916 at the age of 18, Pastor Battle had a calling on his life to preach God’s Word. After much praying, fasting, and counseling with Pastor Mayes and training, Pastor Battle accepted his calling to preach the gospel.
On October 18, 1998, at 3:00 pm, Pastor Corey G. Battle preached his first sermon and was licensed as a Baptist minister. In the year of 2000, Pastor Battle was called to Pastor his first church, Orange Chapel Baptist Church in Arthur City, Texas. Pastor Battle was then ordained by the late Pastor W. J. Cotton of Baptist Hill Baptist Church. He pastored Orange Chapel Baptist Church for a total of six months and was called to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Clarksville, Texas. While he served as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the church grew spiritual and physically.
The church was able to move from a two Sunday church, to a full-time church. Under Pastor Battle’s leadership a son in the ministry was birthed. After much prayer and fasting Pastor Battle resigned and relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas, and joined Greater True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roland E. Walton. After serving there for years as Pastor Assistant, Pastor Battle relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 2010. While in Las Vegas, Pastor Battle served at Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor D. Edward Chaney. After serving there in the outreach ministry, youth department, brotherhood, and evangelism for a total of six years, Pastor Battle was searching for another ministry to join. In the year of 2016 Pastor Battle met the love of his life, Lady Kandence Battle, and was united in holy matrimony on July 9, 2017 in Paris, Texas. Pastor Battle and Lady Battle then started going to Greater Carver Missionary Baptist Church and joined under the leadership of Pastor James McCool II.
After much prayer and fasting and stepping out on faith, Pastor Battle and Lady Battle organized and birthed a ministry, Great Commission Baptist Church. As organizers the church grew and we served faithfully until January 26, 2020, when Pastor Battle got the call to serve at the First Missionary Baptist Church, Whitewright, Texas as their 16th Pastor. Pastor Battle and Lady Battle relocated from Las Vegas to Sherman, Texas, in February 2020, and it has been a blessing from day one.
In December 2021, with the guidance of the Lord, Pastor and Lady Battle were led to rebirth Great Commission Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas, where he is currently serving as Senior Pastor. Pastor Battle and Lady Battle have been married for 5 years. They have a total of six kids: oldest to youngest, Kerrell Fields, Jaque Jones, Jhannelle Fields, Kellie (Denham)Carson, Wesley Denham and Alexius Fuller. They also have four grandchildren: Makenzie Fields, Kenyon Carson Jr., Khalil Carson and Shiloh Jones.
Pastor Corey G. Battle was born July 11, 1978 in Paris, Texas to Bennie Rosetta (Reed) Battle and Willie Ed Rollerson. Pastor Corey Battle attended Paris schools and graduated from Paris High School in May of 1996. After school Pastor Corey Battle worked with kids at Paris Boys and Girls Club of Red River Valley for years. At the young age of 7 years old, Pastor Battle accepted the Lord and joined St. Luke Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Thomas Johnson.
Pastor Battle served there on the usher board and loved to be a doorkeeper. Pastor Battle spent his summers in Roxton, Texas, and then joined Rocky Ford Missionary Baptist Church at the age of 13 years old under the leadership of Bishop Connice Mayes. At a young age Pastor Battle was in the choir, ushering and attending Sunday school regularly. After graduating in 1916 at the age of 18, Pastor Battle had a calling on his life to preach God’s Word. After much praying, fasting, and counseling with Pastor Mayes and training, Pastor Battle accepted his calling to preach the gospel.
On October 18, 1998, at 3:00 pm, Pastor Corey G. Battle preached his first sermon and was licensed as a Baptist minister. In the year of 2000, Pastor Battle was called to Pastor his first church, Orange Chapel Baptist Church in Arthur City, Texas. Pastor Battle was then ordained by the late Pastor W. J. Cotton of Baptist Hill Baptist Church. He pastored Orange Chapel Baptist Church for a total of six months and was called to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Clarksville, Texas. While he served as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the church grew spiritual and physically.
The church was able to move from a two Sunday church, to a full-time church. Under Pastor Battle’s leadership a son in the ministry was birthed. After much prayer and fasting Pastor Battle resigned and relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas, and joined Greater True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roland E. Walton. After serving there for years as Pastor Assistant, Pastor Battle relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 2010. While in Las Vegas, Pastor Battle served at Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor D. Edward Chaney. After serving there in the outreach ministry, youth department, brotherhood, and evangelism for a total of six years, Pastor Battle was searching for another ministry to join. In the year of 2016 Pastor Battle met the love of his life, Lady Kandence Battle, and was united in holy matrimony on July 9, 2017 in Paris, Texas. Pastor Battle and Lady Battle then started going to Greater Carver Missionary Baptist Church and joined under the leadership of Pastor James McCool II. After much prayer
Pastor Nahom Yefru was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before
he accepted Christ, his religion was Coptic Orthodox. He accepted Christ in
1992 through the testimony of his best friend. He received his call to
ministry in 1992 while fasting, praying, and seeking the face of the Lord.
While he is serving the Lord, Nahom attended Addis Ababa Bible College,
where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology in 2007.
Further, Nahom attended Presbyterian University and Theological
Seminary in South Korea where he pursued his ThM in Missiology in 2013.
During his study in South Korea, Nahom had the opportunity to serve for
one year in leading a Bible study at Young Sei Presbyterian Church, which
is a Korean church.
After Nahom finished his studies in Korea, he came to
the United States and attended Christ For the Nation Institute (CFNI),
where he studied pastoral leadership for one year.
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” II Corinthians 4:5
Darryl was born and raised in Chicago Illinois and accepted his call to the ministry on Dec 31, 2002. Darryl was licensed, under the leadership of his father, the late Pastor Darryl Yancy, on June 6, 2003 and was ordained on September 8, 2008. Darryl has served as the Boys to Men Youth mentor leader, Evangelism leader, Associate Minister and Assistant Pastor in over 20 years serving in ministry.After hearing the voice of God in 2012, he relocated to Dallas, TX and Darryl has been a devoted member at God’s Exciting Cathedral of Praise Baptist church where, he serves and leads in various capacities.
He is truly a humble servant of the Lord that has a passion for prayer, teaching, and preaching the word of God under the unction of the Holy Spirit.
Darryl holds a certification in Biblical counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently is completing his bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Leadership. Darryl is the founder and owner of The Transformation Company www.transformationcleaningllc.com. He comes from a legacy of church planters that started with his grandfather Robert Yancy and his father Darryl Yancy Sr. who planted Living to Live Again Baptist Church in Chicago that is still thriving today.
Darryl is looking to plant The Watering Place Church in 2023 and some of the core values are The Bible, Holy Spirit, discipleship, prayer, worship, evangelism, and deliverance. He believes there is a seed in everyone and is empowered to water it through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Watering Place will be committed to reaching the lost and raising up laborers to multiply for the kingdom.He enjoys intimate worship, seeing lives changed, souls being saved and using his gifts for the perfecting of the saints, so that God be glorified, the body of Christ be edified, and Satan be horrified! Darryl is the father of twin sons (Mahkel & Mahki) and is married to Minister Chris Sharrah M. Yancy.
Abraham Quinones grew up in the city of Los Angeles and moved to Dallas in 2006. He has lived in Dallas for 15 years. Abraham is married to Wendi, a Dallas native. They were married in March 2021. They have made a home in the Oak Cliff area. Abraham has experience as a youth minister, Sunday School teacher, worship leader, Young Adult Pastor and Associate Pastor. He served at Iglesia Christian Fellowship in Oak Cliff for 10 years in various roles. He joined Cliff Temple Baptist Church in 2020 and helped in the Spanish department. In 2021 he become part of the Pastoral team at his sponsor church, The Promise Church. He is part of the church plant growth that The Promise Church is currently walking through and is excited for what God is doing there.
Jorge “George” Orozco was born and raised in Mexico. He has been married to Cesia for over 22 years, and has two adult children: Benjamin and Keren. He is currently serving as a church planter catalyst in the South Fort Worth area and is currently finishing his ThM degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also obtained a M.Div. degree. George was ordained as pastor and minister of the gospel by Wedgwood Baptist Church on December 7, 2020. He received his B.A. in Computer Science from ITESCO, and B.A. in Music Ministry (piano major), an M.Ed. from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He has completed his Ph.D. coursework in Psychology and is writing his dissertation. Jorge has a strong call to help people to gain insight into how God wants them to see and experience their world. “God prepared me to use the biblical knowledge to do the ministry through discipleship as an effective communicator of Truth”. He enjoys spending time with family, reading books, and playing the violin in orchestras or piano to worship God.
Pastor Demarcus A. Hornsby is a native of Fort Worth,Texas and is humbled to serve God and others. He lives with a passion by faith that calls forth action. A true Prophetic voice to the nation, called by God to despise the devil, love humanity, and set the captive free from bondage. Pastor Hornsby’s biblical philosophy is sound and his approach to ministry is anchored in helping individuals to literally experience life change! Pastor Hornsby is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce. He previously served as Sr. Chaplain at Union Gospel Mission Dallas and offers more than 30 years of Ministry experience as a Pastor, church planter and former public-school teacher. Pastor Hornsby is a servant leader who is driven by staying relevant and on the cutting edge of next phase ministry. He is a family man and father who loves his children and is a very active supporter in their lives. Hornsby is known across the globe as “The Servant”, who loves God and humanity. There is no wonder why Pastor Hornsby is determined to help transform the lives of countless men, women and children, by aiding them to become Empowered by the Word of God. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Jordan Hill grew up in Memphis, TN and has been a minister of the Gospel since 2018. He is married to Ashley and they have one son named Knox. Jordan is currently on staff at 121 Community Church in Grapevine, TX where he serves as the Men’s Group and Care Minister. Prior to that, he was an assistant baseball coach with stops at the University of Central Arkansas, and most recently Dallas Baptist University. He is currently in the beginning stages of church planting by receiving training and seeking God’s direction on location and timing.
Kedrick Holiday Sr. is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana. He accepted his call to the preaching ministry at the age of sixteen and now has over twenty years of ministry experience. Upon graduating high school, Kedrick pursued his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling at Liberty University. He is a graduate of the E.K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference and has also obtained a Biblical Studies Certification from Liberty University. Pastor Holiday has both pastored a traditional church and planted a church in Louisiana, but after relocating to the DFW area, he heard God calling him to plant in the area. On August 22nd, Pastor Holiday launched Pivot Church in South Dallas, where they received twenty-seven members on the first service. He is passionate about Leadership and Preaching. Pastor Holiday is the father of one boy, Kedrick Holiday Jr.
Kenric Graham was born and raised in Lake City, South Carolina. He is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Kenric received the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 14 and rededicated his life and accepted a call to ministry in 2013. He is married to Danielle Graham, an Oklahoma native and owner of an Executive and Pastoral Assistance business. They have a beautifully blended family of six daughters and one son.
Kenric holds an Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering and is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. Upon completion, Kenric plans to pursue a Master of Divinity. In 2018, he was ordained as a Deacon. He has been a devoted member and faithfully served in various capacities within ministry. He has also been blessed to launch and lead ministries during this time. Kenric is called to Pastor and his life’s mission is to utilize his gifts to lead, develop, and encourage fellow Christians to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Kenric will be planting New Birth Bible Fellowship Church in the Denton County area. The vision is a place where hurt is healed (Isaiah 53:5) and sin is covered in love (1 Peter 4:8). The mission is to show and teach the loving and healing power of Jesus Christ through the Word of God. New Birth is in the preliminary stages of the church plant.
Pastor Alton Dixon is the son of a former Pastor and Evangelist. He accepted Christ in 1986 at the age of 12 while attending the Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church of New Orleans, La. He accepted his call to the Ministry in 2001 while attending the Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Dixon attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries. During this time, he was chosen by the North American Mission Board as the only African American to attend a six (6) week mission trip to the country of Romania. While in Romania he was blessed to minister in sermon and evangelize to over 5,000 people. In 2005 God used Hurricane Katrina to lead Pastor Dixon to Dallas, Texas. It is here where he served as an Associate Minister at the Historic St. John Missionary Baptist Church and Disciple Central Community Church of DeSoto, Texas. In May of 2013, he started The H.O.T. (House of Transformation) Ministry, which is a Young Adult Ministry where people serve in three different cities (Dallas, New Orleans and Charlotte) by going out in their respective cities once a month and serving in their communities. It’s also designed to encourage, give spiritual advice, and lead adults to their God-given destinies. In May 2015 he was called to a relatively new startup church called Faith Chapel Community Church as Senior Pastor. He is looking to plant in Waxahachie in the Fall of 2022 as well. Pastor Dixon is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Education at Southwestern Theological Seminary. Pastor Dixon has one daughter, Raven. His favorite Scripture is Romans 4:21 “And being fully persuaded that what God has promised, He is also able to perform.”
Christopher is from Pakistan. He accepted the call to pastor, teach, and preach after he finished college. He completed his Master of Divinity degree in 2000 and served as an associate pastor for two years. Later he taught as a lecturer at St. Thomas’ Theological College, Karachi, Pakistan, received his ordination from the Church of Pakistan, and served as a pastor in the church for seven years. During this time, he met Mahvish in a preaching seminar and they got married in November 2007. God has gifted them with two sons – Ethan was born in November 2008 and Eliah in January 2018. He has completed his Ph.D. coursework in Theological Studies and is writing his dissertation. Christopher plans to serve Pakistani Background Urdu speaking communities.
Marlow McGuire grew up in New York City and has been a minister of the gospel since 2000. He is married (14 years and counting) to Dr. Rhonda McGuire a Texas native and Assistant Principle in Fort Worth ISD. They have a 11-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Marlow holds a Bachelors Degree in Music from Morgan State University, a Master’s of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. He has experience as the Senior Pastor of a church plant in Fort Worth for 10 years and has been an Associate Pastor at Concord Church for 5 years. Marlow currently serves part-time as a Church Planting Consultant for Dallas Baptist Association. He will be planting Epic Fellowship Church in the Grand Prairie/Mansfield area. The vision is to teach the word of God, reach widely diverse ethnic groups, and unleash compassion and generosity. The current stage of the church plant is networking and recruiting core team members for a launch in September of 2021.
David was born in University Park but as soon as he could, he started traveling. With a love for the ocean and surfing, David traveled to 40 countries. During this time, he fell in love with teaching the gospel and the people of developing countries. In between trips he served as volunteer staff at Calvary Chapel Westside in Maui, Hawaii where he grew in the studying of God’s word. More recently he has been blessed with the task of being a husband to Alyssa Girvin and father to Piper Girvin. David’s mission is to build a radical discipleship culture while developing “tent making” leaders to shift the church from a consumer-focused body to a body of people who sacrificially love their community and the world, while building life altering ministries of their own. Currently, David has moved to Puerto Rico where they are looking to either plant a church or come along side an established church.
Corey Jefferson is a Dallas native and minister of the gospel for twenty years. He has been married for 25 years and has two adult children. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Business Management and Administration from Northwood University and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Corey is the pastor of Restored Life Fellowship Church, whose vision is for all people to become rooted in Christ and live a life of value and purpose that glorifies God. The mission is to reach out, relate, and redirect the lost and the ex-churched to the presence and promises of Christ Jesus through discipleship. Pastor Corey has led Restored Life Fellowship to lease new property in preparation for a relaunch in November 2020. The new location provides great flexibility with dedicated space for children, small groups and counseling.
Pastor Sheldon T. Russell was born in the Oak Cliff community of Dallas in 1971. He married his long-time friend Althea “Thea” Ellis and they started their lives together, becoming the happy parents of three children. In 2007, Pastor and First Lady Russell tragically lost their daughter to violence, and together they sought the Lord for strength. In 2008, Pastor Russell received his calling to preach. In May 2012, both Pastor and First Lady Russell graduated from Southern Bible College. With a vision to do positive things in the community in which he grew up, Pastor Russell founded the House of Agape, where he continues to serve. He also works at Our Calling, where he has ministered since 2015. In 2019 Pastor Russell started the City of Hope Project, which is based on helping the community by providing food and homework assistance for kids, job assistance and life skills for adults, and most importantly making disciples. Pastor Russell and the City of Hope Project have recently purchased property for a new church/community center as they continue to serve their community during this time.
Julius Budzi originates from Bamenda, a small town in the North West region of Cameroon in Central Africa. After studying education in the top universities of Cameroon and serving as a high school teacher for about 10 years, Julius relocated to Dallas with his family (wife and two children) in 2009 as permanent residents. In Dallas, Julius accepted the call from the Holy Spirit to the ministry. He then studied Biblical Studies in Christ for the Nations Bible Institute in South Dallas and in Dallas Baptist University where he graduated in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry. In 2016, Julius planted Divine Summit of Worship Church in Mesquite which ministers to immigrants, those with low incomes, and the lowly educated with spiritual and physical nourishment, which can only be provided through Jesus Christ.
Scott Terrell was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela and now is now a Texan. He has been a minister of the gospel for twenty-three years, married for fourteen years, and has one adult daughter and one teenage son. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies through Liberty University. Scott is the co-pastor/founder of One Grace Bible Fellowship, whose vision is for all to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him through intentional discipleship. The mission is to know, obey, and enjoy Jesus Christ and to make Him know through intentional discipleship.
Bermayne W. Jackson has over nearly 20 years of experience in ministry. He was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in North St. Louis County before making a home in the Metro East. He has a passion for helping people meet their dreams and, most importantly, preparing them for an eternity of fellowship with Christ. Bishop Jackson was ordained through the Anglican Church Worldwind on April 28, 2013 and consecrated Bishop on Feburary 25, 2018. He received his B.A. of Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri St.Louis in 2013, his Masters in Biblical Studies from Lincoln Christian University in 2017, and his Doctorate of Pastoral Theology with Anchors Theological Seminary in 2020. Outside of the church, Bishop Jackson is a store manager for Autozone and has nearly 20 years of experience in retail management. In 2021 Bishop Jackson will continue as the overseer of the Calvary Church Cahokia campus, but will relocate to Texas to assume the role and responsibilities of the campus pastor of the new Calvary Church plant in Dallas.
Christopher Hughes is a Dallas native, born and raised in the Oak Cliff area. He and his Cambodian wife of 22 years parent three daughters, and pastor an international church in Garland, TX. Additionally, Pastor Hughes is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. In 2012, he was blessed to receive a kidney transplant from Baylor Hospital, which resulted in his body fighting one of the most adverse rejections seen by his doctors. After weeks of fighting for his life and eventually being restored to health, he heard a call from Heaven saying, “Tell my people to stop rejecting me.” With a new church plant underway, Chris is focusing on community outreach in the Garland area with a strong emphasis on building up the youth and creating a multi-cultural community of believers. He has dedicated his life to winning souls for Jesus, encouraging others, and uniting people of all ethnicities.
Bio coming soon!
Marcelino Alvarez-Martinez is originally from Veracruz, Mexico. He is 40 years old, married and has four children, two girls and two boys. Life circumstances led him to atheism, but in March 2014, Marcelino’s life was drastically changed at a spiritual retreat when He believed in the Lord. Since then, he has been studying at different institutes and ministering. Marcelino’s desire is to know the Lord more and make Him known wherever he goes.
A Native of Bronx, New York, Dr. Marlow Daniel McGuire, Sr. graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas with a Master of Divinity. He earned a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He served as Associate Pastor to a church plant for three years, founded and pastored Legacy Fellowship Church in East Fort Worth, and was instrumental in launching Journey Pointe Fellowship, a church plant in South Fort Worth. He also spent several years in education, teaching in the Fort Worth school district. Marlow is currently serving as the Children’s Pastor at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas.
Marlow is married to an amazing woman of God, Dr. Rhonda McGuire. He has an eight- year-old daughter, Alexis Danielle McGuire and a four-year-old son, Marlow Daniel McGuire, Jr. Most importantly, he is a devoted husband and father.
