The Convocation for Pastors of Black ChurchesThe Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches
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Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross
Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr.
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
Rev. Byron Thomas
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson
Rev. Dr. Felicia LaBoy
Rev. Juanita Rasmus
Rev. James Bernard Kynes, Sr.
Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis
Rev. Tariq Z. Cummings
Deborah Bell
Rev. Dr. KirbyJon H. Caldwell
Rev. Dr. Michele E. Watkins
William McClain
Geraldine McClellan
Keith Caldwell
Reesheda Washington Graham
William Robinson
Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross
Vance RossRev. Dr. Vance P. Ross

The Reverend Dr. Vance P. Ross presently serves as Pastor of the Historic Central United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA. , the “Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart.” To attract and develop persons as disciples of Jesus Christ, the congregation focuses on its Mission, Vision and Purpose (MVP) through the Six Marks of Discipleship.

Prior to his appointment to Central, Ross served as: Director of Annual Conference Relationships for Discipleship Ministries where he connected s the agency with annual conference; 2011-2015, Senior Pastor, Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN an 1100 member urban congregation; 2004-2011, the first ever Deputy General Secretary for Discipleship Ministries, Nashville, TN; 1998-2004, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Hyattsville, MD, the largest multicultural and international church, at the time, in the Northeast region of the United Methodist Church.

Elected to the 1992 General Conference and Jurisdictional Conferences, Ross also served as alternate to the 1996 and 2004 General and Jurisdictional conferences. As a General Church staff member he attended and served the 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2016 General Conferences.

A sought after preacher and presenter, Ross co-facilitates a Doctor of Ministry cohort at United Theological Seminary, teaches Course of Study Summer term at Candler School of Theology as well as participating as a Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Initiative coach for pastors and lay teams.

A native of Bluefield, WV, Ross has the B. A. degree, Government/Youth Services from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He is an honor graduate of Gammon Seminary (ITC) with the M.Div. degree. In 2015, he graduated from the United Theological Seminary with the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Ross has received numerous honors and awards. He received the Gammon Distinguished Alumni award, Copher/Branch Old Testament Award and twice won the Isaac R. Clark Preaching Award at the ITC. He twice received Vision Awards from the Convocation of Black Churches (United Methodist). Ross received Man of the Year Award at Simpson Church, a servant leader award at Clark Memorial Church, Nashville and a Citizen’s Award from Hyattsville, MD city council.

He is married to the Rev. Bridgette D. Young Ross, Dean of the Chapel and Spiritual Life at Emory University, Atlanta, GA.  He has three adult children: Kristina, Alyssa and Bryant. He has two grand children Christopher and Jaylie.

Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr.
danielsPastor, Emory UMC, Washington, DC

Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. is a husband, father, pastor, author, prophetic imaginer and leader of a Relevant, Enthusiastic, Authentic and Loving church movement. Pastor Daniels has dedicated his life to growing the kingdom of God. He is currently doing so in two roles: as the District Superintendent of the Greater Washington District of the Baltimore-Washington Conference (since July 2013) and as Lead Pastor at Emory United Methodist Church (since July 1992).

During his leadership at Emory, the congregation has grown from an average of 55 people in weekly worship attendance to over 400 every Sunday. Emory seeks to be a “Real Church for Real People” and has been acknowledged numerous times for its role in changing lives and changing communities. The church has been awarded the “Kim Jefferson Northeast Jurisdictional Award” for effective urban ministry representing the United Methodist Church and has been selected as one of the 25 Congregational Resource Centers in the “Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century” effort of the United Methodist Church.

Pastor Daniels holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (2000) in Washington, D.C. He is also a 1991 graduate of Howard University School of Divinity, and has earned a Bachelor and Master degrees in the areas of Public Communication, Psychology, Journalism and Public Affairs from American University (1982, 1984) in Washington, D.C. He is very active in community affairs, serving as a co-chair of the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) as well as on the Board of Directors of the STEP Foundation and Ephesians Life Ministries. He also teaches at Wesley Theological Seminary in both the Urban Ministry and Practice of Ministry and Mission programs. Pastor Daniels has been called upon for mission service to churches in Zimbabwe and South Africa, providing training for pastors and laity in the area of community development. Instructing groups on establishing neighborhood “Communities of Shalom,” Pastor Daniels’ commitment to a spirit of “peace on earth” is not confined to the Brightwood Community, the city of Washington D.C. or the United States of America. He fully believes that there can be healthy, wholesome, economically stable families and communities all over the world.

As a sought after speaker, preacher, mentor and author, Pastor Daniels is most happy when inspiring and equipping others to see the possibilities God has for them and their communities. To that end he has written two books: Begging for REAL Church in 2009, The Power of REAL in 2011 and Walking with Nehemiah in 2014 (click here to learn more).

He has been happily married to Madelyn since 1985 and are the blessed and proud parents of two young adults, Joia and Joey.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone
Tracy Malone Profile HeadshotBishop Tracy S. Malone was assigned to the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church effective September 1, 2016.

As resident bishop, she provides spiritual oversight; shares in equipping, teaching and encouraging mission, outreach, witness and service; and serves as a shepherd of the church in providing a prophetic witness of justice, mercy and unity.

Malone serves on the Boards of Trustees at the United Methodist-affiliated colleges, seminaries and organizations in East Ohio.  She also is currently the president of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, is a member of the Board of Directors of The Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Africa University.

Malone was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. She is the daughter of the late Rev. Willie and the late April Smith. She grew up in The United Methodist Church and accepted her call to ministry at the early age of 13.

During her ministry, she has pastored several churches in the Northern Illinois Conference, represented that conference at four General and Jurisdictional Conferences, served as a district superintendent, and been dean of the Cabinet.  She also has written chapters for several books, published articles, blogs and book reviews, and taught courses as an adjunct professor at Aurora University and at Northern Baptist Seminary in Lombard, Illinois.

Malone has a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Sociology, with a minor in Computer Science, from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.  While in college, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Major in Religious Studies award, and received the following honors: George M. Pullman Scholar, Clarence Stein Ministerial Scholar, and United Methodist Bicentennial Scholar.

She holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where she was selected a Crusade Scholar, a Maceo D. Pembroke Scholar, and a Bishop Edsel A. Ammons Scholar.  She earmed her Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Malone received the Distinguished Leadership Award from Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal in 2007, and was the recipient of North Central College’s 2013 Outstanding Alumni Award.  She received the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and in 2018 received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary.

She and her husband Derrick are the parents of two daughters.

Rev. Byron Thomas
Byron Thomas Profile HeadshotSenior Pastor, Ben Hill UMC, Atlanta, GA

Pastor Byron E. Thomas is a native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia and a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He also holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. In 2016, Pastor Thomas graduated from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) program with a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Preaching through McCormick Theological Seminary.

Pastor Thomas has served as Senior Pastor of Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia since June 2013 where his focus has been on strengthening the link between spiritual formation and missions.  Placing a premium on discipleship as opposed to membership, he has emphasized the importance of spiritual formation as foundational for faithfully executing the ministry God has entrusted to the Church.  He also strongly believes that United Methodist churches operate best when the mission of the church is being carried out by laity who are Christ-centered and demonstrate a love for God, for themselves, and for the people of God.

Pastor Thomas teaches the Six Marks of Discipleship as foundational principles and practices that support the vision and mission of the church. He encourages believers to participate in worship weekly, engage in daily Bible Study, engage in daily prayer, serve others, give, and develop spiritual friendships.

Pastor Thomas has previously served as the Pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA, Associate Director in the Office of Connectional Ministries for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church where his primary area of concentration was Advocacy, and as Pastor at the Fort Street United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA.  He also served in various capacities within the North Georgia Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdiction including: Chairperson of the Committee on Related Agencies, Chairperson of the Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, North Carolina. He has served the Atlanta-College Park District as a member of the District Board of Ordained Ministry and as the Chair of the District Committee on Superintendency.  He has twice-served as Chaplain and Educational Liaison at the United Methodist Children’s Home and has also chaired the Board of the Interfaith Children’s Movement (ICM). In May 2015 Pastor Thomas was elected as the President of the North Georgia Black Methodists for Church Renewal (NGBMCR).  In October 2015 he was elected as the Coordinator for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodist for Church Renewal (SEJBMCR). At the 2015 North Georgia Annual Conference in Athens, Georgia, Pastor Thomas was elected as a Clergy Delegate to the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Pastor Thomas is married to DuWanna and they are the proud parents of two wonderful sons, Ntchwaidumela and Mustafa.

Dr. Sheron C. Patterson
Dr Patterson Profile HeadshotDr. Sheron C. Patterson is a trailblazer, glass ceiling breaker, and a cancer surviving author.  She is the lead pastor of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Patterson is the first African American woman ordained an elder in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

A leader in her own community, Dr. Patterson sits on the Board of Trustees of SMU and the Methodist Health System Board of Directors.  The daughter of a school teacher and a policeman, Dr. Patterson grew up in a Charlotte, NC household that encouraged the interruption of the status quo. As a result, Dr. Patterson writes and works for understanding between the Police and African American communities.

Dr. Patterson is a ten-year survivor of breast cancer. She turned her diagnosis into a vehicle of community empowerment via awareness programs and fund-raising thousands to provide low-income and no-income women with free mammograms.

With 25 years as a relationship counselor, media personality and prolific writer, Dr. Patterson earned a national reputation as an expert in matters of the heart, mind and soul. She has written eight books.  Her latest book is entitled “Lead Yourself Now”.

She holds degrees from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Patterson and her husband, Robert, have been married 33 years and are the parents of two adult children.

Rev. Dr. Felicia LaBoy
Felicia LaBoy Profile HeadshotWith almost 20 years of pastoral and over 30 years of business experience, Dr. Felicia LaBoy is known for her inspirational, practical, and common-sense approach. She is a popular speaker and expert in the fields of faith-based community, economic and leadership development; evangelism; and race relations. Dr. LaBoy weaves her academic, pastoral and business education and experience to lead individuals and diverse groups in achieving better churches, communities, and organizations.

Well known for her work with Doctor of Ministry students and programs, Dr. LaBoy is the former Associate Dean of Black Church Studies and Advanced Learning/Associate Professor, Black Church Studies at Louisville Seminary. She is also currently the only UM woman of color Elder who teaches evangelism studies at the masters and doctoral level. Her academic credentials include a B.S. in Marketing from Lehigh University, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Duke University, an M.A. in Christian Ministries from Indiana Christian University, and an M. Div with a concentration in Evangelism and a Ph.D. in theology, history, and ethics from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.   She is also an Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) trained life transitions coach.

In addition to her pastoral and business experience, Dr. LaBoy is an author and coach dedicated to helping people and organizations break through what holds them back from manifesting their dreams and impacting the world around them. She understands her life’s work as helping people move from being good to being great.

Her books include Table Matters: The Sacraments, Evangelism and Social Justice; Unstuck: 8 Steps You Can Take Right Now To Possess Your Promise; and Not For Women Only: Leadership Lessons From Women in the Bible – A 40-Day Devotional (Spring 2019).
Rev. Juanita Rasmus
Rev Juanita Rasmus

Juanita Campbell Rasmus, is a writer, spiritual director, and contemplative with a passion for seeing people through to their best life. She co-pastors the St. John’s United Methodist Church located in Downtown Houston with her husband Rudy. Beginning with 9 existing members in 1992, thousands have joined the St. John’s family making it one of the most culturally diverse congregations in the country.

Pastor Juanita is a Certified Spiritual Director and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Renovaré Inc. and its ministry team founded by renowned author Richard Foster. Additionally, Juanita serves on the Board of her alma mater Houston Graduate School of Theology. Juanita travels extensively speaking on spirituality and on the lessons she learned after a life-altering major depressive episode in 1999.

Juanita founded the Bread of Life, Inc. (a not for profit corporation) with Rudy in December of 1992 and began serving over 500 meals daily to the homeless in the sanctuary at St. John’s for 22 years. The Bread of Life has literally changed the landscape of Downtown Houston providing an array of services to families in peril and homeless individuals. The project currently distributes over 14 tons of fresh produce weekly to hungry families and recently teamed up with Tina Knowles Lawson and Beyoncé along with a number of national agencies to help over 100,000 flood victims recover in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in Houston.

The Rasmus’ have completed over $30million in housing development projects created to provide housing opportunities for the previously homeless in Downtown Houston. The Temenos Community Development Corporation portfolio includes the Knowles-Temenos Apartments, a 43-unit Single Room Occupancy development, the 80-unit Temenos II Apartments, and the Temenos III Apartments, which were all designed for the most vulnerable homeless individuals in the Houston community. Twenty years ago Kelly Rowland teamed up with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles to build the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth which, will soon become the home of The St. John’s Academy: an urban boarding school for young men to address the educational predicament of young men exiting the foster care system.

After recovering from kidney cancer Juanita began a therapeutic art program facilitating the recovery and discovery of the creative self for homeless and transitioning individuals. Her goal is to tap into the power of creativity and its ability to restore individuals to meaningful and productive lives. The Art Project-Houston takes Houston’s homeless and empowers them to become hope-filled painters and artisans who craft their own livelihood and create lives filled with new possibilities.

Juanita and Rudy have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Morgan and Ryan and a phenomenal Son-in-Law, Hamilton (Ryan) and one of the cutest grandsons in the universe, Jaden.

 

Rev. James Bernard Kynes, Sr.
James Bernard Kynes SrI have advanced studies in the Doctor of Theology program (all but dissertation) in the field of Pastoral Theology and of Pastoral Care and Counseling. These studies afforded me the opportunity to integrate theology and clinical theory (Psychoanalytic/Object Relations and Family Systems Theory).

I graduated with a M.Div. from the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia in 1987 with a concentration in “The Psychology of Pastoral Care and Counseling” and Christian Ethics.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia in 1984. I majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology and English.

I am one of three Pastoral Counselors and a Vice President with Crossings Counseling Center, Inc.  The focus of my practice is to provide individual, couple, and group pastoral psychotherapy. Clients often come to me with anxiety, depression (melancholy) and other DSM V related concerns.

I served as Staff Pastoral Counselor for the Georgia Association for Pastoral Care (GAPC) from September 1995 and in 200. In 2000, GAPC merged with another center to become Care and Counseling Center of GA, Inc. (CCCG). From 2000 until 2006. I served on the Practicum Faculty Staff and provided clinical supervision for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) supervisees.

I served as the first Chaplain for the Crestview Nursing Facility, a 372-bed-Long Term Care community of the Grady Health System. I designed and developed a working manual for pastoral and spiritual care for a diverse population of residents and staff members. I created a spiritual assessment tool for residents that was ecumenical in nature. I developed workshop/in-service educational material focused on enhancing the staff’s relational and psychosocial skills.

I am an Ordained Minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  I served as senior minister for various CME Church across the state of Georgia from 1980 to 1996.

I served in the US Army and Ga Army National Guard and Reserves.  The first 12 years I was an enlisted soldier having various job descriptions and for the last 15 years served as a Battalion Chaplain.  I was mobilized for Operation Desert Shield/Storm in November 1990 through May 1991.

I have been married for 43 years.  I am the father of four adult children and the proud grandfather of four.

Across my career I have especially excelled and gained in skill and ability in a few areas in particular. I am skilled in long-term clinical practice of Pastoral Psychotherapy with individuals, couples, or groups. (Clinical Fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors). I am experienced in Marriage and Family Therapy and supervision of MFT students, (Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and Approved AAMFT Supervision). I also have abilities in short and long-term therapy for clients with a DSM-V diagnosis, (working with psychiatrists as needed).

Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis
Candace LewisRev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She currently serves as a District Superintendent of the Gulf Center area of the Florida Annual Conference. She has oversight of 61 pastors and churches. She started this new position on September 1st 2016.  Previously she served from 2012-2016 as the Executive Director of Path1 New Church Starts at Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, TN.  Her work included serving as a chief visionary and relentless advocate for creating new places for new people through planting new churches and new faith communities.  She also serves as a consultant, coach, and resource person to Bishops, Conference Developers, and Church Planters in starting and maintaining New Churches.

She started ministry in the Florida Annual Conference as a church planter and is the founding Pastor of the New Life Community UMC, where she served from 1997 – 2009  in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rev. Lewis received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida majoring in Speech Communications in 1990.  Upon graduation she was awarded the Distinguished Outstanding Female Student Leader Award for excellent service in leadership while at the University of Florida.

The call to ministry came when she was twenty-two years old and she obediently followed God, accepted the call and enrolled in Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia to begin preparation. Four years later, she received the Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling.  In June 2000, she graduated from the Harvard Divinity School’s Summer Leadership Institute on Faith based Community Economic Development.  In 2004 and 2008 she was elected by her peers to serve as a delegate to the General and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences of the United Methodist Church.  She has traveled  extensively in mission and ministry to countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Hong Kong, China and Ghana, South Korea and Germany..

Doctor Lewis has been in full time ministry for twenty years and is an excellent teacher and preacher of God’s word. She completed her  Doctorate in Ministry degree in Church Leadership Excellence at  Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC graduating in May 2014.  Candace enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, walking, jogging and  participating in Fitbit challenges &  5k and 10k races to push herself,  listening to music, travel and meeting new people.  God has given to her a powerful message to the body of Christ, which she delivers under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. She is the co-author of Resurgence- Navigating the Changing Ministry Landscape available January 2019.

Rev. Tariq Z. Cummings
Tariq CummingsA Husband, Father, Musician, Pastor and Friend; The Reverend Dr. Tariq Zayid Cummings has been devoted to spreading the love of God through God’s Son Jesus by the Power of the Holy Ghost. Revered as one of the United Methodist Churches up and coming leaders and preachers, Dr. Cummings (Pastor T) has graced these United States with his ability to Engage, Encourage and to Equip God’s people through workshops, social services and worship experiences.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Dr. Cummings acknowledged God’s grace at an early age. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas and a Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  In 2018, Dr. Cummings earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. He is the 2013 recipient of the United Negro College Fund Outstanding Young Alumni for Philander Smith College.  In December of 2017, Gammon Theological Seminary awarded Dr. Cummings the “2017 Emerging Leader Award.” Dr. Cummings is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Dr.  Cummings previously served as the Senior Pastor of the Allgood Road United Methodist Church in Stone Mountain, GA from 2013-2015 and Associate Pastor of the St. James United Methodist Church of Alpharetta GA from 2015-2018. At the 2018 North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Dr. Cummings was appointed as the Senior Pastor of the Ousley United Methodist Church of Stonecrest, Georgia.

Dr. Cummings is married to the former Tamika Evette Roberts of North Little Rock, Arkansas, who is his best friend and inspiration.

Deborah Bell
BellDeborah M. Bell is the Director of Community Development for Better Community Development, Inc. (BCD, Inc.) of Little Rock, Arkansas.  BCD is a non-profit community and faith-based organization dedicated to providing social services to low-income and homeless individuals and their families.   The mission of BCD is to improve the quality of life for underserved children, youth and families.

She is a charter member of Theressa Hoover United Methodist Church and the Better Community Development Inc.   She has been actively involved at Theressa Hoover UMC serving in many capacities, In July 2018, Ms. Bell was appointed as Pastor of Theressa Hoover Memorial UMC.

Pastor Bell serves as the Program Chairperson for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, Coordinating Committee and Vice Chair of South Central Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal Inc.  In 2012 and 2008, she was elected as a delegate of the Arkansas Annual Conference to General Conference and as a  delegate to Jurisdiction Conference.

Nationally, Pastor Bell has served in the following capacities: Vice Chairperson for Black Methodists for Church Renewal; National Chairperson for the Policy Committee of the Community Developers Program of the General Board of Global Ministries;  Program Chairperson for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, Coordinating Committee; former Consultant for the General Board of Global Ministries-Community Program division; the Nominations Committee for the AR Annual Conference UMW; and the Arkansas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministries.

Deborah is a graduate of Philander Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education.  She completed the three-year course of Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas.  She has had additional training from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Training Institute, Faith Based Community and Economic Development.  She was a Faculty Fellow for the Foundation for the Mid-South and a graduate of Class XII of the Leadership Greater Little Rock

She is the oldest daughter of the Rev. Dr. William H. and the late Sara Robinson. The wife of Richard Bell.  Pastor Bell is the proud mother of one son, Darryl, daughter-in-law Karen Stewart Swinton and two beautiful grandchildren, DJ & Taylor.

Rev. Dr. KirbyJon H. Caldwell

KJ Caldwell PicKirbyjon H. Caldwell is Senior Pastor of the 14,000-member Windsor Village Church Family, one of the largest Protestant Churches in the country.  Under Caldwell’s 30-plus year spiritual leadership and social entrepreneurship, several independently operated nonprofits and community development projects have fundamentally changed the social and economic landscape of Central Southwest Houston and attracted national and international print and broadcast media.  The projects include The Power Center and Pointe 2.3.4. projects which collectively provide 530.6 full-time equivalent jobs and make an annual $65.5 million cash flow impact on the community.

The Power Center, a 21st-century service delivery model of private and public partnership, serves 11,000 families a month; creates 300 jobs annually and employs five full-time year-round positions; generates $1.2 million conference center sales and Pyramid CDC-managed enterprises; and impacts the economy annually by $14.8 million.

Pointe 2.3.4, a 234-acre mini-master-planned community, created 2,000 construction jobs and employs 530.6 persons employed full-time year-round; generates $1.7 million in commercial sales each year; and impacts the economy annually by $50 million.  Pointe 2.3.4. encompasses a commercial park of national and local businesses including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreen’s; a 462-home affordably priced residential subdivision whose residents spend a combined $16.5 million annually; a YMCA; HISD elementary and senior high charter schools; Texas Children’s Pediatrics Center; Corinthian Village independent senior living facility; and the 183,000-square-foot Kingdom Builders’ Community Center.

Caldwell currently serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards including, the Houston Golf Association Executive Committee, Baylor College of Medicine Executive Committee and M.D. Anderson-The University Cancer Foundation.  He is also a limited partner with the Houston Texans NFL Franchise.

A native Houstonian, Caldwell was educated in the Houston public schools; received a B.A. Degree in Economics from Carleton College; an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Business; a Master’s Degree in Theology from Southern Methodist University-Perkins School of Theology; and two honorary Doctor of Law degrees, one from Huston-Tillotson College and another from Carleton College.  Caldwell was included in Newsweek’s “Century Club,” the publication’s list of 100 people to watch as America moved into the 21st century.

Caldwell is a husband, father and author of the best seller The Gospel of Good Success and co-author of Entrepreneurial Faith.

Rev. Dr. Michele E. Watkins

Michelle WatkinsAs a Provisional Elder in the Northern IL Conference of The United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Michele E. Watkins serves under appointment as the Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, teaching courses in the early church tradition and Black and Womanist theologies.

A proud native of Chicago and daughter of
The United Methodist Church, Dr. Watkins is a scholar-pastor-
activist shaped by the Black freedom movement tradition. Prior to teaching at the University of San Diego, Dr. Watkins served as the Gerald L. Schlessman Assistant Professor in Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor of Theology at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.

Before joining the faculties at Iliff and the University of San Diego, Dr. Watkins served as the assistant pastor at St. Mark United Methodist Church where she worked with young adults, singlemothers, and formed its social justice ministry that focuses on peace building, restorative justice, and juvenile justice. Dr. Watkins is the immediate past dean of

the Maceo D. Pembroke Institute for Ministerial Recruitment and Leadership Development and the former National College Director of PUSH Excel, an educational initiative of the Rainbow Push Coalition. She credits her passion for social justice and community organizing to the powerful influence of her mentor, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. who taught her from the time she was 14 that while “Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; sweat will get you change.”

Dr. Watkins holds a PhD in Theology and Ethics and Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University in Washington, DC (Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude); and a Certification in Non-Profit Management from Kellogg School of

Management at Northwestern University. Dr. Watkins is working on her first monograph entitled: The Elusivity of Innate Divinity: Black Women and Dynamics of Desacralization.

Dr. Watkins serves as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Center for the Church and the Black Experience at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Board of Trustees for 1517 Media formerly known singularly as Augsburg Fortress Press, and an active member in the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

William McClain
Geraldine McClellan
Keith Caldwell
Reesheda Washington Graham
William Robinson
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