A MAKING HEADLINE NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
DALLAS — Retired Memphis Pastor, Bishop Andrew Jackson, Sr., is about to find himself on the right side of history.
Once again.
“I’m a first generation COGIC member,” Jackson, Sr. told Making Headline News this week.
All things considered, it is because of Jackson, Sr.’s unparalleled authority since his ministry joined the fifth largest Christian church in the U.S. that will, in all likelihood, earn mentions when an expected capacity crowd descend upon Faith Temple Ministries Church of God In Christ for his Glorious Inaugural Celebration Service on Friday, April 20 at 7 pm CST in Memphis.
Powered by the Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, the service is free and open to the public.
On November 13, Jackson, Sr. was officially consecrated to the Episcopal Office of Auxiliary Bishop of the COGIC during its 110th Holy Convocation in St. Louis.
While many sense that his forthcoming observance is long overdue and should have taken place long before his ceremonious retirement in June 2016, Jackson, Sr., meanwhile, undoubtedly is looking forward to what figures to be a memorable night within the walls of the church he founded nearly five decades ago.
All while basking in the glory of being thrust on the right side of history.
“Well, I think for a number of reasons,” said Jackson, Sr., 82, when asked why he senses this latest milestone is so intriguing. “First of all, I’m not a longtime COGIC member. I’m not deeply rooted (in the denomination).”
FOLLOW FAITH TEMPLE MINISTRIES COGIC: https://www.ftmc.us/
Located at 5191 Elvis Presley Boulevard in South Memphis — less than a mile from the Mississippi state line — Faith Temple Ministries became affiliated with COGIC in 1992 after having been a non-denomination institution for a number of years.
Prior to becoming what Jackson Sr.’s describes as “an independent,” Faith Temple was a member of the historic Mobile, Alabama-based Church of God Pentecostal denomination for 17 years.
“I’ve only been a part of COGIC since 1992. It’s not always that a first generation Pastor who goes to the highest office in the church,” Jackson, Sr., a native of Grady, Arkansas, said. “It’s usually the third or fourth generation people who achieve that goal. I’m a first generation (Bishop), so I’m appreciative of that.”
Although he’s nearly two years removed from having called it a career, Jackson, Sr. said amongst the notable factors he finds intriguing is that his wealth of pastoral experience, coupled with his current role as an Administrative Assistant to Tennessee Fourth Jurisdiction Prelate, Bishop Jerry L. Maynard, will greatly afford him the opportunity to continue being an immeasurable asset to the church.
“I think I can bring something to the organization with 47 years of pastoral experience,” Jackson, Sr. said.
Come April 20, hundreds of worshipers are expected to turn out at Jackson, Sr.’s Whitehaven community-based church to pay homage to him for his valiant contributions to the Body of Christ.
“I expect to see my family and friends come together and have a grand celebration of my consecration,” Jackson, Sr. said. “I just look forward to seeing them. I will forever be grateful to my church for their support, not only for this particular occasion, but throughout the years.”
A trend that, in the coming days, will be highlighted by him basking in the glory of being thrust on the right side of history.
Once again.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are a pastor or minister, entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, or model who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre T. Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre T. Johnson is Founder/Publisher & Editor In Chief of Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former sports reporter for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson is the former chief adjutant to Bishop Andrew Jackson, Sr. of Faith Temple Ministries Church of God In Christ. Based in Dallas, Texas, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division. To reach Johnson, call him at 901-690-6587 or send email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
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