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MSQ 2011 Speakers
Rev. Randy DuncanNew Life Community Church of Hope,
LaPorte, IN
Chief Presiding Presbyter,
Reconciling Pentecostals International
Pastor Randy Duncan was filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 12 while attending
a revival at First Jesus Name Church, located one mile from his home on the family
farm near the town of Weedpatch, CA. At this early age he began to involve himself
in all facets of the church including music, youth service, outreach and nursing home
ministry. He loved traveling to Youth Rally & Fellowship Meetings. After high school his life journey led him to Atlanta, GA where he eventually left the Apostolic Church and came out, but was not reconciled. These were the 70's and were very confusing years. Though he was happy with the company of others like himself, he longed for the thrill of the Pentecostal environment he had grown so accustomed to. He was the only member of his family that found God in an Apostolic Pentecostal Church. In fact, his parents were none too happy that their young son had found a place with the "holy rollers". After graduating from Georgia State University in Atlanta with a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, Randy did return to church. He re-dedicated himself to the Lord, but this time at a United Pentecostal Church. In 1976, he married the pastor's daughter and later became the father of three wonderful children. First, the couple served together in music ministry. Then, with his degree, Randy began to work with Christian Schools as Principal. Finally, Randy accepted his call to pastoral ministry after years of feeling too unworthy to ever fulfill what he felt called to do. His first pastorate was with his little Pentecostal family in Woodworth, LA. It was there, after great success in taking this congregation to a new level in the district, that divorce took place and the home split apart. Devastated and struggling to stay with the fellowship he had become so dedicated to, he married again moving his children to NW Indiana. After years of struggle and being separated from his children who had returned to the south (Houston) to live, depression became his constant stalker. But, in the midst of fasting and seeking God for deliverance, God revealed the real plan He had for Randy. Deliverance did come. However, it was in the discovery that God made him just as he was and that there was no mistake in the Creator's choice. By invitation from his new friend, Doug Clanton, Randy attended his first affirming T.E.N. Conference in Vancouver, B.C., over Labor Day weekend 1996. There he met some of the people who would become mentors, teachers and lifelong friends including Dennis and Evelyn Schave. God had not forsaken him, but had opened up a brand new world of ministry and happiness. Randy temporarily relocated to the Phoenix area during his transitional time. There, at a church social, around Valentine's day 1997, he met a handsome gentleman by the name of Dan Wright. God was right on time! He had answered Randy's earnest prayer for God to send him "Mr. Right." God literally answered that prayer by bringing Dan Wright into Randy's life. Randy returned to Indiana to sell out after the divorce was final. However, God had other plans again! Dan prayed for God's will which led him to relocate to Indiana to help build a church for ALL of God's children. At the age of 46, Dan Wright and Randy Duncan were joined in holy union with their children in attendance at a modest ceremony in their home. He and Dan founded New Life Community Church of Hope in LaPorte Indiana, in November 1997. They have faithfully served God and the church for these past 13 years. They presently reside with their grandson, Burke, in the same home that New Life began services in several years ago. Randy's love for family, truth and committed ministers along with spreading the gospel is evident in his life. Pastor Randy was ordained with RPI in 2001 and served on the general board as Presiding Presbyter. He also became chairman of the credentialing committee and co-director of the RPI Education Division. During the 2009 General Conference in Indianapolis, he was elected to the office of President and Chief Presiding Presbyter which he continues to serve as today.
Rev. Doug ClantonReconciling Pentecostal Assembly,
Scottsdale, Az
Called by God in childhood, Pastor Doug Clanton has always been involved in some
form of ministry throughout his life. He began preaching as a teenager and held his
first position as Minister of Music at a United Pentecostal Church in Eureka, CA at age
16. Several other music positions followed. He was also Associate Pastor of East
Valley UPC in San Jose, CA for a number of years. Born into an Assembly of God
family, he comes from a long line of Pentecostal pastors and Evangelists. He holds a
Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Theology from Christian Life College, Stockton, CA.
Pastor Clanton is also a published songwriter and musician and has traveled extensively throughout the country both in music groups including "The Light Company" and in evangelistic work with Apostolic Revival Ministries(ARM), which he founded in 1997. His song, "It Doesn't Matter Who You Are" has been recorded by many gospel artists including the Greens, Ivan Parker and, most recently, by Bishop Paul Morton and Bishop T.D. Jakes on the Grammy nominated CD, "He-Motions". This CD was nominated in 2005 for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
Pastor Clanton was on of the two founding presbyters who formed RPI in 2000. He served as Chief Presiding Presbyter from 2003 until February 2009. He continues to serve as Presbyter Emeritus.
November 11, 2001, Pastor Clanton founded Reconciling Pentecostal Assembly (RPA) in Scottsdale, AZ which is an RPI affiliate church. He serves as Pastor of this solid church.
Rev. Brian GrizzleLighthouse Ministries,
Clayton, Ga
Pastor Brian Grizzle was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age of fourteen
and subsequently served in Ministry. he began his ministry in the United Pentecostal
Church as an Evangelist, traveling the country and winning the lost in evangelistic
services from 1989 to 1994.
At the age of 25 Brian came to terms with the fact that he was gay and came out. He
struggled with how that affected his relationship with God for several years. His previous Christian training had taught him that God would send him to hell for being homosexual.
His life was changed after he received a revelation that God loved him regardless of his orientation. In 2000, he met his life partner Ed (with whom he has enjoyed a meaningful 10 years). A friend invited he and Ed to a service at New Covenant Church,k Atlanta, GA. At first he couldn't believe it was real. But, there was no misunderstanding that the presence of God was real in the services and the lives of the people.
From there, he began in the music ministry and from that point, he has not stopped striving to serve God wholeheartedly. He was asked to minister at New Covenant on a number of occasions, and shortly thereafter, other churches invited him to minister. In 2004, Brian was ordained as Associate Pastor of New Covenant Church of Atlanta, (where he and Ed served faithfully for eight years).
In 2007 he was invited to be a keynote speaker at The Evangelical Network's annual conference in Dallas, TX and in May of 2008 was a speaker at SpiritFest Atlanta. In September 2009 he spoke at Midwest SpiritQuest in LaPorte, IN. He has been instrumental in the foundational development of several budding churches, and now has started a work in Clayton, GA.
He remains active in the GLBT community, as well as his local community, by sharing from his own experiences and mentoring individuals for leadership. He is passionate about the things of God and expects God to transform lives and demonstrate His presence so that all can experience the glory of the Lord.
Rev. Sharon HollisIndianapolis, IN
Pastor Sharon Hollis was born and raised by a Pentecostal preacher in Alabama,
Sharon moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in search of God at the age of 21. During her
first year in Indianapolis, she attended a local church and met her soul mate, Amy
Scott. A year later these two fell in love and began their journey as partners.
Keeping true to their convictions, Sharon and Amy prayed together and searched the
scriptures for answers on how to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and keep Him at
the center of their relationship. Since that time in 1991, they have remained in love
and have built a wonderful life together with God's blessings. They have also raised
their only son, built a home, continued their education, pursued their careers in health care and stayed true to the Lord.
The journey of their faith has not always been easy. Because Pastor Sharon and Sis. Amy stayed true to their love for each other, a lot of their Christian friends walked away from them. Nevertheless, they continued to search for a church where ALL God's children were welcome. Then, in the fall of 2006, Pastor Sharon's beautiful mother went home to be with the Lord. Uncertain how she would make it without her on this earth, God came through. Just after her mother's death, Pastor Sharon began to attend a GLBT affirming church in Indianapolis.
In the summer of 2007, a new church was founded and established. Pastor Sharon became the Associate Pastor of Circle City Pentecostals. In the fall of 2008, Pastor Sharon was installed as Senior Pastor where she has served until January 2011. She has currently stepped into the field of Evangelism. Pastor Sharon also serves as a Presiding Presbyter and Secretary on the General Board of RPI. Her desire is that everyone would come to know that God is good and His mercy endures forever. Jesus has been wonderful in their life, opening doors where there seemed to be none. She is happy to share God's love and His word with all who enter their life or cross their path!
Rev. Kelly CrossMaster's Commission New Covenant Church
Columbus, OH
Pastor Kelly has a very diverse Christian background. She was raised Lutheran,
then born again and became involved in the Southern Baptist Church. Then, while
attending a Southern Baptist college, she asked the Lord to fill her with the Holy
Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues while in her prayer closet
(literally, a closet) and was gloriously filled to overflowing.
She felt God calling her to ministry in the 8th grade, but pushed it away while in the
Southern Baptist Church because of being told a woman wasn't allowed to preach. But when filled with the Holy Ghost, the calling revived on the inside and she began to pursue it by obeying God rather than man. God has blessed her with the opportunity to sit directly under many powerful ministries such as T.L. and Daisy Osborn, Kenneth Hagan, Rod Parsley, and Keith Moore. After attending and serving in an MCC for 8 years, Pastor Kelly and a group of friends began a home Bible Study. From that Master's Commission New Covenant Church was birthed with 6 people. Today the church is continuing to grow and glow for Jesus in Columbus with more than 50 people, a fresh anointing, and a vision to reach the world with the Good News! The church is presently looking for a new and larger building location to meet the needs of their growing assembly. Pastor Kelly holds full Ordination credentials with RPI and was elected to the General Board as a Presiding Presbyter in March, 2010.
then born again and became involved in the Southern Baptist Church. Then, while
attending a Southern Baptist college, she asked the Lord to fill her with the Holy
Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues while in her prayer closet
(literally, a closet) and was gloriously filled to overflowing.
She felt God calling her to ministry in the 8th grade, but pushed it away while in the
Southern Baptist Church because of being told a woman wasn't allowed to preach. But when filled with the Holy Ghost, the calling revived on the inside and she began to pursue it by obeying God rather than man. God has blessed her with the opportunity to sit directly under many powerful ministries such as T.L. and Daisy Osborn, Kenneth Hagan, Rod Parsley, and Keith Moore. After attending and serving in an MCC for 8 years, Pastor Kelly and a group of friends began a home Bible Study. From that Master's Commission New Covenant Church was birthed with 6 people. Today the church is continuing to grow and glow for Jesus in Columbus with more than 50 people, a fresh anointing, and a vision to reach the world with the Good News! The church is presently looking for a new and larger building location to meet the needs of their growing assembly. Pastor Kelly holds full Ordination credentials with RPI and was elected to the General Board as a Presiding Presbyter in March, 2010.
Rev. Cecilia Wilson
Rainbow Covenant Church
Houston, TX
Cecilia grew up in Pasadena, Texas and attended a United Pentecostal Church.
She felt God's call to ministry at an early age, and one of her father's friends
prophesied that she would one day be a preacher.
She graduated from high school in 1975, and began attending Texas Bible college.
After going to classes during the week, Cecilia traveled around Texas and
Louisiana with other students on the weekends holding crusades at various
churches. She knew she was called to share God's Word.
For many years of her life, she wrestled with her own identity, and eventually left
the church and the ministry behind because of her confusion and suicidal thoughts. In 1990, Cecilia made a decision which totally changed her life - she transitioned from male to female. Yes, she is a transgendered woman!
Since then, God has been able to continue His work in her life. In May 2000 at Spirit Fest, she committed her life to God and for the first time, she truly had peace because she knew that He loved her and was continuing to work in her and develop her into the person He intended for her to be all along.
In May 2005, God enriched Cecilia's life with her partner June Frost. June is a true woman of faith, and together they share God's love with everyone they meet. In August 2007, God led them to Community Gospel Church. June ministered as part of the worship team, and God restored Cecilia to the ministry of preaching and sharing His Word. In May 2011, God led Cecilia and June to found Rainbow Covenant Church, to minister to the LGBT community in the Clear Lake area, located south of Houston. Now Cecilia can share God’s Word in true freedom. She has been set free from the chains of fear, doubt, and misunderstanding. Whom the Son has set free is free indeed!
Rev. Lenny Johnson
Light of Love Fellowship
St. Louis, Mo
Pastor Lenny was raised by both of his parents; however he was not raised in
church. At the age of 17 he was invited by a friend to attend a church service. Within
a short time he gave his heart tot he Lord, was baptized in the name of Jesus and
received the gift of the Holy Ghost in a small Pentecostal church in Highland, IL. In an
attempt to deny who God created him to be, he married a woman and fathered a
daughter, Karmyne. Shortly after, his secret was exposed and he was disenfranchised with his church at which point his life was turned totally upside down, but his love for Christ never wavered. He finally decided to step out and be true to what God created him to be, a gay man. Within ten months, God brought Ryan Hildebrand into Pastor Lenny's and Karmyne's life and they knew immediately that their family was ordained by God.
In 2006, Pastor Lenny and Ryan were united in a covenant marriage. During their first four years together, they were seeking the Lord about a place that they could go and freely worship Him in spirit and in truth as a family. In 2005, God answered their prayer and during the next four years, they served in two different ministries. During this time they stepped out to become licensed foster parents and they have worked closely with their agency to help them embrace gay foster parents.
In 2009, the Lord led them, along with their friends, Jacque and Marie, to start Light of Love Fellowship in St. Louis, MO. During Midwest SpiritQuest 2010, Pastor Lenny was granted credentials and license with RPI. Around the same time, he was added tot he board of Project Safe Harbor, which is an organization that will safely house GLBT homeless youth in the St. Louis area. In conjunction with his pastoral ministry, Pastor Lenny continues to be active int he GLBTS communities. You will often hear Pastor Lenny say, "I'm all about keeping it real."
Rev. Jayeson Owen
Shine Ministries
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
She felt God's call to ministry at an early age, and one of her father's friends
prophesied that she would one day be a preacher.
She graduated from high school in 1975, and began attending Texas Bible college.
After going to classes during the week, Cecilia traveled around Texas and
Louisiana with other students on the weekends holding crusades at various
churches. She knew she was called to share God's Word.
For many years of her life, she wrestled with her own identity, and eventually left
the church and the ministry behind because of her confusion and suicidal thoughts. In 1990, Cecilia made a decision which totally changed her life - she transitioned from male to female. Yes, she is a transgendered woman!
Since then, God has been able to continue His work in her life. In May 2000 at Spirit Fest, she committed her life to God and for the first time, she truly had peace because she knew that He loved her and was continuing to work in her and develop her into the person He intended for her to be all along.
In May 2005, God enriched Cecilia's life with her partner June Frost. June is a true woman of faith, and together they share God's love with everyone they meet. In August 2007, God led them to Community Gospel Church. June ministered as part of the worship team, and God restored Cecilia to the ministry of preaching and sharing His Word. In May 2011, God led Cecilia and June to found Rainbow Covenant Church, to minister to the LGBT community in the Clear Lake area, located south of Houston. Now Cecilia can share God’s Word in true freedom. She has been set free from the chains of fear, doubt, and misunderstanding. Whom the Son has set free is free indeed!
Rev. Lenny JohnsonLight of Love Fellowship
St. Louis, Mo
Pastor Lenny was raised by both of his parents; however he was not raised in
church. At the age of 17 he was invited by a friend to attend a church service. Within
a short time he gave his heart tot he Lord, was baptized in the name of Jesus and
received the gift of the Holy Ghost in a small Pentecostal church in Highland, IL. In an
attempt to deny who God created him to be, he married a woman and fathered a
daughter, Karmyne. Shortly after, his secret was exposed and he was disenfranchised with his church at which point his life was turned totally upside down, but his love for Christ never wavered. He finally decided to step out and be true to what God created him to be, a gay man. Within ten months, God brought Ryan Hildebrand into Pastor Lenny's and Karmyne's life and they knew immediately that their family was ordained by God.
In 2006, Pastor Lenny and Ryan were united in a covenant marriage. During their first four years together, they were seeking the Lord about a place that they could go and freely worship Him in spirit and in truth as a family. In 2005, God answered their prayer and during the next four years, they served in two different ministries. During this time they stepped out to become licensed foster parents and they have worked closely with their agency to help them embrace gay foster parents.
In 2009, the Lord led them, along with their friends, Jacque and Marie, to start Light of Love Fellowship in St. Louis, MO. During Midwest SpiritQuest 2010, Pastor Lenny was granted credentials and license with RPI. Around the same time, he was added tot he board of Project Safe Harbor, which is an organization that will safely house GLBT homeless youth in the St. Louis area. In conjunction with his pastoral ministry, Pastor Lenny continues to be active int he GLBTS communities. You will often hear Pastor Lenny say, "I'm all about keeping it real."
Rev. Jayeson Owen
Shine Ministries
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jayeson was born October 22, 1977. He was born again August 30, 1994. Every year
the Wesleyan churches of South Carolina have "camp meeting". Camp meeting
always takes place at Table Rock Wesleyan Camp. It consists of a week long revival
at the foothill of Table Rock Mountain. From as far back as Jayeson can remember he
attended camp meeting every year. It usually featured uplifting music and well known
speakers within the Wesleyan church. He was 17 years old this particular camp meeting and was no longer attending the Wesleyan church regularly. For a few years he had been traveling with a dear lady named Tilla Willowman singing and telling people about a God that he didn't feel he even knew. He was regularly attending United Assembly of God in Seneca, South Carolina. On that particular evening in 1994 he decided to join his family at Table Rock for an evening of camp meeting.
From the time Jayeson entered the outdoor sanctuary, he felt the knock on his heart. He says he has no idea what the sermon was about because the Holy Spirit was speaking a different sermon to him. When the sermon was over the pastor gave an invitation to come before the crowd and accept Jesus, inviting Him to live inside your heart. He just sat there. Knowing that he truly didn't know this peace he had been singing and talking about the last few years. Then the choir starting singing "There's a new name written down in glory and it's mine, o yes it's mine". When he heard the words to this song the Holy Spirit prompted him to open the door to his heart, walk forward to the altar, accept this Jesus into my life. Before he even made it to the altar he knew what Jesus had meant by being born again. He was indeed a new creature in Christ.
As the choir continued to sing, he saw a glimpse into the spirit world of the party going on in Heaven. Luke 15:8-10 (msg) "Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' Count on it - that's the kind of party God's angels throw ever time one lost soul turns to God." The pastor tried to get him to pray a traditional salvation prayer, but Jayeson couldn't even focus on what he was saying, he was so overwhelmed by this miracle that had just taken place in his life.
August 30, 2011, will be 17 years since Jayeson met the Lord. He states, he can truly testify to the lyrics of a song he has been singing for many years, "The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows". Jayeson says, "I have failed Him along the way, but He has never failed me. This is my story, This is my song."
Jayeson is currently the pastor of Shine Ministries located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
the Wesleyan churches of South Carolina have "camp meeting". Camp meeting
always takes place at Table Rock Wesleyan Camp. It consists of a week long revival
at the foothill of Table Rock Mountain. From as far back as Jayeson can remember he
attended camp meeting every year. It usually featured uplifting music and well known
speakers within the Wesleyan church. He was 17 years old this particular camp meeting and was no longer attending the Wesleyan church regularly. For a few years he had been traveling with a dear lady named Tilla Willowman singing and telling people about a God that he didn't feel he even knew. He was regularly attending United Assembly of God in Seneca, South Carolina. On that particular evening in 1994 he decided to join his family at Table Rock for an evening of camp meeting.
From the time Jayeson entered the outdoor sanctuary, he felt the knock on his heart. He says he has no idea what the sermon was about because the Holy Spirit was speaking a different sermon to him. When the sermon was over the pastor gave an invitation to come before the crowd and accept Jesus, inviting Him to live inside your heart. He just sat there. Knowing that he truly didn't know this peace he had been singing and talking about the last few years. Then the choir starting singing "There's a new name written down in glory and it's mine, o yes it's mine". When he heard the words to this song the Holy Spirit prompted him to open the door to his heart, walk forward to the altar, accept this Jesus into my life. Before he even made it to the altar he knew what Jesus had meant by being born again. He was indeed a new creature in Christ.
As the choir continued to sing, he saw a glimpse into the spirit world of the party going on in Heaven. Luke 15:8-10 (msg) "Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' Count on it - that's the kind of party God's angels throw ever time one lost soul turns to God." The pastor tried to get him to pray a traditional salvation prayer, but Jayeson couldn't even focus on what he was saying, he was so overwhelmed by this miracle that had just taken place in his life.
August 30, 2011, will be 17 years since Jayeson met the Lord. He states, he can truly testify to the lyrics of a song he has been singing for many years, "The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows". Jayeson says, "I have failed Him along the way, but He has never failed me. This is my story, This is my song."
Jayeson is currently the pastor of Shine Ministries located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.