During a masterful guest appearance where he employed both sobering scriptural insights and hilarious comic asides, Pastor Phillip George Goudeaux, Jr., exhorted members of South L.A.’s Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) to continue to place their unwavering trust in God.

“God is faithful when men fail us,” said Goudeaux, Jr., senior associate pastor of Sacramento-based Calvary Christian Center. “God is good because He is God. His faithfulness is based on our faith in Him.”

Goudeaux’s comments were part of a sermon that frequently had the CCC congregation laughing out loud one minute and sighing in soulful agreement the next. Whether preaching about family, sports, and church matters, or citing the challenges faced by Biblical legends like Lot, Moses, and Noah, Goudeaux, Jr. spoke in contemporary, keeping-it-real tones that left congregants hanging on his every word.

Goudeaux’s guest sermon was the latest in CCC’s 50^th Jubilee Celebration series. Guest speakers featured thus far in 2023 are Bishop Jarron C. O’Neal, Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford, Pastor Kenneth W. Hagin, and even Goudeaux, Jr.’s father, Dr. Phillip Goudeaux, among others. Upcoming scheduled speakers include Dr. Creflo Dollar (Sept. 24), Dr. William M. Wilson (Oct. 22), and Bishop Wiley Jackson (Nov. 26).

Acknowledging CCC as “the house that faith built,” the 44-year-old Goudeaux – sporting braided hair and a fitted plaid blazer that outlined his brawny physique – confessed he was nervous about standing on what he called the “anointed carpet.” It’s the same carpet where CCC founder, the late Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, made his indelible mark (and where his son, Dr. Frederick K. Price, now presides).

Demonstrating his powerfully relevant sermon style, Goudeaux, Jr. used tropical storm Hilary, which recently pounded Southern California, as a metaphor for the upheavals Christians will face throughout their lives.

“We all go through storms, and if you read the Bible, you realize that you ain’t the only one who’s been through something,” Goudeaux, Jr. said.

To underscore his point, the pastor shared some of the obstacles he endured on his journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Goudeaux, Jr. explained to those in attendance that he had not only endured a flight cancellation, but that his son’s football game almost made the family miss a rescheduled flight. As if all this wasn’t enough, the pastor shared news about the surprising, sudden death of a family member who passed after routine knee surgery.

Again and again, Pastor Goudeaux, Jr. punctuated the frailty of human beings, citing himself as an example. “I have made more mistakes than I can count, but here I is,” he said in his trademark, down-home style. “We can be hard on ourselves for our mistakes, but the Bible says count it joy when you fall. God is calling us to live a life of love and faith in Him, not a perfect life.”

“There will be a falling, but that don’t stop the calling,” he rhymed, drawing laughs for lightheartedly boasting that CCC pastor, Dr. Frederick K. Price, wasn’t the only Generation X “preacher’s kid” who could rap — referring to a video shown at the start of service as a historical moment of Hip Hop Sunday.

Pastor Goudeaux, Jr. cited James 1:2-4: “My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

With his wife and five children looking on, Goudeaux expressed awe in the unwavering faith of CCC founding first lady, Dr. Betty Price. The visiting pastor also acknowledged the love and support of “Dr. Fred” Price, whom he called his brother.

“I have a lot of cherished memories in this place,” Goudeaux, Jr. said, informing congregants that he had attended CCC services since before he could even read. In a heartwarming illustration of his family’s affection for the South L.A. church, the pastor and his wife, Naomi, presented Dr. Betty with a box filled with self-penned notes of love and admiration scribed by their entire family.

Addressing both the sanctuary and those livestreaming, Goudeaux, Jr. cited scripture to illustrate that hardships are intended to make us stronger.

“When our faith is tested, it stirs up the power of our endurance,” the pastor said. “Don’t be sluggish. Don’t allow your hearts to grow dull, or to lose enthusiasm. Follow the example of shining faith and endurance. Use what you are going through to develop a spiritual six-pack.”

Goudeaux continued to encourage members to remain disciplined and devoted, saying God sent him there to bolster up their confidence in His faithfulness. “Whatever the Lord wants to do, know that He is not through,” Goudeaux said referring to Hebrews 6:11, which says: “And, we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.”

Goudeaux, Jr. reassured congregants: “God is not finished with us, and we shouldn’t be finished with Him. It’s a sin to doubt God. God ain’t never let you down. Don’t give up on Him. No one can talk you out of what God brought you out of.”

Apostle I.V. Hilliard came home to the Faithdome on Sunday, June 25, to celebrate the iconic church’s 50^th anniversary and to remind those in the sanctuary and streaming the service online that faith opens the door to miracles.

“My Kingdom assignment standing here in this place that faith built is to stir you up in faith,” Apostle Hilliard, Pastor Emeritus of New Light Christian Center in Houston, Texas said. “In this amazing 50^th year we honor Apostle Price and the current pastor, Dr. Fred, and the vision he has for this church. When you talk about living by faith it is more than just words. You can be exposed to it, exhorted on it, and educated in it, but until you embrace it as a lifestyle, you will not see the supernatural results God has in store for you.”

With a spirited mix of bible-based teaching and riveting personal testimony, Apostle Hilliard highlighted the power of faith and credited Crenshaw Christian Center founder, the late Apostle Price, for laying the foundation for the faith movement that transformed his life and the lives of countless others around the world.

“The bible says when Jesus comes, he will be looking for faith,” Apostle Hilliard continued. “The faith movement is as old as the bible because it is God’s plan to meet the needs of people through their faith.”

With his matter-of-fact style, Apostle Hilliard shared his personal faith journey. “Faith came to me at a low point in my life,” he reflected. “I had come through a church fight, and I was in a very low place. In 1980, after 18 years of preaching, my church was a raggedy little place,” he said pointing to a picture of a modest wood-framed church on the screen.

“I had 50 borrowed chairs, but I didn’t have 50 members,” he continued. “I was ready to keep on working and God said, no son, I am going to teach you how to live by faith and trust me. Faith begins to work for me, but God said I did not teach you faith for your benefit, but rather to advance the Kingdom of God. And that is when God brought me in connection with Apostle Price and I gained an understanding of how to embrace faith.”

Today, the church Apostle Hilliard and his wife, Pastor Bridget, built is pastored by their daughter, Dr. Irishea V. Hilliard, and has grown to include numerous locations, one million square feet of property, and a ministry that touches thousands of lives.

The accomplished teacher of the Word, songwriter, and author told those gathered that faith is a two-way street. “The will of God does not automatically come to pass,” he said. “For every promise, principle and prophetic word, there is a faith process to bring it to pass. For God to get involved in my situation, I have to invite him in. With that understanding I realized how important my faith was. I was waiting on God and God was waiting on me.”

The charismatic pastor recalled how his faith was tested in a life-or-death situation when an airplane he was travelling on experienced engine failure.

“The devil said I am going to kill you and I responded, I am not dying tonight,” said the 70-year-old Hilliard. “No one on the plane was screaming…we were all people of faith. We plummeted 30,000 feet, but at 13,000 feet the pilots got the engines back on and leveled off. They asked me if I wanted to go to the nearest airport or try to make it home. I told the pilot we are going home. That was the enemy trying to kill us and we kicked his butt,” Hilliard chuckled.

That revelatory resolve is par for the course, he told the congregation. “There is no faith without a fight, Apostle Hilliard proclaimed. “Fighting the fight of faith is part of the game,” he said. “We can’t let statistical arguments talk us out of our faith. Faith has nothing to do with facts or feelings. We have to believe in the God we praise. The God of the bible, not of religion. When you live by faith God gives you a burst of energy like an athlete who gets a second wind.”

In an intimate service reminiscent of a family reunion wrapped in a powerful message of recovery, release, restoration, and fresh beginnings, Dr. Jerry Savelle encouraged those gathered in the historic Faithdome to acknowledge the legacy of the man who started them on their walk of faith while looking to the future.

“People ask me why I uplift men,” said Dr. Savelle, an author, televangelist, and president of Jerry Savelle Ministries International.

“I am honoring those who were committed to God, those who refused to compromise, and those who refused to quit.  Men like Apostle Price who greatly influenced my faith.  How many of you here began your walk of faith through the ministry of Pastor Frederick K.C. Price?  I say to you, do not let that legacy die.”

Dr. Savelle spoke fondly of Apostle Price, whom he says he was immediately drawn to when they first met in the early 1970s, and who stayed at his home, preached with him, and influenced his spiritual path.  The founding pastor of Heritage of Faith Christian Center in Crowley, Texas, went on to share decades-old personal pictures of the Apostle, recalling his impeccable style, flawless afro, stylish leisure suits, and inspired messages that have profoundly impacted his life and made a mark worldwide.

“Fred Price was not only a man of God, but he was also an honorable man of God with uncompromising integrity and character,” said the 77-year-old pastor.  “He received the word of faith, taught the word of faith, lived the word of faith, and has evidence of its results, including how he raised his children in it.”

“I’m very proud of him and I am very proud of you,” he continued, walking to shake the hand of Apostle’s son, Dr. Frederick K. Price, who now shepherds the ministry his father built.

“I listen to you preach and when I close my eyes, I feel like I am listening to your father. You are upholding a wonderful legacy and I admonish and encourage you to do so for the rest of your life.”

Dr. Betty Price, the mother of Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) and wife of the late Apostle, told those gathered that many years ago Dr. Savelle shared a story about a healing service that he and Apostle were leading where a woman told him she didn’t want a Black man to lay hands on her, so he refused to do it either.

“We need more Jerrys in the world,” Dr. Betty said as she introduced the 50^th anniversary speaker.  A Mississippi native, like Dr. Betty, Savelle referred to himself as a country boy who initially tried to run from his call to the ministry.  It was at his wife Carolyn’s insistence, more than five decades ago, that he attended a meeting at her church with guest speaker televangelist, Pastor Kenneth Copeland.

“I only went because she told me if I didn’t like it, she would stop asking me to go to church,” he chuckled.  At the time, the down-to-earth pastor owned an auto shop where he restored cars like his father.  His attendance at that church service would mark a turning point in his life, bringing him to the ministry and as they say, the rest is history.

Some 54 years later, Dr. Savelle told the congregation that he rarely delivers a service anywhere in the world without invoking the teachings and God-inspired messages of a number of giants in the ministry, including Pastors Oral Roberts, Kenneth E. Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, T.L. Osborn, and the late Apostle Price.

He recounted how he met the Apostle through Pastor Kenneth E. Hagin in Oklahoma in the early 1970s.  Just before Apostle was set to take the stage, Hagin asked if he was ready, and he asserted, “Freddy’s ready!” with energetic yet cool confidence.

“When I heard Apostle Price, I thought, ‘where has this preacher been all my life?!’  I fell in love with him the first time I met him,” Dr. Savelle recalled.

“I couldn’t wait to see him again. He stayed ready the entire duration of his life.  If you didn’t get the word of God after listening to Apostle Price, you weren’t going to get it.  He was the most meticulous, direct, and uncompromising teacher.”

In closing, Dr. Savelle challenged the CCC faithful to stay ready.  Quoting from Leviticus Chapter 25, which says that jubilee is a time for an economic, cultural, environmental, and communal reset, he encouraged congregants to embrace what’s next.

“Fifty years is a milestone,” said Dr. Savelle.  “Some people can’t do anything for a day.  Make this your jubilee, he encouraged those in attendance and listening online.  “Believe, declare, and expect it! Know that your best years are not behind you but are yet to come.”

Befitting the occasion of Crenshaw Christian Center’s 50^th anniversary, guest speaker Bishop Jarron C. O’Neal recently visited the legendary Los Angeles sanctuary to celebrate the legacy of faith, vision and grit that has helped CCC endure amid seismic social and technological changes.

“It takes faith to celebrate 50 years of ministry,” said Bishop O’Neal, who presides over The Fountain Church International in Pomona, CA. “But I am amazed by the fight it takes to last half a century.”

“Jesus gives a candlestick to those who are founded on him,” the Bishop continued, referencing Exodus 25:31, in which the Israelites adorned the exterior of the tabernacle with a candlestick. “The true church – this church – is built on the rock of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop O’Neal’s remarks were part of an insightful sermon that was decidedly contemporary in style. Though dressed in a sports suit and sneakers, the Bishop’s words were anything but casual. He was candid about hardships he suffered after committing himself fully to God’s purpose for his life.

“I know you see this dip in my walk, this gangster lean,” he said to the congregation, making a joking reference to his labored gait. “This has been on me for 7 years. I have been a lab rat. I have had all the tests and been to all the doctors, and no one can tell me what it is.”

“They told me it was mechanical, that it was a virus that scarred my spinal cord,” he continued. “And, last year, they diagnosed me with a brain tumor. I said, ‘Lord, what is going on?’ I cried, prayed, and taught my mouth to confess God’s word and to worship Him in the midst of it.”

“They did an MRI, and it was completely gone! Glory to God!” he proclaimed. “When I go back and look at when the fight hit my house, all of this warfare is because of revelation. CCC has been in a fight since it was birthed until today. Every time there is divine revelation, there is demonic retaliation. Revelation does not come from faith; faith comes from revelation.”

In addition to acknowledging the rock of revelation that CCC was built on, the charismatic Bishop lovingly recognized peer and fellow “Preacher’s Kid,” CCC Pastor, Dr. Frederick K. Price.

“I want to acknowledge my dear friend, Dr. Frederick K. Price,” Bishop O’Neal said in his disarming style. “I am so grateful for our relationship, man. I don’t have a lot of friends because this road is hard. We don’t have to talk every day, but when we talk, we talk.”

As the Bishop continued, he praised the mother of CCC. “Dr. Betty Price, I am in absolute awe of you,” O’Neal said, nodding to CCC’s former First Lady. “When my wife, Lady Crystal, met you, she said this is the kind of First Lady I want to be.”

Then, the visiting Bishop invited Faith Dome attendees to rise to their feet for an acknowledgement of the church’s prophetic founder. “Can we give a standing ovation to the late Apostle Frederick K.C. Price and what he established here?” Bishop O’Neal urged. “He had such an impact on my life. I spent the first five years of my life in this church. What better way to come home and celebrate your 50^th year.”

In a dramatic expression of the accord between CCC and The Fountain International Church, Bishop O’Neal presented a $10,000 offering to Pastor Price, saying “you don’t show up at a party without gifts.”

The Bishop spoke of the spiritual struggle that can result from “revelation” – i.e., that defining moment when one wholly commits to following Christ. For many, it’s a moment followed by hardship, as Bishop O’Neal’s and CCC’s own sagas attest.

Addressing the challenges of modern Christianity, the Bishop noted that it’s possible for a church to be sanctioned by the state, but not be registered in Heaven.

“You might have a 501(c)(3), but you may not have a candlestick,” he said. “Demons don’t go after 501(c)(3)s. They go after candlesticks. The church without a revelation is not dangerous…it is the revelation that makes CCC dangerous.”

According to Bishop O’Neal, the spiritual battle that results from revelation is not limited to the church. “You are not dangerous until you agree with God’s version of you…until you understand what God wants you to be,” he said. “Revelation will redefine you, change the way you see yourself, redirect you, change the trajectory of your life, and the course of your family and history. It will shift your paradigm and break self-destructive patterns. You cannot repent and be repaired until you have a revelation.”

Closing his sermon, Bishop O’Neal left members of the congregation with a revelation God gave him, especially for them.

“I decree and declare a double portion of revelation will be upon this church,” he proclaimed before fixing his gaze on CCC’s Pastor Price.

“Just like it came from your Dad, it is in you. You got this.”

“Approach your faith with a child-like vision,” an impassioned Dr. Phillip Goudeaux told those in attendance at Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Goudeaux, pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Sacramento, CA, was the guest speaker as the vaunted church celebrates its 50^th anniversary with a year-long series of distinguished guests and special events.

“Good morning to my favorite church,” Dr. Betty Ruth Price, said to a warm reception. “We are privileged to have Dr. Goudeaux here today. He is an amazing man of God. The Goudeaux’s are sweet people, gooey people,” she said to a ripple of laughter. “They are the spiritual children of Apostle Price and me. Goudeauxs are Prices and Prices are Goudeauxs.”

Dr. Goudeaux began by calling on scripture and his walk with God to challenge and inspire those assembled in the FaithDome and following online to look forward to the great things God has in store for them.

“The difference between a child and an adult is that a child is always thinking about the future,” Dr. Goudeaux said. “Children are not looking backward, they are looking forward,” he continued.

“Adults are always thinking about the past, they are old in the way they think and look at things. Do not let what happened to you hold you back from what God has in store.”

Dr. Goudeaux told those gathered, he credits Apostle Price with connecting him to his God-ordained vision.

“I went after my man of God, my spiritual father and mentor,” Dr. Goudeaux said referring to the late Apostle Price. “I sowed into him, and he sowed into me. I wanted to give to the one I love and the one who had my destiny in his hands. I am here today because of him. That’s why I will always sing his praises. He is the greatest man of God who has been on this planet.”

With humor and humility Dr. Goudeaux shared his story. A former member of the Black Panther Party, he was not raised in the church and did not always believe in God. He told those gathered he was raised by a single mother and didn’t know how to be a father.

He credits his wife, Dr. Brenda K. Goudeaux, with bringing him to the Word and to CCC, which changed his life. It is where he was saved, where he was married, and where he developed a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

“Apostle Price and CCC changed my life,” said the minister of a multicultural ministry celebrating 43 years. In addition to being the founding pastor of Calvary Christian Center, Dr. Goudeaux is also founder of Faith Covenant Ministries International, an international coalition of ministries and businesses organized to build the leadership capacity of kings and priests by providing resources, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities.

A world-renowned pastor, teacher, author, and motivational speaker, Dr. Goudeaux is a committed and loving husband to his wife of 50 years and a devoted father to their three adult children who work alongside him in the ministry. The Goudeaux’s recently marked a half century of holy matrimony in a ceremony officiated by Dr. Betty Price.

“People come to me and say, ‘there aren’t any good men or good women,’” said Dr. Goudeaux. “There are plenty of both, but you can’t look at the past and think about what somebody did or didn’t do to you. The Bible says those without vision will perish. Your attitude will determine your altitude.”

Dr. Goudeaux can certainly attest to this. “I stepped out boldly and did what God told me to do,” he proclaimed. “If God did it for me, He will do it for you. God wants you to step out of your comfort zone and your mediocrity.”

Dr. Goudeaux also encouraged those listening to prepare for situations and circumstances that try to force them off course. He relayed a story about driving down a street in Sacramento when his car hit a large pothole that threw him off track.

“All of a sudden it was like ‘boom,’” Dr. Goudeaux recalled. “I got on the phone and called 311 — it was so bad. In life, there will be situations and circumstances that get you out of alignment with your assignment,” he said. “You cannot allow the craters or the mishaps to take you away from the assignment God has for your life. Vision helps you to align and stay connected to your assignment. Make today your breakout day!” he exclaimed.

With her real, riveting, and refreshing style, Minister Mignonette Bailey energized and encouraged those gathered at Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) on Sunday, April 2, to make an investment in God’s economy.

The Los Angeles native who was born, baptized, and accepted Christ at CCC, spoke about God’s economic system where the supply is unlimited. She challenged those gathered to trust God and strengthen their position in the spiritual stock market.

“Let’s not get comfortable in the world system,” said the dynamic daughter of the church. “Can we stretch our faith a little further?” she asked those in attendance.

“The word of God says He is bringing forth water in the desert,” said Minister Bailey. “It doesn’t have to be logical; it doesn’t have to add up. The economy of heaven is higher than this economy we live in,” she said.

Minister Bailey brought home a heart-felt message punctuated by tears and applause. With her self-effacing demeanor and call and response style, she delivered a bible-based message that evoked shouts of praise and support for both the message and the messenger.

“This ministry birthed me, raised me and trained me,” she said dabbing the tears streaming from her eyes, then shouting out her love for the late Apostle Price, the Price family, staff and members of the church she grew up in.

“The way we pledge our allegiance to God is that every time we give, we say ‘God, I trust you,’” she continued, urging those listening to the service online and in the sanctuary to repeat her words.

“Through dry seasons, through rainy seasons you have to trust God. God knows how to get you what you need,” she told churchgoers.

In her love-filled lesson on the economics of the Kingdom of God, Minister Bailey broke it down for believers.

“A supply zone in the stock market is a place where investors are waiting to take profit,” she explained. “If the law of supply in the Kingdom of God is where we give and trust God, then the supply zone is also where we can tap into the fruit of our giving,” she said.

“The only people who can take advantage of this zone are those who are in a position…those who have invested in that stock,” she elaborated. “Are we building up our heavenly accounts?” she challenged the congregation. “For some of you, it is a skill you need to sharpen…the Lord is like ‘go back and take a class,’” she laughed.

“You are going to have to do something with what God has already given you,” the vivacious minister continued. “You are going to have to take this plant,” she said holding up a small potted plant, “and feed, fertilize, and keep the bugs off of it.”

Making an investment in God’s economy requires work, faith and trust, Minister Bailey emphasized in her characteristic candid and caring manner.

“God will supply our needs not according to the American dollar, the stock market, but according to His economy, His riches, His glory, by Christ Jesus,” she said. “We tap into His supply by participating in the law of sowing and reaping. God is a giver.”

“You wouldn’t think of not paying your utility bill even though they will shut off your lights just like that. No loyalty. No remorse,” she said. “But, when it comes to giving, we are like Lord, let’s negotiate,” she continued. “The question is, when are you going to pass the test?’’ she asked.

“When are you going to get to the place where God is your only supply?” said Minister Bailey. “I’m not telling you to quit your job or be reckless and foolish. What I am saying is to start trusting God.”

View this message via faithdome.org or on the Ever Increasing Faith Ministry YouTube channel.

It was an impassioned call to action, nestled inside an insightful evangelical address. On March 26, Reverend Kenneth W. Hagin – president of Kenneth Hagin Ministries and pastor of RHEMA Bible Church in Broken Arrow, OK – urged churchgoers assembled at Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) to scale new heights as the congregation celebrates its 50^th Anniversary.

“I believe it is time for Crenshaw, and each one of you, to go to the next level in operations, resources, numbers in everything,” the visiting pastor said in his distinctive Texas drawl. “God has more for you than you can even dream of. God wants each of you to experience the full measure of the promises of God.”

Pastor Hagin’s plea wasn’t mere lip service. In a gesture that underscored his church’s commitment to helping CCC elevate its game, the Oklahoma minister presented Pastor Dr. Frederick K. Price with a check for $50,000. The cash infusion will help the legendary South L.A. sanctuary ramp-up its already substantial efforts in Bible teaching, community outreach, and more.

“I believe with all my heart that two men are looking over the banisters of heaven today at these two standing here,” Pastor Hagin said, referring both to himself and CCC Pastor Price.

“I know that my dad, Kenneth E. Hagin and your dad, Frederick K. C. Price, are looking at us and I am sure they are telling us ‘Go boys! Go!’,” he exhorted with tears streaming from his eyes.

“I loved my dad, I loved Fred Price,” he continued. “But our leaders are gone. It’s time for us to go to the next level spiritually, physically, financially, in every aspect of our lives.”

The two iconic churches have interconnected roots that run deep. Hagin’s father launched his ministry in 1963, eventually taking CCC founder Price and his esteemed first lady, Dr. Betty Price, under his wing. The Hagins and Prices eventually cultivated a bond so intimate, the elder Hagin considered the late Apostle Price to be his son.

Today, it seems like divine coincidence that both Kenneth Hagin Ministries and CCC are both celebrating landmark anniversaries. The Oklahoma church is marking a triumphant 60^th year, while the South L.A. sanctuary is honoring its half-century of community service with a series of special services expressly designed for the church’s 8,000-member ministry.

Dr. Betty Price praised Pastor Hagin and his father for their mentoring, which ultimately helped she and her late husband establish a legacy of faith and good works at CCC.  The former first lady and mother of the church stressed that CCC survives today as a result of the Hagin family’s nurturing counsel.

“The Hagin family has been a tremendous blessing to the body of Christ, and to all of us,” Dr. Price said. “None of us would be here without them teaching us to walk by faith, and not by sight. We are so blessed to have you here today.”

Pastor Hagin challenged CCC members to be bold in their faith. “God wants this church, and you individually, to make a difference in people’s life by taking up the mandate God gave my father in 1950 – ‘go teach my people faith.’”

Today, that doctrinal mandate is embodied in a global ministry commandeered by Pastor Hagin. Currently, RHEMA Bible Church and Kenneth Hagin Ministries operates 350 churches worldwide. Its 289 bible colleges are located in 59 nations, with over 116,000 graduates worldwide. The author of numerous books on faith, Pastor Hagin’s faith-fueled credo – “I cannot be defeated, and I will not quit” – is explored in numerous books, including “Soaring with the Eagles,” “The Table That Speaks,” and more.

“Many times, we are in situations and circumstances where our own thoughts defeat us,” Pastor Hagin said. “It takes courage to get out of your comfort zone and go to the next level. You have to have a conquering mindset. You have to believe there is nothing you cannot do or overcome with God and his Word.”

To underscore his message of faith and betterment, Pastor Hagin encouraged CCC members to focus their attention, time, and energy on the present.

“Looking forward gives you anticipation, looking behind you gives you nothing,” observed the pastor. “What happened yesterday is history. It can’t be changed. What happens today is up to you.”

The Oklahoma preacher evoked the founders of CCC and RHEMA, stating that the dearly departed Kenneth E. Hagin and Frederick K.C. Price are today guiding their respective churches from their celestial perches.

“I can hear my dad and Apostle Price cheering us on from heaven,” Pastor Hagin said. “They taught us faith. Let’s take that faith and go do something with it.”

It was one of those splendidly rare occurrences that seemed divinely inspired. After a series of wrathful storms pelted Los Angeles like Noah’s flood, the skies mysteriously cleared Sunday, February 26, just in time for parishioners to celebrate Crenshaw Christian Center’s (CCC) 50^th anniversary.

The special service featured Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford who brought a down-home message, “The Mysteries of the Glorious Church,” to the fold where her spiritual journey began.

The fiery pastor, teacher, mentor, and renowned force in gospel recording shared the story of how she was mentored by the late, legendary Apostle Frederick K.C. Price at the storied South Los Angeles house of worship he founded in 1973.

Pastor Crawford’s appearance was part of a yearlong observance at CCC as the church marks half a century of transforming lives through teaching the Word of God.

For Crawford, who faced homelessness after losing her mother when she was 10, CCC was a place of tremendous growth. The pioneering church is where she found herself and discovered her faith in God.

Former CCC First Lady, Dr. Betty Price, welcomed Apostle Crawford home, referring to her as a “spiritual daughter” of the church; someone whose brilliance and God-given gifts fostered a thriving women’s ministry at CCC (Crawford was ordained at the church in 1980).

“As a girl growing up, we never had a home,” she told the crowd at the Faith Dome, CCC’s world-renowned sanctuary. “I came here and found a home,” she continued. “I have only had one pastor, and it was Apostle Price. I was embraced by the Price family. I never had anything like that. I was the kid who had to wash my underwear in the gym at school.”

With unvarnished candor, humility, and a deep reverence for the Word, Apostle Crawford spoke passionately about the lessons she learned at CCC.

A decade of study and service at the church paved the way for her to start her own ministry. She is founder of Crawford Ministries, Inc., and senior pastor of Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church in Inglewood, CA.

Pastor Crawford established LAMPS (Leaders, Apostolic, Maturing & Mentoring Prophetic Seminars), a fellowship of international ministries united to advance the Kingdom of God and to help men and women fulfill their God-given destinies.

A Bible scholar who adamantly believes you must “read to lead,” Apostle Crawford has authored several books, including “The House of Chloe – Empowering and Encouraging Women in Leadership.” She is the chancellor and a professor at Bible Enrichment School of Theology (B.E.S.T.), a prophetic, spirit-filled institute of higher education.

During her February 26^th CCC appearance, the 77-year-old Angeleno reflected on her faith journey.

“When my mother died, I stopped going to church,” she confessed. “I couldn’t reconcile my mother’s death with God’s goodness.”

After years of not attending church, Apostle Crawford discovered the more she studied at CCC, the more her life began to change.

“Apostle Price taught me the tenets of faith, and by his example, he taught me to reconcile my mother’s death,” Pastor Crawford revealed. “It struck me that he lost a son…and yet he still loved Jesus. Through his life he taught me to trust God.”

“You grow up on revelation, not information,” she told those in attendance. “Only by divine revelation can God show you mysteries.”

Apostle Crawford believes many mysteries were revealed to her because she was willing to dig deep and build a thorough and enduring relationship with God.

“You can’t know God superficially,” she said. “You can’t have a tiptoe-through-the-tulips relationship with God. You don’t want to get cancer, or get where you really have to fight if you have a mediocre relationship with God.”

“What I learned from Apostle Price is to want more,” she informed the congregation. “Not just materially, but spiritually. What he wanted was to see people walking in miracles.”

Apostle Crawford challenged the congregation to embrace their life experiences, as she shared her family’s struggles with addiction, molestation, and homelessness.

“Don’t live in your secrets,” she said in her matter-of-fact style. “I may look like I have it all together, but it took me 50 years and a lot of studying, praying, fasting, and growing up again and again.”

“We are all here today by the bigness of God, and the graciousness of God,” she said. “You are not alone if you are a divorcee. You are not alone if you are a cancer survivor. There are so many things God wants us to know so we can see more and be more. I am whole, and I can fall on my knees with my eyes to the rising sun because of the goodness and grace of God.”

Crenshaw Christian Center is located at 7901 South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit faithdome.org.

50^th anniversary celebration includes a faith applied surprise

Faith begets faith. So, it was as homegrown son, Pastor Michael Amey, served as Crenshaw Christian Center’s (CCC) Sunday, January 15th guest speaker as part of the ministry’s yearlong jubilee.

Pastor Michael and his wife, Lady Tanya, affectionately known as “Pastor Mike and Lady T” are the founders of Experience Koi Global in Namibia, South Africa. Both were born and raised at CCC and are living testimonies of faith in action. Pastor Mike is faith manifested as his parents, Dennis and Viola, believed God amid a struggle to conceive their second child. They attended a service where Apostle Price prayed for couples unable to conceive, and they came forward. At home, they set an extra plate at the dining table in expectation. Within a year, they conceived, and Michael, who was both baptized and ordained as a pastor by Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, has come full circle — teaching in the pulpit of CCC.

Pastor Mike began his message by giving thanks for the opportunity and presenting a custom art piece to convey how the ministry’s message of faith has transformed the continent of Africa. He stated, “Every place we go, everyone knows Dr. Price.” He continued, “You are the result of someone who took a step of faith. Dr. Price took a step of faith and opened the door for others to walk through, and he gave us powerful revelation. Legacy is built on revelation and to have victory you must apply the revelation.”

Pastor Mike recalled several moments, from childhood to adulthood, sharing that he learned a lot from the ministry, including the word of God, how to worship, how to read the bible, and how to study the bible. Children’s church taught adept personal accountability as a misadventure resulted in being placed on the stage. Yet, this too served as a lesson with creative reframing and negotiation skills at work when his Dad came to retrieve him.

Years later, Pastor Mike, who graduated from Hamilton High and Clark Atlanta, worked in the CCC bookstore, where Apostle Price’s messages played in the background. He served as an Event Coordinator for CCC’s Fellowship of Inner-City Word of Faith Ministries (FICWFM), and when he received the call to ministry, he was sent to Africa where this March marks his twelfth year.

Pastor Mike shared how Africa required him and Lady T to hear and perceive differently. The assignment challenged and stretched their faith. They were intentional about absorbing the culture, people, and happenings. They were informed that over 50% of the continent was under the age of 19. They pivoted their approach to meet people where they were. They had to learn different things — something Apostle Price taught — the importance of continuous learning.

Many more examples abounded of how The Ameys applied and stretched their faith. They were working on a building project when they read an article stating that 53% of the nation of Namibia is food insecure. They paused the building effort, as they wanted to be a solution to this problem. They shifted their focus to acquiring a 50-acre farm. This would allow for the sale of harvests to stores, using the profit for the building project, while providing food to those in need. They had no idea how the $25,000 parcel would become theirs yet, like their parents, they believe God.

More faith-lived examples were shared, with reminders not to forget what God has done, including past victories. With the title, “We’re still that church,” Pastor Mike concluded with how CCC is still the church who birthed so many positive efforts. He named several: Toy Giveaways, Pray LA, Global Summit, Concert with Kenny G, Helen Baylor Live in the FaithDome, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (ADAP), Community Outreach Program (COP), Community Clean-ups. He added, “We believed God to build the FaithDome, parking structure, Youth Activity Center (YAC), and to give $1 million to missions. We’re still that church, and we accomplished all of this by faith! There’s tension between history and the future, and this must be okay. It’s my past that gives me direction for my future. This is still us, and we gon’ be alright!”

After his close, Pastor Fred Price shared remarks about Pastor Mike, stating, “I’m proud of you. I love you. I remember the bible studies you taught, and I remember saying ‘where’d this dude get all of this stuff from?’ Clearly, like me, you were here soaking it all up. Today, we saw evidence of this. Thank you so much!” Pastor Fred then thanked Lady T, the Ameys and the Byndons (Tanya’s parents and extended family) being present to celebrate the occasion. He went on to state that the ministry will take care of the farm — to which the congregation exulted.

The legacy of faith continues. Find Sunday’s full message on YouTube at faithdome.org. Join us on February 26^th when daughter of the ministry, Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford, delivers the next 50^th anniversary message.

Celebration kick-off includes Dr. Michael and Dee Dee Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center

On Sunday, November 27, many assembled in-person and online to kick-off a year-long celebration of God’s faithfulness to the ministry of Crenshaw Christian Center.

Upon arrival, parishioners were welcomed with a red carpet and festive backdrop for photo captures. Some participated in impromptu interviews, and all were gifted with a 50^th anniversary water bottle at the end of service.

Powerful praise and worship set the atmosphere, followed by a historical moment video whereby the mother of the house, Dr. Betty Price, shared how Crenshaw Christian Center came to be with her husband, the late Frederick K.C. Price, applying to buy a church on Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood.

“He was unknown, not someone who grew up in church, and one of 50 or more applicants. God raised him up to prevail, and he was selected to purchase the property,” stated Dr. Betty, who went on to introduce with great delight, Dr. Michael Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills, Maryland, as her beloved spiritual son.

Dr. Michael Freeman, and his wife, Dee Dee, imbued the occasion with sparkle and elan. Their effervescent message of agape love and faith resonated deeply with Dr. Michael Freeman encouraging everyone to be stretched in their faith every time they enter the Faith Dome — the house that faith built.

He continued by stating, “I am all that I am because of Apostle Price and Dr. Betty.” He shared that he astutely studied Apostle Price and fashioned his life after him, applying the same biblical principles to being a husband, father, disciplined man of God, and building a ministry, and a host of successful business ventures for community benefit.

Dr. Betty, her children, and daughter-in-love, Lady Angel Price, were credited by Dr. Freeman with their own great example of God-given talent in use to advance the kingdom.

Dr. Freeman talked about the symbolism of 50 years as jubilee and a time of celebration after seven periods of seven years, equaling 49 years. Fifty is entering a new phase and area. He then gave the ministry a love gift in honor of 50 years of ministry.

He went on to share a message of how he watched Apostle Price, eliminating thoughts that were not producing, stating, “Whenever I was around him, I would ‘thought-jack’ him. Apostle pushed the ministry of faith teaching more than others. His sermons became my life. I encourage everyone to step up your expectations and enter this place as if you were teaching the next day!”

He summed up by admonishing all in the Family Day service to dominate and be the leader at whatever arena you are in, closing with 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”