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Kirbyjon H. CaldwellAmerican clergyman, pastor, banker
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Kirbyjon H. Caldwell: A Methodist Pastor with a Business Acumen
- Banking Career and Call to Ministry
- Pastorate at Windsor Village United Methodist Church
- Community Outreach and Empowerment
- Monumental Expansion and Acquisition
- Authorship and Recognition
- Personal Life
Kirbyjon H. Caldwell: A Methodist Pastor with a Business Acumen
Early Life and EducationKirbyjon H. Caldwell was born in 1953 in Houston, Texas. His father was a tailor who made suits for celebrities like James Brown and The Temptations, while his mother worked as a school counselor. Caldwell graduated from Kashmere High School, earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Carleton College in 1975, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business in 1977.
Banking Career and Call to Ministry
After working as an investment banker, Caldwell felt a call to Christian ministry. He pursued a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1981. During his studies, he also served as an associate pastor at St. Mary's United Methodist Church in Houston.
Pastorate at Windsor Village United Methodist Church
In 1982, Caldwell became the senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, which then had only 25 members. With the help of his father's friend, Skipper Lee Frazier, Caldwell created a television program that expanded his audience and grew the congregation.
Community Outreach and Empowerment
Caldwell's sermons focused on encouraging his congregants to emulate Jesus Christ and actively participate in their community. He transformed his church into a thriving community center, housing nonprofits like Patrice House (a shelter for abused children), educational programs, and a youth program.
Monumental Expansion and Acquisition
By the mid-1990s, Windsor Village United Methodist Church had grown exponentially. In 1993, the church acquired and renovated a former grocery store, transforming it into a multi-purpose center that included a school, medical clinic, college classrooms, affordable offices, a bank branch, and a welfare center.
Authorship and Recognition
In 1996, a feature article on Caldwell in The Wall Street Journal led to a book deal with Simon & Schuster. In 1999, he co-authored "The Gospel of Good Success" with Mark Seal, exploring themes of prosperity and success. His second book, "Entrepreneurial Faith," was published in 2004.
Personal Life
Caldwell has been married twice. His first wife, Patrice Johnson, died in a plane crash in 1989. He later married Suzette Turner, the sister of Miss America 1990 Debbye Turner. They have three children: Turner, Nia, and Alexander.
