Newly-Minted Pastor of Historic COGIC Church in Tenn. Doubles Attendance in Just Months
Charles Harrison Mason Patterson Sr. has stepped in as pastor of the Pentecostal Temple Institutional Church in Memphis, Tenn., and has doubled attendance since taking over just a few months ago.
Patterson took over as leader of the church from his father, the late J.O. Patterson, Jr., who was a former mayor of Memphis, and who died in June.
According to Charisma Magazine, Patterson attributes the increase in church attendance to the "process of the Lord."
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He believes that the church has increased in consecration, and alludes to the power of the Spirit which moves through it. Patterson believes that it is this spirit which is compelling a response from church attendees, allowing them to receive the Lord's blessing and to be saved.
The 34-year-old minister has, perhaps, also acquired some of his skills as a pastor from his family heritage, being the great-grandson of Church of God in Christ (COGIC) founder Charles Harrison Mason. Patterson plans to continue the legacy of his father.
The pastor also plans on weaving the ministry of the church into the fabric of its outlining community. He plans on establishing a health community, an after-school learning center, and a K-12 learning facility.
He is also planning on continuing a food and clothing ministry started by his father and ultimately opening a university as his grandfather wanted.
It is clear that Patterson has abundant energy, as he also holds a post within the national COGIC denomination as superintendant of national properties. He is also assistant church treasurer and a member of the national trustee board.
Despite Patterson's apparent boundless energy and his ability to be involved in many efforts, his focus appears resolutely geared toward serving the people of Pentecostal Temple.
J.O. Patterson Jr., who died at 76 after a long illness, was remembered by Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ during a memorial service in which, Patterson Sr. said, "Bishop Patterson taught us how to pray, how to stay together, and the importance of having a strong and loving relationship with the Lord."
The Church of God in Christ denomination is described as "a church of the Lord Jesus Christ in which the word of God is preached, ordinances are administered," and the doctrine of sanctification or holiness is emphasized, as being essential to the salvation of mankind. COGIC is the largest Pentecostal church and the fifth largest Christian church in the U.S.
Pentecostal Temple COGIC was founded in 1942 by J.O. Patterson Sr.
