District Conference 2025 is in the books, but what a story was written! I have already received many testimonies from ministers and ministers’ spouses concerning the services and sessions – testimonies of restoration, refreshing, encouragement, understanding, and a renewed passion to move forward in ministry.

Wednesday evening, I was amazed to see the Delisa Cox Center nearly full of hundreds of ministers, leaders, and families who came to celebrate the Ordination of four candidates: Rev. David B. Bunch, Rev. Kyle Dillingham, Rev. Byron Reeves, and Rev. Daniel Wilson. A huge congratulations to these good men and their families. There was such a powerful presence of God that evening, filled with worship, preaching, celebration, and closing with prayer over our wonderful Ordination recipients.

The Thursday morning sessions were very refreshing and filled with laughter and ministry medicine. Dr. Carl Wilson, from the Southern California District, taught two sessions emphasizing the importance of taking care of your body through sleep, the proper diet, and prioritizing your time. He taught, “before taking care of everyone else, the ministry should first take care of themselves”. Of course, not only a good physical diet was important, but a good spiritual diet as well. His session on “Balancing Family and Ministry” should be heard by every minister and their spouse. Our priority should be God first, balanced with spending quality time with our family so that our family is not neglected. It was a very good session as well.

Sandwiched between Dr. Wilson’s two sessions was our Forum moderated by Bro. Ryan Franklin. The Forum participants were Dr. Kerri Wilson (TX), Bro. Donnie Underwood (LA), and Bro. Scott Sistrunk (MO). Their theme, “Beyond the Pulpit”, dealt with spiritual and emotional health. These three participants exhibited their deep knowledge and experiences and shared vital thoughts on emotional exhaustion and spiritual dryness. During this Forum we laughed together, but I am sure there were a few tears in the house.

I highly recommend that you contact our District Book Store (labookstore@ladistupc.com) and order recordings of all of Thursday’s sessions.

Our Thursday evening began with the 100% Cooperation Awards. Once again, we set an all-time record of 185 churches who received this grand award! WOW! Thank You Pastors & congregations of the Louisiana District for joining together and supporting the mission of our departments.

Also, that evening we awarded our Top Five Givers of 2024 (previous year) for World Missions:

     1st Place ($555,311) – The Pentecostals of Alexandria / Pastor Gentry & Bishop Anthony Mangun

     2nd Place ($291,797) – First UPC of New Orleans / Pastor Richard Dykes, Jr.

     3rd Place ($287,200) – The Pentecostals of Bossier / Pastor Ryan & Bishop Jerry Dean

     4th Place ($282,812) – Wallace Ridge Pentecostal Church / Pastor Tyler Stevison

     5th Place ($245,690) – First Pentecostal Church of Denham Springs / Pastor Billy Johnson, Jr.

Congratulations to these pastors and their amazing churches on such a remarkable year of giving!

Our UPCI NAM Director, Bro. Scott Sistrunk, closed the evening with a message sent from God. His message spoke to and ministered to everyone present. If you missed this powerful message, you owe it to yourself to reach out to our Louisiana District Book Store (labookstore@ladistupc.com) and get a copy of the service.

We began Friday morning with our annual District Business Session. I am always amazed at the unity which is displayed when we get together. Congratulations to the following men and women who were re-appointed, elected, or re-elected:

     Children’s Ministry Director – Bro. Eddie Gorden

     Global Missions Director – Bro. Eddie Tilley

     Ladies Ministry Director – Sis. Mikelle Maxwell

     Ladies Ministry Secretary – Sis. Michelle Jenkins

     Men’s Ministry Director – Bro. Damon Magee

     North American Missions Secretary – Bro. Dewaine Parker

     Youth Ministry Director – Bro. Drew Galloway

     Presbyter-At-Large: Bro. Lionel Thierry

     Presbyter-At-Large: Bro. Joseph Zambrano

I want to personally thank Karen (Weber) for her 7 years as Section 3 Ladies Director and then 6 years as our District Ladies President. She has been a tremendous blessing to the Ladies of the Louisiana District. Our Ladies Department presented her with a parting gift for the years of excellence served.

Also, in the business session, we received Camp Meeting Pledges in the amount of over $69,000! Thank You, Pastors, for your continued assistance with the costs of our most incredible Camp Meetings.

Resolutions

Both Resolution #1 (updating the approval process for new church plants & daughter works) and Resolution #2 (updating the Children’s Ministry portion of the Louisiana Constitution) passed with a voice vote.

Mission Louisiana

Part of our Thursday evening service included an update for Mission Louisiana.

As of March 2025, in just twenty-one months, we have given $1,604,742 to Mission Louisiana!

This year at our Louisiana District Camp Meeting, we will celebrate two years into our three-year giving campaign for Mission Louisiana. Our pastors have pledged over $3,000,000 to help build our New Boys’ Dorm. It’s nearly a reality. With cash-in-hand we will build the first new District Building that has been built in over 50 years. What a consolation to know that our giving to Mission Louisiana is helping to assure that our Campgrounds will be around for generation to come should the Lord tarry His return.

Statewide Youth Rally

2025 Louisiana District Conference was everything and more than we expected. But to close out the week, on Friday evening our youth gathered from all over the state to attend our Louisiana District Statewide Youth Rally on the Campgrounds. There were at least 3500 in attendance that night. We have the most talented and anointed young people who led us in worship. And the message by our Youth President, Bro. Drew Galloway, was outstanding as he challenged our youth who flooded the altars in response. Only God knows the calls, healings, life directions, and renewed passions that were received that Friday evening in the Tabernacle.

Once again, I want to say how blessed and honored I feel to be a part of such a glorious group of ministers and congregations across our state. May God help us to prepare for the greatest outpouring of the Holy Ghost and revival we have ever witnessed!

The Sacred Duty of Self-Care: Honoring the Temple

I want to share some thoughts about a subject that is sometimes overlooked in our theology and discussion of living our lives for God: the importance of taking care of yourself. Too often, we’re encouraged to give, give, give, but we forget that, in order to be vessels of service, we must first be in good condition to serve. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s an act of obedience to God and a declaration that you are worthy of His love and care.

Self-Care is a Divine Command. In the scripture, Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But how can we love others if we don’t first love and care for ourselves? This command is not just for the benefit of others, but for us as well. The love we give out must come from a place of fullness and balance, not from an empty well.

When we neglect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, we dishonor the very temple God created us to be. The Bible tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6:19). Therefore, our bodies, minds, and souls deserve the same care and attention we give to the ones we love and are called to care for.

We live in a world that can be exhausting. Not only are we a part of a world where everything seems upside-down with economic, social, political stresses, and more; but like Paul said, then there’s the care of the churches.

You, as ministers, pastors, and leaders, care for the church. If the church only consisted of brick, carpet, and wood, the stress would be much less. But the church is made up of people. Many years ago, I heard someone say, “There’s no greater stress then when you are helping others deal with their stress”. As a former pastor of 25 years, I can testify to that fact. The duties of caring, guiding, counseling, encouraging, advising, and ministering to people sometimes seem to take more than we have. We understand people are our ministry, but we also know that ministry to people can quickly drain us, because it involves all three elements of who we are emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Unless you replenish those three areas and find time for renewing, you can easily face burn-out. God calls us to resist the urge to burn out. Self-care is an act of resistance. It affirms that, despite everything going on around us, I will care for the precious gift of life that God has entrusted to me. When we take time to rest, recharge, and heal, we show the world that we are resilient and capable of withstanding the storms. We declare, “I will not be consumed by the pressures of this world or the great weight which can come with ministry.”

We are holistic beings, made up of body, mind, and spirit. Taking care of ourselves means attending to all three areas:

• Physical Care: Your body is the temple where God’s Spirit resides. This means eating well, resting, moving, and seeking medical care when needed. The body is not just something to be used up and discarded, but a sacred vessel.
• Mental and Emotional Care: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Too often, we suffer in silence, feeling that seeking help or setting boundaries is a sign of weakness. But God has given us the capacity to think, to feel, and to grow. Take time to nurture your mind, and don’t be afraid to seek therapy, community support, or to take moments of solitude for your mental well-being.
• Spiritual Care: Spend time with God. Pray, read His Word, reflect on His goodness, and allow His presence to renew your soul. The strength we need to navigate the world’s trials, and the weight of ministry comes from spending intimate time with our Creator. This isn’t just about Sunday service; it’s about an ongoing relationship that keeps you grounded.

You are a masterpiece of God’s creation. He has designed you with purpose, with love, and with great care. So, when you feel overwhelmed, tired, or burned out, remember that taking care of yourself honors the Lord. It’s not just about the body or mind; it’s about the whole person. I encourage you to rest in God’s love and care, to nourish your body, to nurture your mind, and to deepen your relationship with God. When you do this, you are not only serving yourself, but you are also honoring God’s work in you.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE – “Ministry Wholeness”

This year, District Conference 2025 will be a place of rejoicing and renewing. We have planned this conference – every speaker, every topic – to help strengthen our ministers and their spouses. Conference schedule:

Wednesday, March 19 (DCC)

7:00pm –   Ordination (Speaker: District Superintendent)

Thursday, March 20 (DCC)

9:30am

• Dr. Carl Wilson - Leadership Wellness
• Forum: “Beyond the Pulpit: Guarding your heart, mind, & calling” (Rev. Ryan Franklin, Dr. Kerri Wilson, Rev. Donnie Underwood, Rev. Scott Sistrunk)
• Dr. Carl Wilson – Balancing Family & Ministry

6:30pm –   100% Awards / World Missions Giving Awards

7:00pm –   Rev. Scott Sistrunk, UPCI NAM Director

Friday, March 21 (DCC)

9:30am –    Business Meeting / Department Awards

Friday, March 21 (Tabernacle)

7:30pm –    State-Wide Youth Rally

MISSION LOUISIANA

We have just surpassed

$1.6 MILLION DOLLARS

for Mission Louisiana!

In just 1 ½ years we have given 64% of the $2.5 million needed to build our New Boys’ Dorm DEBT FREE! We are believing for God’s miracle blessings upon all our pastors, ministers, and churches who have given toward this grand cause. Let’s continue this very worthy move toward the upgrading of our most wonderful campgrounds. We are making a way for future generations to experience everything we have and more.

Happy March!

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SUPERINTENDENT'S ITINERARY

March

1                  Katy, TX – “Revitalize” Growth Conference

3-6              St. Louis, MO – General Board Meetings

9                  Central, LA – Pastor Glenn Murphy

18-19           Tioga, LA – District Board Meetings

19-21           Tioga, LA – District Conference

21                Tioga, LA – Statewide Youth Rally

23               Lafayette, LA – Pastor Derek Weber

24-28          Out of the Office          

30               St. Francisville, LA – Pastor Chad Mills

The Louisiana District is known for our uncommon UNITY, our sacrificial GIVING, and our passion for the MISSION. I believe our incredible departments are one of the driving forces behind these valued characteristics – Ladies, Men’s, Children’s, Youth Ministries, Global, and North American Missions. These are not six different departments leading in different directions. They lead in the same direction with the same overall goal, to see souls saved and God’s people strengthened and empowered.

It is my opinion that we have the six most impactful and passionate department directors in North America! They lead with excellence, and all have been recognized among their respective peer groups as standing out from the rest.

When we give offerings to these departments, we are placing funds into the hands of leaders and committees who have strategies to reach more children, youth, men, and women with this glorious Gospel. They are ready to plan and implement events and programs to strengthen and provide Christian training to every person within their scope.

I am sure over the years some have asked, “Why do we send so much financial support to all these departments?”. Having been a pastor for 25 years, serving the Youth department on the section and district level, as the NAM director on the district level, and now as a Superintendent, I have had a bird’s eye view of the giving process. My answer to that question would be, “Because each department is capable of doing more with my financial support than I could ever do alone”. It’s the strength of being part of a “body”. My financial support adds exponentially to thousands of others who are also part of the organization. One of us is never stronger than all of us.We have found this to be true in the United Pentecostal Church.

This month, I have asked our six incredible department directors to provide a glimpse of their departmental vision.

Karen Weber, Louisiana Ladies Ministry

The mission of the Louisiana District Ladies Ministries (LDLM) is to encourage, equip, and empower apostolic women for service in the kingdom of God. Our vision involves ministering to the needs of all ladies, while also providing a model for future generations (Titus 2:3–5).

In 2025, LDLM will continue to connect with all God is doing through Mothers Memorial fundraising which supports missions, both globally and in North America, and numerous UPCI endorsed ministries. Through the efforts of our thirteen section leaders, LDLM will be providing spiritual uplifting and relational fellowship through section rallies, ladies events around the district, and especially at GLORIOUS 2025 Ladies Conference. On March 6 – 8, we will experience incredible God-moments at the campground through the ministry of Ginger Labat, Sarah Long, and others.

Connections directors within LDLM serve and minister to specific needs or groups. These include Women of Worth, ABLE, Building the Bridge, and Spanish ministries. We look forward to expanding our reach by adding more connections directors in the near future.

With grateful hearts, we say THANK YOU to each church, pastor, minister, and saint in Louisiana who believes in and supports Ladies Ministries.

Damon Magee, Louisiana Men’s Ministry

The Men’s Ministry of the Louisiana District exists to equip apostolic men to discover their purpose, power, and place in God’s Kingdom. Our mission is fulfilled by providing opportunities for service, worship, and leadership.

We encourage men to serve the local church and beyond through initiatives, like “Men on a Mission,” which includes building projects both locally and abroad. We offer opportunities for worship and connection at our annual “Dominion” Men’s Conference and sectional rallies, while challenging men to lead themselves and their families by providing valuable resources through upcimen.com.

Looking toward 2025, our vision is to grow our impact by expanding our Men’s Conference, reaching more men, and bringing more frequent and effective men’s rallies to every section of Louisiana. We aim to enhance our Kingdom impact through initiatives like the annual Father’s Day Offering, using our resources to further build the work of God.

We invite pastors and lay ministers to join us in prayer as we seek to restore men to their God-given roles, building a stronger church and community.

 

Eddie Gorden, Louisiana Children’s Ministry

The mission of the UPCI Children’s Ministries is to assist the whole church in developing and maintaining a healthy and effective church. This ministry trains, equips and motivates workers to evangelize, disciple, and nurture spiritual development among people of all ages with special emphasis on Children’s Ministries. We strive to serve the spiritual and natural needs of children.

In 2025, we are planning for the best annual Kid’s Camp. In addition, we will also hold our second ABLE Camp, “Camp IncredABLE”, for students with exceptionalities. Also this year, we’ll host a Louisiana Kid’s Statewide Rally at the camp grounds. Bible quizzing is also one of our passions, where our students compete with others to increase their Bible knowledge.

It is our desire to offer our Louisiana children the best. You are encouraged to be a part by giving to Save Our Children. Our children are the best; let’s lead them by giving the best offering in 2025. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” 

Our giving to Save Our Children makes way for many events, programs, and resources which are made available for our children to know and grow in Christ!

Drew Galloway, Louisiana Youth Ministry

The Louisiana District Youth Ministry (LDYM) aims to serve, partner with, and engage students in local churches across the district. Our focus is on providing opportunities for students to experience God and grow in their faith through discipleship and ministry that makes a tangible Kingdom impact.

In 2025, LDYM is committed to helping students make a difference in their communities, empowering them to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and spreading the gospel with the power of the spirit of God (Acts 1:8).

LDYM believes that students and young adults have a crucial role in the local church and in evangelizing during the end times. With a clear mission and vision, LDYM is confident that together, they can achieve great things for the Kingdom of God.

Our events will work in harmony with this vision to facilitate this kingdom mission in the lives of our students and young adults. We exist to impact students and empower them to make a difference locally that can have effects globally. We believe 2025 will be the greatest year yet for the churches of the Louisiana District!

Ryan Allmon, Louisiana North American Missions

“Seeding through Sending”

In the biblical context, the word SEED can refer to anything which has, within it, a quickening or creative force. The potential to produce, create, or multiply makes it seed. Jesus calls the Word of God seed in His parable of the seed, sower, and soil. When God spoke the promise to Abraham, he called those born from his lineage seed. Thus, words are seed, thoughts are seed, people are seed, even resources can be seen as seed. 

Considering that these things are seed, there are two principles driving the vision of Louisiana NAM:  

1) The harvest is ALWAYS greater than the seed sown.

2) We unequivocally reap what we sow.

The implication then is we may never receive a harvest from a seed we fail to sow. So, we commit to sowing seed, planting churches, and sending laborers! The Bible emphatically declares in 2 Corinthians 9:10, “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown...”. The prevailing thought for us to ponder is, if I had known it was a seed, I would have been more careful with how I handled it. LOUISIANA, let’s sow seeds by sending!

Eddie Tilley, Louisiana Global Missions

The Louisiana District UPCI Global Missions department is the liaison between UPCI missionaries and Louisiana District UPCI pastors and churches. Our district has led all districts for decades in total giving to Global Missions. Our giving goal is not only to continue, but to increase to new records we have never witnessed. Our pastors and churches can make this possible by scheduling our deputizing missionaries for services, including hosting a missionary.

Our team includes myself, Eddie A Tilley, as the Louisiana District Director, and three regional directors. Pastor Richard Dykes, Jr. is the director for the southern region, Pastor Ricky Wead Jr. is the director for the central area, and Pastor Reggie Bozeman is the director for the northern region.

Through the years, the Louisiana District has provided many missionaries and continues to be widely represented in several fields around the world. Over many decades, hundreds of churches have been built and tens of thousands of souls in over 230 countries and territories have been reached with the Gospel because of our support.

Let’s continue to fulfill “The Whole Gospel to the Whole World by the Whole Church”!

 

MISSION LOUISIANA

It is hard to believe that after only 18 months, halfway through our 3-year giving phase, we are now over $1.5 million in our giving to Mission Louisiana! At this pace, we should surpass our $2.5 million goal for our New Boys’ Dorm. We are only $1 million away from building a 280-bed dorm with cash in hand!

Only the Louisiana District could have accomplished this great feat and still give the largest offerings to our departments, not to mention Global Missions, where we have given approximately $4 million over the last year.

To those who are part of the giving plan to Mission Louisiana, THANK YOU! To those who have not given, please consider sending support to assist with this most important goal of building a New Boys’ Dorm. This project will bless our district in so many ways.

Happy February!

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S FEBRUARY ITINERARY 

3                  Section 12 Conference – Metairie, LA

4                  Section 13 Conference – Plattenville, LA

6                  Section 9 Conference – Winnsboro, LA

7                  Section 10 Conference – Ruston, LA

10                Section 1 Conference – Ponchatoula, LA

16                Evangeline, LA – Pastor Thomas Patterson

27-28           Katy, TX – “Revitalize” Growth Conference