Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaylon Pierce.
Gaylon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey through the church began in Tyler, TX, at the Smith Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop David R. Houston. I was very active in the Youth Department as a child, I participated in the Drill/Step Team, Youth Choir as well as Sunday School. Upon my family relocating to Dallas, my family and I joined the Compassionate Community Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Elder Carl R. Butler Sr. in Dallas, TX. While here, I served in the music ministry. I was the Youth Choir Director and was eventually appointed as the Adult Choir Director from the age of 12 until I was 14. After leaving Compassionate, my family joined the Victory Cathedral Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Supt. Benjamin Garrett. While here, God expanded my ministry. I accepted my call to the ministry at the age of 15. On January 15, 2006, I preached my official sermon as a Minister. I served as the Youth Pastor, Step Team Coach, Drama Ministry Director, and other ministry capacities on the Local, Jurisdictional, and National Levels in the Church of God In Christ. Fast forward to 2023, I’m heavily involved in ministry with my wife, Kiara Pierce, in Tyler, TX. Currently leading 2 ministries, Word City Church and Christian Teaching Center, newly appointed Interim-Pastor. Not only that, but I also serve as AIM (Auxiliaries In Ministry) Chairman for Texas Covenant Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Gilbert I. Gillum Jr.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. In 2012, my wife and I found out that we were pregnant and that it was a boy. I wasn’t overly excited at first because I was scared about being a father and didn’t know if I would be ready for the task. As time went on, we found out that our unborn son had a rare form of Dwarfism known as Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia. The doctor bluntly told us that our son had a 50/50 % chance of survival once he would be born because his lungs had not yet formed; however, it was still time for the lungs to develop. His skull was not how they wanted, and by the next visit, it was perfect. Every week were going to a specialist and her regular doctor. Once the 8th month came the doctor said, “We need to induce your labor because your son is not going to live.” “His lungs have not yet formed; his heart is taking up his entire chest cavity and would not survive outside of the womb.” My wife and I were devastated and distraught at the news. My wife became depressed and suicidal. She delivered our son, and when he came out took one breath and left this earthly home, and entered into eternity. During the entire pregnancy and the first part of our marriage, our parents weren’t getting along. It was very hard. And God spoke to me and told me that my son wasn’t going to make it. He was born to die. His purpose was to die to bring our families together. Although it was hard on my wife and I we had to accept God’s will. The enemy made us feel and think that we couldn’t have children because we lost a son, and she had miscarriages following the pregnancy of our son Isaac. But, my spiritual father, Supt. Benjamin Garrett prophesied that we would have a child. And our daughter, Keylen Shanice-Hope Pierce, was born September 28, 2013!
I am a Pastor, Community Leader, Podcast Host (Purposeful Conversations), as well as the founder and host of Young Preachers Conference. Young Preachers Conference is designed for male and female ministers of the gospel that are looking to enhance their gifts, share their thoughts and receive knowledge from some of the sharpest minds in the kingdom.
This 2-Day conference features a Friday Night worship service and close out with Saturday Morning Training Sessions, Panel Discussions and ending with the YPC Mixer. This year’s conference will be held in Tyler, TX August 16-17, 2024. What I think sets me apart from others is my heart and passion for ministry. I absolutely love people. You cannot be in ministry and not like people. If you stay real and true to your call, people will buy into you; it’s the consistency and authenticity that they see. We all have something that we were purposed to do; once you figure that out and remain true to it, it will take you places and open doors that you never thought you would access.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My success is attributed to my determination. Without this characteristic, I would not be where I am today. I am 35 years old and have been in ministry since I was 15. As a teenager being in ministry, it wasn’t easy at all. You’re basically coming into an area dominated by individuals who are, of course, old enough to be your parent and grandparent. You almost have to prove to them that God called you to the ministry, so you do so by trying to be much older than you are, which causes you to lose touch with your peers but gain validation from your seniors. But you also have those who feel that you’re trying to “find yourself” and that you don’t have no sense of direction, so you set out to prove to others that you have found your purpose in life. One has to be determined to make it in what some would say, “there’s no money in that” or “you’re in it just for the money”. I had learned in my 20 years of being in ministry that determination is a major factor in longevity in ministry because if you don’t have it, you will not last.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ypcon
