MEET OUR MINISTRY LEADERS
Meet Elder Allen:
Passionate Follower of Christ
For over 40 years, Elder Arnold Allen has passionately followed Jesus the Christ. His journey began in July of 1980 when his aunt invited him to a Bible Class. That evening marked his very first experience in a Bible Class, the start of a lifelong journey. During that very same Bible Class, the spirit of God deeply moved Elder Allen, leading him to dedicate his life to the Lord and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Christ. On that same evening, he proudly joined Grace Congregational Church as a member. Not long thereafter, in September 1982, Elder Allen received the gift of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Elder Allen’s heart is driven to share the gospel of Jesus the Christ with others, which is the great commission of the church. Since his salvation, Elder Allen has been consistently and actively involved in GCC Evangelism Ministries. These Evangelism Ministry activities include Door-to-Door Witnessing, Drive-Thru Prayer, and street preaching.
Elder Allen
Minister Burris
Meet Minister Burris:
Enthusiastic Faith Leader
A founding member of Grace Congregational Church (GCC), Minister Alethea Burris gave her life to Jesus the Christ at a young age, ultimately being baptized in August 1975. She was then filled with the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues, as a young teenager.
Propelled by her professional career in education, Minister Burris's great teaching expertise continues to inspire her both personally and spiritually. Throughout her journey at GCC, Minister Burris embraced various roles including, Children’s Church School Teacher, Youth and Children’s Ministry Director, and an active volunteer with the Evangelism Ministry, ministering at various facilities throughout the greater Houston area.
Meet Minister Cotton:
A Testament of Faith
Minister Joseph Cotton has been a cherished member of Grace Congregational Church since May 2011. His spiritual journey took a significant turn when he was baptized in the name of Jesus the Christ in September 2011. Just a year later, in September 2012, he experienced the transformative gift of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Growing up in the Baptist church, Minister Cotton had an early understanding of Jesus the Christ and His teachings. However, during his teenage and early adult years, he struggled to fully embrace his upbringing. It was during two life-altering events in the 1980s—events that could have ended his life—that he realized the profound truth: he was saved by the grace of God, which he now recognizes as a testament to his resilience and faith.
Today, Minister Cotton dedicates his time as a Sunday Prayer Leader and a Co-Leader of the Men's Ministry. Previously he served as the GCC Photographer and a Teaching Assistant at the R. L. Finney Christian Academy. His contributions to the church body have been invaluable.
Minister Cotton
Elder Godley
Meet Elder Godley:
A Life Transformed by Faith
In a remarkable journey of faith and service, Elder A. David Godley dedicated his life to Jesus the Christ in October 1977, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter. Relocating from the sunny shores of California to the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, he became a member of Grace Congregational Church in 1980. His deep commitment and leadership were recognized when, in 2008, he returned to Grace and was appointed chaplain at R.L. Finney Academy under the guidance of the late Bishop R. L. Finney, Sr.
Elder Godley's influence extends beyond his local church; he is affiliated with several prominent religious organizations, including: PAW (Pentecostal Assembly of the World), World Outreach Christian Assemblies Churches, Shield of Faith Worldwide and The Infinite Way Churches of Christ.
Meet Minister Robinson:
Dedicated Spiritual Leader
Minister Rhonda Robinson’s journey of faith began in December 1973, when she committed her life to Jesus the Christ and was baptized. Under the nurturing guidance of the late Bishop R.L. Finney, Sr., she joined Grace Congregational Church, marking the start of a profound spiritual odyssey. In April 1974, Minister Robinson experienced a pivotal moment in her faith: she received the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues, a transformative event that solidified her belief in God's promises.
As a professional educator, Minister Robinson's passion for imparting knowledge and inspiration is evident in both her personal and spiritual life. Throughout her ministry at GCC, she has worn many hats—serving as a Church School Teacher, Cell Leader, Children’s Choir Director, Praise Team Member, a committed active Evangelism Ministry participant, and a member of the Women’s Ministry Executive Board, among other roles. She currently serves as the lead teacher of the GCC new member's course, Orientation to Discipleship, sharing the Bible beliefs of GCC with all those desiring discipleship under the leadership of Grace Church. Her commitment to service has been unwavering, contributing significantly to the growth and vibrancy of her Grace.
Minister Robinson
Elder Tate
Meet Elder Tate:
Passionate Servant Leader
Elder Billie Tate's spiritual journey took root when she gave her life to Jesus the Christ and was baptized in July 1973. Shortly thereafter, she received the gift of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues.
As a founding member of Grace Congregational Church, Elder Tate has embraced numerous roles throughout its inception, including Director of Christian Education, Church School Teacher, and Youth Director. Additionally, she has served in various GCC Evangelism Ministry activities including Drive-Thru Prayer. All of Elder Tate’s roles and responsibilities have ultimately demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the body of GCC and a life committed to kingdom service.
Elder Tate’s professional teaching career encompassed roles from elementary school to college professor. Her dedication to teaching, and education, and a life of service is evident in both her personal and faith journey.
Meet Minister Thomas:
Devoted Leader in Ministry
For over 25 years, Minister Rachel Thomas has passionately dedicated herself to spreading the gospel of Jesus the Christ. Born into a family deeply grounded in the Word, her journey began at the Grace Congregational Church (GCC), where her parents, Bishop Walter Turner, Jr., and First Lady Leanda Turner, nurtured her spiritual foundation.
Currently, Minister Thomas plays a pivotal role at GCC as the Organizational Manager, in addition to Communications Director, and Finance Ministry Representative. Additionally, her kingdom service within GCC includes various roles such as a member of the Praise & Worship Team, a participant in the Dance Ministry, and a member of the Women’s Ministry Executive Board. Furthermore, she has contributed as a Church School Teacher and a Children’s and Youth Ministry volunteer.
Minister Thomas has always been driven by her passion for kingdom service, embracing opportunities to serve in ministries across multiple churches nationwide, during her time in college and in her military career in the U.S. Air Force.
Minister Thomas
Minister Turner
Meet Minister Turner:
Passionate Faith Leader
Minister Aaron Turner’s faith journey began with his baptism in June 1992. His faith deepened significantly through the teachings of the late Bishop R.L. Finney, Sr. at Grace Congregational Church, and under the guidance of his parents, Bishop Walter Turner Jr., and First Lady Leanda Turner. Throughout his college years and into early adulthood, he gained a richer understanding of his relationship with God, recognizing the grace and favor bestowed upon him even in challenging times. This realization led him to commit his life to honoring God’s Word and fulfilling the divine purpose set before him.
Within the Body of Christ at large, Minister Turner currently serves as the National Youth President of the United Christian Fellowship Alliance. In the body of GCC he is actively involved in various Evangelism Ministry initiatives, including Drive-Thru Prayer and Food Distribution. Minister Turner also serves as a GCC Usher and Baptism Counselor, offering Jesus the Christ to those who seek Him. Minister Turner's mission in reaching the children and youth is clearly seen in his service with the GCC Youth and Children's Ministry, serving as a teacher during Sabbath Life Group and leading the youth in prayer on Sabbath mornings. His passion for helping others is evident in every aspect of not only his young children's education career but also his faith service.
Meet Deacon Turner:
A Beacon of Inspiration
From a profound spiritual awakening to a successful career in finance, Deacon Philip Turner embodies resilience and dedication. His journey is not only a testament to his faith but also a beacon of inspiration for those navigating their professional paths.
Deacon Turner’s spiritual journey began with his baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues. He became a member of Grace Congregational Church at birth and was officially ordained as a Deacon in May 2024. A pivotal moment in Deacon Turner’s life occurred when he faced a serious health challenge: a meningitis diagnosis at a young age. Through this harrowing experience, he felt the profound grace and mercy of God, emerging from it with a renewed sense of purpose. This experience has deeply shaped his outlook on life and his faith.
Deacon Turner currently actively serves and cares for the GCC Disciples. His commitment extends to various areas of service within GCC including: Drive-Thru Prayer, Food Distribution, Baptisms, and Facility Maintenance, ultimately caring for the physical church house.
Deacon Turner
Deaconess Turner
Meet Deaconess Turner:
A Testament of Resilience
Deaconess Brianna Turner’s journey of faith and service is an inspiring testament to resilience and commitment. Since her transformative baptism in October 2010, Deaconess Turner has devoted her life to following the teachings of Jesus the Christ, becoming a member of Grace Congregational Church.
In May 2024, Deaconess Turner was officially ordained as a Deaconess at Grace Congregational Church. Her leadership role has allowed her to deepen her relationship with God through prayer, scripture study, and active support for fellow GCC Disciples. Deaconess Turner also plays an active role in Baptisms and various Evangelism Ministry activities such as Drive-Thru Prayer and Food Distribution. Additionally, she welcomes all who enter on Sabbath mornings at the Guest Welcome Center.
Meet Sister Dixon:
A Beacon by Faith
Sister Marleigh Dixon’s journey of spiritual growth took a significant turn when she was baptized in February 2023, marking a new chapter in her relationship with Jesus the Christ. But Sister Dixon’s spiritual awakening began earlier, in 2021, when she received the gift of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by her speaking in tongues. This profound experience not only enriched her faith but also paved the way for her to join Grace Congregational Church in March 2024, where she has since become an integral part of the congregation.
Currently, Sister Dixon serves as the Deacon Ministry Assistant, where she diligently cares for the GCC Disciples. Her commitment extends to various ministries within the church, including: Drive-Thru Prayer, Food Distribution, Church Decorations, and Welcoming Guests at the Guest Welcome Center on Sabbath mornings.
Outside of her church responsibilities, Sister Dixon is passionate about giving back to the community. She enjoys feeding and providing toiletries for the homeless, demonstrating her commitment to service and care for those in need.
Sister Dixon
