The Kingdom Voice

Kingdom Business for Kingdom Builders

Issue 1

Sunday, January 10, 2016

By Desiree Taylor

Breaking the Ceiling: Local Female Pastor to be Elevated to

Bishop

ompassion seems to be a word that is frivolously tossed around these days. From

paid programming advertisements on how to send 50 cents a day to a starving family in Africa,
or helping a needy family during the Christmas season, showing genuine concern for others is
not a top priority for some.
For Jacqueline D. McLemore, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Enforcers Worship Center in
Montgomery, Ala., showing mercy and kindness to members of the community is a part of her
makeup.
After giving her life to the Lord and receiving the call to ministry in 1981, Pastor McLemores
chief mission is to impact communities for the cause of Christ, with one mind, one people, and
one God. Additionally, preaching and teaching the
word of God to equip, impact, and transform
the lives of men, women, boys and girls,
demonstrates the churchs vision.
We dont measure ourselves by anybody elses
standards, McLemore said during a recent talk
with her new members class. Whatever comes out
our mouths should give God the glory. We all have
gifts and abilities that can help someone else.

Pastor Jacqueline D. McLemore (L) stands with

church member Garcia Long (R). McLemore will
be installed as Bishop in February 2016. Photo
courtesy G. Long 2016

Because of her faithfulness, commitment to the Church and her community, Pastor McLemore
will be elevated to the position of Bishop in the month of February. Despite her initial
reservations, Pastor McLemore considers the installment an honor.
At one point, I questioned the position because I didnt understand it Biblically how women
could actually fill the position, McLemore said. After talking to Bishop [Leo Lewis], I
understand. Its God that brings about promotion - you must remain humble.
Many members of the Worship Center believe that McLemore is more than deserving of the
upcoming recognition.
Demetria Mims, who is affectionately known as Sis Dee, has been a member for four months.
She believes Pastor McLemore is a great leader.
Shes an awesome teacher of the true word of God, Mims said.
For high school student Kymberlin Gilchrist, Pastor McLemore serves as an inspiration.
I grew up here [Kingdom Enforcers], Gilchrist said, who is also a member of the churchs
choir, praise and dance teams. Shes steered me in the right direction.
Isaiah Brunson, 13, has been a member of the church for five years with his parents Ministers
Cedric and Sabrina, and sister, Gabrielle. Brunson said he is happy about his pastors upcoming
role.
Shes been a great mentor ever since Ive been serving here as armor bearer its been a great
time, Brunson said. God has been gracious to her. Im really happy shes becoming a Bishop.
Faye Lewis, Church Mother and president of the Assemblys Women of Wisdom group, has
been a member of Kingdom Enforcers for six years. Lewis said she is excited about McLemore
going higher.
Shes always been sincere, honest and helpful, Lewis said. To God be the glory for her job
well done!
Many consider Pastor McLemore a great influence an exemplary pillar of strength, holiness,
and authenticity.
Shes one of the most loving pastors Ive ever known, said Mark Stevenson, who serves as
deacon in the Assembly and has been a member for five years. Shes a godly woman and
faithful.

LeShena Hampton, who serves as a member of Shepherds Care and various auxiliaries within
the church, felt an instant connection with McLemore upon meeting her at a Dollar General
many years ago. At the time, Hampton said she wanted to give up on church.
I met her during a time where I was a member of a church for 12 years, Hampton said, who
currently heads the churchs Nurses Guild. She talked to me, and there was an immediate
connection. I started visiting the church when she was on Narrow Lane Road, and I waited two
years to join after that.
Ive been growing ever since in the knowledge of Christ, Hampton said, smiling as she
reminisced.
Pastor McLemore, who has served under Bishop Franklin McNeil and remains under the tutelage
of Bishop Leo S. Lewis, Sr. of Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center in Montgomery,
says her church members have been receptive in regards to knowledge of her upcoming position.
Theyve received it very well, McLemore said. Theres a level of duties a Bishop is given.
My church has been taught.
Rosalyn Smith, who serves as the churchs Assistant Pastor, has known McLemore since the
early 2000s. She believes Pastor McLemore is now working her hearts desire.
Everything weve done, weve done together, Smith said concerning the twos start in
ministry. We were just two women who didnt know anything about building a ministry. We
stepped out in faith. Its amazing to see how God has taken us this far!
For Smith, who has been pastoring for 12 years, the elevation ceremony will be bittersweet.
In an elevation, the whole church is elevated nothing stands still, Smith said. Everything is
shifted. Its a whole different lifestyle when youre elevated Im ready to move into what God
has for me.
From tutorial programs to mentoring groups such as Boys 2 Men and Gods Girls Plus Glory
among others, there is still much more that the Bishop-Elect desires to do in 2016.
I want to stick with the vision Ive held on to for years, Pastor McLemore said. I want to
bring our young men off the street get single men and women together I want to reach out
to the community.
Most importantly, Pastor McLemore desires for the church to maintain the presence of God in
this New Year.
I believe we must bring ourselves to a higher level of fasting and praying staying before God
more than ever before, McLemore said. Our church is built on fasting and praying. We need to

get a greater revelation in God read more than ever [things of substance], and get in the word
more.
Kingdom Enforcers held its elevation celebration program for Pastor McLemore on Friday,
January 8 at 7 p.m., inside the Capital City Club, located at 201 Monroe St., Suite 2100. Notable
guests included Bishop Leo and First Lady Sharon Lewis, Apostle Wales Williams Jr., BishopElect W. Channing Jackson, and Pastor Linda Dunn, among others.