Pastor Christian was born in 1971 in Leesburg, Florida to John Christian and Florence Hartage. After graduation from Leesburg High School in 1989, Pastor Christian attended University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. He later completed his Associate’s degree from Lake Sumter Community College in Leesburg, FL. He later transferred to Saint Leo University of Saint Leo, FL., and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2000. In 2002 he received his Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in management. Pastor Christian also serves on the Leesburg City Commission and served as Mayor in 2005 and 2008. He also is a licensed Real estate Agent since 1995 and a Licensed Mortgage Broker since 2003
Pastor Christian accepted his call to the ministry while a deacon at his parent’s church (Superintendent Lonnie Smith and First Lady Florence Smith) at the Leesburg Church of God in Christ and began to prepare for full-time ministry. In 1997 Pastor Christian enrolled into the C. H.Mason Bible College, where he continued his educational teachings. Pastor Christian has spent more than 30 years in the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop C.D. Kinsey and Bishop Rushie Dixon of the Central Florida Jurisdiction.
Additionally, Pastor Christian also founded the Men Of Distinction (MOD) of Leesburg on February 3, 1997. Through his vision and dedication, the MOD launched many community oriented events, such as: summer programs, voter registration drives, health fairs, community choirs, and anti-tobacco programs. These events that were hosted by the MOD, were implemented and designed to transform the Leesburg Community.
Furthermore, Pastor Christianhas served as a Youth Minister and as the Director of the Florida State’s Young People Willing Worker (YPWW) , within the Church of God In Christ (COGIC). Under his leadership as building chairman he moved an entire building that became the Leesburg Church of God in Christ main sanctuary. After his release in the new millennium, Pastor Christian was given a vision by God to begin a new ministry with the foundation of “loving a hurting people.” With this new profound vision, Pastor Christian founded Christian Worship Center Church (CWC) on January 3, 2000.
In just 8 years, under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Christian, CWC has grown over 300 members strong.Under his leadership, Christian Worship Center has expanded its territory, with the expansion of an additional church service of Christian Worship Center that is located in The Villages, Florida. Second, Pastor Christian is the visionary and founder of Kids of Distinction’s (KOD) Child Care Learning Center. Currently, within the City of Leesburg, there are 3 KOD facilities. Thirdly, CWC has acquired multiple properties within the Lake County region, including the purchase of the former 15th Street Church of God within Leesburg, FL.
Needless to say, Pastor Christian is an influential force in the Central Florida area and throughout the United States. His sought out charismatic personality, contagious humor and attitude, attracts him to speak at revivals, conferences, workshops, and retreats throughout the country.
When Pastor Christian is not working diligently at church or spending time with his family, (Constance (wife of 14 years) and his 4 children, Devon, Jonvier, Johsua, and Czenobia) hestill enjoys playing and watching sports and is an Orlando Magic fan.
|
