Bishop
Houston
Cunningham speaks with passionate conviction about the Church and the
role he is called to play in its growth. A man dedicated to the
teachings of the Bible, Cunningham has not succumbed to popular trends
practiced by many churches today. This man of God does not want
the growth of his congregation to be due to the excellency of the choir,
the popularity of the singles ministry, or the variety of youth
programs. Although all of those things can be good,
Cunningham's priority is preaching the Word and leading others to
Christ.
Green
Pastures Sanctuary
Green
Pastures Christian Ministries is a fitting name for the church established by
Cunningham in 1989 with 11 members. The building is surrounded by
several acres of green grounds, some of which was previously a pecan
orchard and still has a few pecan trees scattered about. The church has been at its
present location since 1993.
The Bishop
described with clarity his vision of a future sanctuary, youth
facilities, and family center. Cunningham wisely purchased the
land for future growth upfront and gives credit to God for directing
his steps. He is in no hurry to force his visions to
materialize, choosing to move according to God's timetable.
Cunningham stated that "For however long God let's me, I am His
servant and here to do His work."
Outside
of college, Cunningham has been a lifetime resident of Moss
Point. Graduating from Magnolia High School in 1968, he attended Southern Mississippi University on a
basketball scholarship and later worked for South Central Bell for 16
years. Cunningham
and his lovely wife, Claudine, have four children and several
grandchildren.
Over
the years, Cunningham has maintained his love for basketball.
On the church grounds is a basketball court, where
undoubtedly Cunningham has played and couched many games. Terry Potts Copeland and Abbie Potts Huckleby fondly remember Houston
Cunningham playing basketball at the Sue Ellen Gym in Moss
Point. It is
hard for anyone who knows him to think of Houston Cunningham without thinking of
basketball.
In
addition to his duties as Pastor of Green Pastures, Cunningham
supports the Home of Grace Christian Rehabilitation Center in
Vancleave, where he is very committed to his work with drug
offenders. Being a coach, mentor
and spiritual leader to young and misguided men is an important role
to Cunningham. "Reviving the strong male", says
Cunningham is the key to strengthening families, communities, and
society at large.
He
became an ordained Bishop in 2003 and is an honorary member of the
Sacramento Theological Seminary. Beginning with his own
children, Cunningham continues to be active in PTO and
school activities. Dedicated to community and the inhabitants
therein, Cunningham is continuously looking for ways to improve the
local community. It was for this love of his community that he ran
for Ward 2 Alderman along with opponent James Smith. After Smith
won the election, Cunningham views the experience as enlightening, and
with the community's best interest still in mind he is ready to support
Smith in any way that he can.
When
asked if he would pursue future political offices, the Bishop
responded with a definite "no". Unless, of course, he
is led to such a decision by a higher power.
Green
Pastures Christian Ministries is a non-denominational church located in Moss Point, 4707 Dr.
Martin Luther King Drive, 228-475-7839.
--Rosalin
Moss
July
1, 2005
