Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Lewis.
Andre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey began August 6, 2006 as a youth pastor for New Faith Church, under the leadership of Dr. T.R. Williams. I served as youth pastor for two years and through the help of Christ was able to help increase the ministry population by 40%. The youth were vibrant and a loving the atmosphere was created by our team for learning and discipleship. After those two years, I was afforded an opportunity to attend the College of Biblical Studies, here in Houston to continue my seminary training. I graduated in 2008 and immediately following, Dr. Williams challenged me to further my education by attending Fuller Seminary and Houston Graduate School of Theology to complete a Master of Divinity from an ATS Accredited Seminary. It was during this time that I was elevated to Assistant Pastor and Senior Pastor in waiting for New Faith Church. While waiting, I was trained on the role of pastoral leadership by Dr. Williams, and engaging in the theory of Pastoral Leadership at the seminary. This was priceless and life changing.
In May 2012, I graduated with a Master’s in Divinity from Houston Graduate School of Theology. Yet again, I was challenged to go further by Dr. Williams to earn an ATS Accredited Doctor or Ministry. Without any breaks, I began that journey, while serving as the Assistant Pastor with full time ministry responsibilities such as, leading vision and mission for leaders, staff, and lay persons. It was a great learning experience for me, while using what I studied at the Masters level. The members of New Faith church helped to create a viable learning atmosphere for me with words of encouragement, sharing their stories, and lifelong experiences. Prior to graduating, I was able to accomplish a longtime desire to be a member of the prestigious Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, in the Fall of 2014. Becoming a part of Alpha Phi Alpha, allowed me to work with like-minded brothers, who desired to encourage voting and community, while fulfilling my dream of being a resource to my community.
One year later (December 2015), I graduated with an earned Doctor of Ministry from Houston Graduate School of Theology. In July 2017, I became the Senior Pastor of New Faith Church. I was unanimously voted in and installed by the membership of the church on August 6, 2017. During this time, I connected with city officials, such as the late Councilmen Larry Green, who at the time served as our community representative. He was succeeded by a great asset in Councilwoman, and Vice Mayor Pro-tem, Martha Castex-Tatum.
Council member Martha And I have worked together for a few years engaging the community in our annual Fall Festival, which has reached over 2000 community and civic leaders in attendance. In addition, we have been able to also partner in our annual Thanksgiving Share Basket Drive, that feels over 500 families every year through the generosity of New Faith Church, its parishioners, and donors.
This year, we launched the campaign, called Feeding Around Faith, which once a month feeds over 200 families. As a church body, we have continued to serve the families of District K, through enrichment programs, discipleship, and community wide programs. Currently, I have been seeking new ways to serve our community, since the pandemic through online services, resources and opportunities for discipleship and growth.
Recently, we partnered with Congressman Al Green to feed over 750 families, which was a huge need in our current pandemic. I’m able to serve because of my wonderful wife, Kim Lewis of 19 years and my four children, Ashlee, Andre, Aaron and Adin Lewis, who give me the freedom to follow my passion.
Much of today’s success is attributed to a great foundation established by my mother, Angela Lewis, Grandmother, Enid Lewis and my Aunt Lindy Smith, who instilled strong values and were exceptional models of Faith. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their contributions and the countless male role models such as Dr. T.R. Williams, Pastor Harvey Walker and Rev. Craig Sampson. Each of these men poured out of their souls and resources in unique ways that helped foster a strong work ethic and dedication to give my all and nothing short of that effort.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey to the pastorate hasn’t always been smooth. Following an iconic pastor such as Dr. Theodore Roosevelt Williams Senior would require a great deal of effort. Many people in the nation and city didn’t believe that it could be done and that the transition would be successful. I was virtually unknown and many thought to take on the task of senior pastor for the historic New Faith Church, would require one with preaching and ministry credentials. The greatest struggle often came from naysayers, who didn’t see me as an adequate choice to succeed.
Even with all of the doubters, my greatest struggle was within my own heart. Overcoming my own fear of failure, inadequacy, and skill was a challenge. But that’s the genius of God’s plan. He gave the current Senior Pastor a vision that wasn’t conventional or even accomplished in the Black Church experience often. Succession is something that many avoid and often prefer to die in leadership, rather than retire.
My predecessor, chose to be God honoring and make it his life’s work to prepare me adequately by giving me new roles as a leader each year from leading church business meetings, discipleship training of leaders, to giving leadership to financial decisions of the church. I might add that I didn’t always make the right decisions but he allowed me the opportunity to fail so I could succeed later.
He allowed me to lead with my own style and techniques, while affording me the opportunity to try new leadership models to modernize the church. These where definitely struggles but I was able to overcome the challenge because of his tutelage and willingness to let me develop.
New Faith Church – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a church we specialize in discipleship training and teaching while encouraging community service. I’m proud of how the church has adopted the mantra, “conveying the light” by being It, claiming It and Sharing It. We are known for our community enrichment and unique worship experience that engages the believer in their current context. I believe we are set a part from most because of our community and family emphasis. We value the community and partners of the community we serve and realize that the church isn’t the building but it’s people.
Contact Info:
- Address: New Faith Church
4315 W. Fuqua Street
Houston, Texas 77045 - Website: www.newfaithchurch.org
- Phone: 713-434-4000
- Email: alewis@newfaithchurch.org
- Instagram: New Faith Church
- Facebook: New Faith Church
Image Credit:
New Faith Church
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