2023S0212-1 02/24/23
By: West S.R. No. 233
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Bishop John Drew Sheard, who is hosting the National
Leadership Conference at the Church Of God In Christ in Dallas on
January 16 through 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, The National Leadership Conference provides an
opportunity for members of the Church Of God In Christ to come
together from all over the state to honor their leaders, invest
in their faith, and learn the value of discipleship; and
WHEREAS, The Church Of God In Christ was founded in 1907 by
Bishop Charles Harrison Mason; Mason inherited his faith from his
parents, Jerry and Eliza Mason, who were members of a missionary
Baptist church in Memphis, Tennessee, during the era of slavery;
since its existence, the church has evangelized to diverse
nations and has more than 6.5 million members globally, with
congregations in 63 countries; and
WHEREAS, Bishop J. Drew Sheard is the international bishop
and chief apostle of the church, the largest African American
Pentecostal denomination in the Holiness-Pentecostal tradition
in the United States; a beloved shepherd to his church, Bishop
Sheard was elected to the general board in 2012; he was reelected
to the board in 2016 and 2021 and was subsequently elected as
chief apostle to the Office of the Presiding Bishop; and
WHEREAS, Under Bishop Sheard's outstanding leadership, the
church has provided enlightenment, hope, and support to
innumerable Christians; a blessing to his family and a pillar to
his community, Bishop Sheard is a man of spiritual depth and
devotion; it is truly fitting that he receive honor for his
lifetime of dedicated ministry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby congratulate Bishop J. Drew Sheard for
hosting the 2023 National Leadership Conference of the Church Of
God In Christ; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.