Bishop Simon Gordon
Our Name Comes from Isaiah 28:16:
Bishop Simon Gordon is dedicated to making an impact in this generation, the surrounding communities and nations. A better understanding of the heart of this leader can be obtained through knowing his personal Mission Statement, which is as follows: "To please God with every aspect in my life. To empower and impact those whose lives I come in contact with toward purpose, destiny and pursuit of Godly like. To leave a legacy and inheritance for my children and teach them to do the same for generations to follow." The direct influence and effectiveness of Bishop Gordon's presence and involvement can be seen in every area of the faith-based, business, and surrounding communities in which he has contact. A portion of the achievements of Bishop Gordon and who he is becoming is described below.
Personal:
Bishop Gordon is married to Dr. Lawanda Gordon and is the father of 5 children and 11 grandchildren. They are as follows: Micah, Sr. (wife, Aisha, and sons Christopher, Micah Jr, and Andrew), Lafiana, (husband Demond Harrison, and daughters, Ariana, Mikayla, Nia, Kendra, and Olivia), Sylinda, (husband Mark Menafee), Dorshonda, (husband Dennis Evans and daughters, Krysten and Laila) and Simon Gordon II, (wife, Rosie and son, Riley).
Educational:
In 1987, Bishop Gordon received his undergraduate degree in Theology from the Chicago Baptist Institute. He went on to continue his formal studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In 1989, he earned a Masters degree in Divinity. In 1997, he completed additional studies in Education at Thornton Junior College. Since 1995, on an annual basis, Bishop Gordon studies with the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops' Congress. This training has consisted of exposure to various religions and leaders, including a special session with the Pope of the Catholic Church in Rome in 2000. Bishop Gordon has received two honorary Doctorates degree, the first from GMOR Theological Institute of Northwest, Indiana, and in 2005, Humanities from Midwest Christian College and Seminary.
Pastoral:
Bishop Gordon has actively pastored at Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church in Chicago, IL for 17 years. He is also currently shepherding fifteen member Pastors that are responsible for their own congregations in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Inside Triedstone, Bishop Gordon continues to actively develop and shepherd an additional eight Pastors and a total of 62 Elders, Ministers, and Messengers in the realm of becoming God's Leaders. He also oversees and manages 48 internal ministries and auxiliaries that contribute and coordinate the efforts of the Church as they jointly strive to fulfill the mission charged to Triedstone.
On an ongoing basis, Bishop Gordon teaches Homiletic, Greek and Hebrew classes for current and up and coming Church Leaders, both internally and externally. He has dedicated many hours to serving on various Interviewing Boards for ordaining new Bishops, Pastors, and Ministers into their offices. He has become a consultant for establishing Church order and "how to server your Pastor/Leader". In this capacity, Bishop Gordon continues to teach, train and guide others via leadership conferences and retreats. His ministry philosophy for those at Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church continues to be "We are a Blessed People because We are an Informed People" and this is conveyed in all of his teachings. For 2006, the Church theme for ministry at Triedstone is "Agreement that Manifest Results!"
The Teacher:
Bishop Gordon has led over 20 overseas expeditions. He has served as an Instructor for African American Clergy and Educators in Ethiopia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Rome and South Africa. Bishop Gordon regularly teaches Homiletic, Greek and Hebrew classes. He blesses many through his writings and teachings like "Walk in the Spirit", "The Human Idea of God" and "Church Formation and Development". He has published several ministry series, including "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Christians", "A Passion For His Presence", "I'm Getting Myself Together", and "Carrying the Flame: Balancing the Father's Business".
The Musician:
Musically, and in his passion for young people, Bishop Gordon founded the "Youth in Action" Choir. This endeavor was so successful that in 1993, the City of Chicago declared June 6th "Youth in Action" Day. On an ongoing basis, he continues to develop and train musicians. Bishop Gordon has arranged, composed, and coordinated the musical releases of two major projects. The first was entitled "Freedom" and the second release was "Dial Heaven". The 3rd CD, "Fall On Me", is due for release in October, 2007.
Community:
Bishop Gordon continues to spearhead several initiatives needed to raise awareness in the Church and Community pertaining to Healthcare Benefits, Palliative and End of Life Care. He works actively with the nationally recognized "Vitas" organization, whose thrust is to bring to the world, Hospice Benefits and Care for people that require medical, emotional and spiritual care due to a debilitating and/or "end of life" illnesses.
Additionally, Bishop Gordon is an active supporter of the Prevention Partnership organization, which is dedicated to providing healthcare and counseling services pertaining to HIV and Aids Awareness to the community and families. For his dedication and efforts, Bishop Gordon was awarded the Paul Kelly Service Award. He continually brings focus to the need to educate and bridge the gaps between the Faith-Based and Business Communities in these and many other human relations issues.
During 2005, Bishop Gordon continued to ensure that an ongoing relationship was in place with the Illinois Department of Public Health that continues to allow us to make an impact in the areas of Health Awareness. In 2005, this has included outreach efforts to various schools, community centers, workshops, and on site employer events that informed 1,600 people about HIV/Aids, Prostate, Breast and Cervical Cancer. In this area, Bishop Gordon was awarded the Health Stewardship Award by Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Organization at their Education Fund Annual Conference. Additionally, he is an active member of the CORE group, which is a faith based council that addresses the utility industries to ensure fairness.
This past fall, during the Hurricane Katrina Relied efforts, Bishop Gordon was called upon by the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Paul Morton, state and city official to function as the spokes person in the support initiatives. In these efforts, 8 truck loads of supplies were sent for relied and over $100,000 were raised in the Illinois area. In recognition of this endeavor, the United Theological Seminary awarded him the President's Award. And recently in September, 2008, Bishop Gordon was named Honorary Founder for the Mexican-American Cancer Foundation.
Publications:
Bishop Gordon has blessed many through his writings and teaching, such as "Walk in the Spirit" and "The Human Idea of God". He has published three significant writings. The first, "Walk in the Spirit", provides instruct to the Christian on how to actively live a life pleasing before God. The second publication, which was released through the International Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, is entitled "The Human Idea of God". This is an in-depth study that investigates the social relationship between the primary language within the land, the people, their cultural views, and the impact of governmental control. The third, which was created for the International Full Gospel Fellowship Leadership Summit, is entitled "Church Formation and Development". This work deals directly and objectively with assessing, assisting and equipping Church Leaders with the tools that will help them evaluate their current levels of excellence; struggling Churches and Leaders with strategies that will support their development and advancement in the Ministry; and possible pastoral candidates.
Also, Bishop Gordon has published several tape ministry series to assist God's people in their development and growth. These include "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Christians", "A Passion For His Presence", "I'm Getting Myself Together", and "Carrying the Flame: Balancing the Father's Business", which is designed specifically for all levels of Leadership.
International Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
Under the International Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Gordon serves in many capacities. First, over time, since his appointment to the role of State Overseer in 1994, Bishop Gordon has developed the number of state churches from 17 to 65 churches. All of them are now actively a part of the FGBCF in the Illinois region. In 2005, Bishop Gordon was presented with the Vision Award by the State of Illinois FGBC.
On the national level, Bishop Gordon actively serves and participates on the international Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Christian Education Board. In addition to serving as the Bishop of Theological Review, he is currently involved in a joint effort with Bishop Andy Lewter, Jr., in organizing the Episcopal School for Leaders. Bishop Gordon is involved in the Tehillah Music Group where he serves as a Board Member. In this endeavor, the four year old company has received three Stellar Awards with Bishop Paul Morton's "Let It Rain" Cd. Bishop Gordon continues to serve in the role of Facilitator for the Inspiration Period of the Annual July International Full Gospel Conference. Additionally, he sits on the Bishops' Council, which is the decision making body and think tank for the Fellowship. Bishop Gordon also serves in the position of Bishop of State Bishops and State Overseers, where he works with the Field of Operations Office. This entity is responsible for teaching and training the State Bishops and Overseers in how to become more efficient and effective in their roles as leaders. As Bishop Gordon continue to progresses forward and lead others toward their purposes, so will the impact of this movement unquestionably change generation and the world they reach!