MEET THE PASTORS

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Bishop Joseph L. Banks was called into the ministry in 1995 and appointed as Bishop in August 2019. He was ordained and licensed the following year. After working with youth groups, prison ministries, cell groups, and inner-city street ministries, Bishop Banks was led to quit his job of over 13 years at United Parcel Service (UPS), to pursue his heavenly vision and carry out the call which God had placed on his life.  As an educator he has taught many years in the public and charter school sectors; and is currently still teaching/coaching/mentoring students in the Calcasieu Parish School System. Banks’ years of dedication to community development led him to run for Mayor of Lake Charles, LA in the fall of 2017. 

Due to the integrity of the race, he ran and his deep ties in the community, Bishop Banks currently serves on the Mayor’s Advisory Board. Where he helps to bridge the gap between the faith community and government.  A Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) graduate in Secondary Education, and then a second bachelor’s degree in Christian theology, as well as a master’s degree in theology. In 2019 both he and his wife completed their Doctoral degrees in Divinity & Theology from Life Christian University in Lutz, FL (minutes from Tampa). 

In 2001, he made a leap of faith by moving back to Lake Charles, LA, from Baton Rouge to found Living Word Christian Center. This ministry is a strong supporter of foreign missions as well as inner-city community development & enhancement. Then, in 2004, Bishop Banks led to make major strides in multiple arenas. He opened a fully accredited extension of Life Christian University in Lake Charles. The Word Ministerial Alliance (WMA) was launched shortly after his consecration to the office of Bishop to provide mentorship and covering to men and women of God who have discovered their calling to five-fold ministry with evidence of the power and gifts of God supporting their ministries. 

Bishop Banks is overseeing churches in South Africa, Mexico, Ghana, Liberia (West Africa) and in the United States. He regularly travels throughout America and internationally to preach and teach the gospel, as a visionary who wants to bring about a positive change in and out of the local church.  In addition to following the gospel’s instructions on preaching and teaching.

Dr. Banks also believes in being an example of leaving an inheritance for one’s children’s children.  He is a successful entrepreneur and owner of several self-sustaining businesses in the fields of commercial real estate leasing and multiple non-profits. He serves as an Executive Board member for the Alliance for Positive Growth. His most recent endeavor is establishing a church, an elementary through high school campus, and a business incubator in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Bishop Banks has been married to the love of his life, Dr. Cathy S. Banks, for over 30 years. They have one son, Kirkland Joseph Banks, who received full athletic scholarships for both his bachelor’s degrees and is currently a professional Baseball player. 

Dr. Cathy S. Banks is an Entrepreneur, CEO, Educator, Author, Recording Artist and Philanthropist with a passion for leading others into living their fullest lives. She is driven by purpose to fulfill her role as a strong bridge builder of authentic spiritual, economic and social relationships via a national platform. As a public speaker, life coach and certified counselor, Banks have a knack for providing people with tangible insights and tools for attaining financial freedom, personal independence, and career elevation across multiple fields. 

Cathy Banks and her husband of 30 plus years, have founded churches and Charter and Private schools in the United States, Liberia, Nigeria and abroad. All her endeavors are centered around women’s empowerment, leadership/community development, education and political advocate. Dr. Banks has her Doctorate degree in Divinity and Christian Theology from Life Christian University Lutz, FL. She also earned a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from the same institute. In addition to a second bachelor’s in Christian counseling and Certified Licensed Counselor. 

While reaching her educational achievements Dr. Cathy has been serving as the CEO of Liberty Plaza Properties, a commercial leasing company, since 2005. She is the founder of multiple non- profits that have all received state/federal approvals as qualified 501c3 charitable organizations. 2019, she was selected by Thomas Nelson Publishing, a leader in Christian Publications, to contribute to its first Daily Devotional for Women. 

In 2020, she became a certified John Maxwell Life Coach. 2022, she and her husband founded a new church and a business center in Monrovia Liberia- West Africa. During a July economic relief visit the Vice President of Liberia revealed that a new Elementary through Middle School was to be named in her honor of Dr. Cathy Banks. 

Dr. Cathy is simply a servant of Christ first, a devoted wife to Dr. Joseph Banks & mother to son Kirkland, her pride and joy. 

Pastor Jerry has faithfully served in ministry and media for more than four decades, bringing a wealth of experience, creativity, and dedication to every role he fulfills. He has been editing our television program since 2002 and officially joined our staff in January of 2008. His passion for media ministry began in 1983, and over the years he has consistently used his technical skills and creative talents to advance the message of the Gospel through television, video, and digital media. Pastor Jerry is a graduate of Logos Christian College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Ministry in 1995. In addition, he holds an Associate Degree in Electronics, which has proven invaluable in his long-standing work with broadcast technology, production systems, and facility operations. His strong educational background, combined with decades of hands-on experience, has made him a trusted leader and mentor within our ministry.

Pastor Jerry and his wife, Patricia, have been actively involved in ministry since 1982. Together, they have faithfully served in numerous capacities, including Media Pastors, Youth Pastors, Children’s Pastors, and various other leadership and support roles. Their heart for families, children, and the next generation is evident in everything they do, and their commitment to serving the church body has had a lasting impact on countless lives.

He has been a Licensed Assemblies of God Minister since 1991 and previously served on staff at his former church for over 28 years. Today, Pastor Jerry oversees our Media Department and Children’s Ministry, while also serving as our Facilities Manager. In each of these roles, he brings excellence, organization, and a servant’s heart, ensuring that both ministry and operations function smoothly and effectively. In addition to his church responsibilities, Pastor Jerry is also a business owner. He operates JC Productions, a local video production company specializing in event and sports videography. Through this business, he continues to use his media expertise to serve the community with professionalism and creativity.

For more information regarding the Media Department, Children’s Church, or the church website, you may contact Pastor Jerry directly by email at Jerry@livingwordcc.org.