SERVICES TIMES: PRAISE & WORSHIP AT 8 A.M./CONTEMPORARY SERVICE AT 11 A.M.
As a leader, Pastor Paul Cannings is highly regarded for his boldness, innovation and vision. As a
church pastor, he is well respected for his passion for the cause of Christ and the local church,
and for preaching messages that change mindsets and ministries. Pastor Cannings is most loved for
being the a man of the Word – a pastor who loves God and people from all walks of life. Pastor
Cannings and his wife Everette are passionate about seeing all people find Jesus as their Saviour,
gain a revelation of their value in Him and rise up to make a stand for justice on the
earth.
Dr. Cannings holds a Doctorate in Philosophy/Theological Studies in Religion & Society from Oxford
Graduate School in Dayton, Tennessee and a Masters Degree in Christian Education from Dallas
Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including “Give Fear A Knock Out Punch”,
“Making Your Vision A Reality” and “Leadership Training Manual”. Dr. Cannings can be heard daily on
KHCB 105.7FM, OnePlace.com and on My20 TV in Houston. Dr. Cannings and his wife Everette are the
parents of two adult sons, Paul Jr., and Pierre who are married to Tanisha and Monica respectively;
with five grandchildren.
WE ARE LIVING THE WORD, AND CHANGING LIVES
We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the verbally, inspired Word of God, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts. We further believe that the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are designed for our practical instruction in faith and conduct
(II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:21).
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and that these three are one God
(Deuteronomy 6:4, Genesis 1:26, Matthew 28:19).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, came into the world, that He might
manifest God to men, fulfill prophecy, and become the Redeemer of a lost world. To this end, He was
born of the Virgin Mary, received a human body and a sinless human nature, without ceasing to be
God.
We believe that, in infinite love for the lost, He voluntarily accepted His Father’s will and became
the divinely provided sacrificial Lamb and took away the sin of the world.
We believe that He arose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He had lived and
died, and that His resurrected body is the pattern of the body which ultimately will be given to all
believers.
We believe that, on departing from earth, he was accepted of His Father and that His acceptance is a
final assurance to us that His redeeming work was perfectly accomplished.
We believe that He became head over all things to the church which is His body, and in this ministry
He does not cease to intercede and to be an advocate for the saved
(Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 14, 18, 29; I Corinthians 15:1-3; Ephesians 1:23; Philippians 2:6-8; I Timothy 2:5, I John 2:1-2).
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, dwells in every believer immediately after he places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and God provides, through the Holy Spirit, power to live the Christian life. We believe that every believer receives grace from God, in the form of a spiritual ability which enables him to function as a member of the body of Christ
(Romans 8:9, 12, 6; I Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:7).
We believe that Satan, or the devil, is the prince of demons, and is the declared adversary of God and man. However, when the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, he limited the power of the devil
(Ephesians 2:2; I Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10).
We believe that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again spiritually, and that the new
birth of the believer comes only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We believe,
also, that the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished our redemption and that this
redemption is by the grace of God, an unmerited gift, given in love by God and not the result of any
human works.
We believe that upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, the believer passes immediately out
of spiritual death into spiritual life and into fellowship with God.
We also believe that once this salvation is accomplished, we and all true believers everywhere shall
be kept saved forever
(John 3:5; John 10:28, 29; Romans 3:24; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:5, 8-9).
We believe that all who are united to the risen and ascended Son of God are members of the church,
which is the body of Christ.
We believe that the church as a group, gathers together for practical instruction in the Scriptures,
fellowship with God and with other believers, and for corporate witness to the unsaved world. Our
common spiritual goal is to grow toward Christ’s likeness (Matthew 18:18-20;
Acts 2:42, Ephesians 2:11-18, 4:13-16).
We believe that the explicit message of our Lord Jesus Christ to those whom He has saved is to make
Christ known to the whole world and that this is the purpose of the church as individuals.
We believe that the church is also called for the execution of divine justice on behalf of those who
are defenseless in society as a natural reflection of, and a relationship with a just God, starting
with those in God’s family and extending to society as that becomes possible.
We believe that there will be the second return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air to receive to Himself into Heaven His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have died in Christ
(I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Zechariah 14:4-11, Revelation 3:10).
We believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, pass immediately into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body. When Christ comes for His own, whereupon soul and body reunited shall be associated with Him forever in glory. All those who rejected Jesus Christ will eternally be separated from God to endure His eternal wrath forever
(II Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 20:11-15).
We believe that all believers should seek to walk by the Spirit separating themselves from worldly practices; witnessing by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture.
(Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:16, 25; II Corinthians 5:17)
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to
be observed by all believers until His return. (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 10:47-48)
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a privilege accorded to all believers, in commemoration of our
Lord’s death until He comes. (I Corinthians 11:23-28)
We believe that the purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, to develop unity in the body, and stimulate loving relationships among believers (I
Corinthians 11:27-32). We would not like this to become a ritual but a worship that occurs in spirit
and in truth (John 4:23-24).
We believe that Baptism is a form of public identification of cognitive internal commitment to
Christ. Baptism does not save, it only makes public what was done privately (Romans 10:9,10,13,17;
6:1-14).
We believe that the ordinances of baptism is immersion of the believer in water as it sets forth the
essential facts in redemption, and as stated above it illustrates the death and resurrection of
Christ and the essential resurrection of newness of life (Romans 6:4; Acts 8:26-39).
As a leader, Pastor Paul Cannings is highly regarded for his boldness, innovation and vision. As a church pastor, he is well respected for his passion for the cause of Christ and the local church, and for preaching messages that change mindsets and ministries. Pastor Cannings is most loved for being a man of the Word – a pastor who loves God and people from all walks of life. Pastor Cannings and his wife Everette are passionate about seeing all people find Jesus as their Saviour, gain a revelation of their value in Him and rise up to make a stand for justice on the earth.
Dr. Cannings holds a Doctorate in Philosophy/Theological Studies in Religion & Society from Oxford Graduate School in Dayton, Tennessee and a Masters Degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including “Give Fear A Knock Out Punch”, “Making Your Vision A Reality” and “Leadership Training Manual”. Dr. Cannings can be heard daily on KHCB 105.7FM, OnePlace.com and on My20 TV in Houston. Dr. Cannings and his wife Everette are the parents of two adult sons, Paul Jr., and Pierre who are married to Tanisha and Monica respectively; with seven grandchildren.
Dr. Pierre Cannings is the Dean of DTS-Houston and the Executive Assistant Pastor at Living Word Fellowship Church in Houston, Texas. Pierre has a BA in Communication from Austin College, a Master’s in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University.
He is the author of Leading Beyond: Biblical Leadership That Unifies Opposition. Pierre has been married to his high school sweetheart, Monica, since 2006. They have three children: Natalia, Pierre II, and Carter.
Duane Lawrence serves as Associate Pastor of Shepherding, Children, and Evangelism Ministry at Living Word Fellowship Church. He is the Founder/Director of Train Up a Child Seminars and has taught a Teacher Training Tract at the College of Biblical Studies (Houston). Children’s Ministry Workshop Leader - Children’s Pastors Conference - Nashville, Tennessee. Former Assistant to the Pastor - Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church - Houston, Texas. Radio Broadcast - Preparing Hearts Changing Lives - KWWJ - Baytown, Texas. Duane is married to his high school sweetheart. Bobbie, since 1973. Sons - Daniel and David.
Sylvia Marie Edwards is a devoted servant leader with a lifelong passion for educating and nurturing children. A retired Teacher and Principal, she brings decades of experience, wisdom, and leadership to her role as Children’s Director. She is the loving wife of Robert G. Edwards Sr., and a proud Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother of 13 beautiful angels. Family and faith are the foundation of her life and ministry. For over 20 years, Sylvia faithfully served as Assistant Dean of the Eastern District Association Youth Convention and Congress, pouring into generations of young people. She has also led Vacation Bible School initiatives and participated in mission trips to Belize and Haiti, extending her heart for children beyond the local church. Her greatest passion is to grow and educate children to become strong spiritual leaders who love the Lord and walk confidently in His purpose for their lives.
Allen Boutte is the Founder and CEO of the Recovery and Restoration Faith Base Treatment Outpatients Program at the Living Word Christian Outreach Center. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with a specialty in addiction. He also carries a Christian Counseling Certificate from First Baptist in Pasadena.
Taylor Haynes serves as the Marketing Director at Living Word Fellowship Church, where she leads the development of creative visual content and digital communication strategies that help share the ministry’s mission with clarity and excellence. In her role, Taylor creates impactful graphics, designs church-wide themes, and manages the church’s social media presence to ensure every message reflects the heart of the house. With a strong background in sales and account management, Taylor brings a people-first mindset to her work—balancing strategic thinking with authentic connection. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University, where she cultivated her passion for communication, creativity, and service. Driven by her faith, Taylor approaches every project with purpose. Her desire is to use her gifts to inspire, uplift, and point others toward Christ through meaningful, Christ-centered communication. In her free time she enjoys painting, listening to audiobooks, executing new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with family and friends.
Shani Smothers a talented writer, editor, thinker, researcher, and creator. She has a unique passion for social media, digital marketing, content management, public relations, editing, writing, and communicating in digital spaces. Her previous experience includes Social Media Strategist and Lead for a billion-dollar corporate real estate company, editor of a Marketing/Advertising trade magazine, and freelance writer with Black Enterprise magazine. Her global journalism/communication experiences in Germany and Tanzania also give her a unique edge in crafting content and networking within cultural and international circles. Shani graduated with honors from Georgetown University with a Master of Arts degree in Communications, Culture, and Technology. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from Xavier University of Louisiana. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA and currently resides in Houston, TX with her two daughters Kai and Jordyn.
Keron Brown is the Young Adult & DiscipleshipPastor at Living Word Fellowship Church and he also oversees L.E.G.I.T. Young Adult Ministry and the overall discipleship structure of Living Word Fellowship Church which includes Life Application Classes and Titus 2 Ministries. Keron is from Houston, TX and grew up in the Acres Homes Community where he now serves. He received his Bachelors in Sports Administrative Kinesiology and a Minor in Education from the University of Houston. He is currently working on a dual master in Christian Leadership and Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. Outside of his work at Living Word Fellowship Church, he also serves as the Spiritual Formation & Student Life Fellow at Dallas Theological Seminary. Keron has a passion for leadership, discipling young people, helping others, and teaching God's Word. Outside of work, Keron enjoys spending time with his family, playing monopoly with his brothers in the faith, bowling, and watching his Philadelphia Eagles and San Antonio Spurs win Championships!
Jeffrey Allen is the Director of Ministry Development and Family Ministries at Living Word Fellowship Church in Houston, Texas, in which he oversees the Marriage, Women, Men, Counseling and Finance Ministries. Jeffrey studied, and has a BS in Biblical Counseling from the College of Biblical Studies. Jeffrey is married to his beautiful wife Charlotte and they have four children Davian, Caelan, BraeLynn and Sydney.
Brandon A. Crenshaw is a dedicated husband, father, and servant-leader committed to the spiritual development and transformation of the next generation. He is married to his lovely wife, Ashlee Crenshaw, and together they have one daughter, Olivia. Brandon serves as Youth Pastor at Living Word Fellowship Church (LWFC) in Houston, Texas, providing pastoral leadership and discipleship for middle and high school students. His ministry centers on spiritual formation and personal transformation through a Christ-centered framework known as Thought to Purpose (T2P), guiding individuals from renewed thinking to purposeful living. He also leads the LWFC Adopt-A-School Initiative and serves in the LWFC Juvenile Justice Mentorship Program, ministering to justice-involved youth in Harris County and the City of Houston’s District 278. In addition, Brandon is an instructor at Open Bible Academy, teaching Old and New Testament Studies, Theology, and Bible Study Methods. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership and Theology from Grace Christian University, a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling from the College of Biblical Studies, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in General Psychology at Liberty University. He also volunteers with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as an Area 4 Ambassador for Houston ISD and is the founder of The Growth Pathway, continuing to inspire youth and young adults through the Thought to Purpose curriculum.
Valarie is originally from Oklahoma City, Ok. She holds a B.S. in Christian Leadership, a B.A. in Biblical Counseling from the College of Biblical Studies and a M.A. in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University out of Houston, TX.
Valarie has been a member of Living Word Fellowship Church since 2003. Recently she joined the staff as the Office Assistant. She is involved with Missions as the Director, the Women’s Ministry and is a counselor to women and young teens.
Valarie loves spending time with her family, traveling, shopping and playing card and board games. She is often asked to coordinate games for her family’s reunion, the marriage ministry and the women’s ministry at her church.
Valarie and her husband are the proud parents of three adult children and two amazing glam-daughters Kayden and Vale.
Gail O’Neal has been a Living Word Fellowship Church member for over thirty (30) years, during which time she has served in many different ministries. She began working at Living Word as a part-time office manager. As the ministry grew, she became Dr. Cannings’ full-time administrative assistant and still serves in that capacity. She also facilitates small groups within the Women’s Ministry and is an active participant in the Widows and Silver Stars Ministries. She received Biblical training in Christian Leadership from the College of Biblical Studies. Gail is the mother of five adult children and the Nana of three: Taylor, Warren Michael, and Adrian.
Rashuad Hudson has faithfully served as Director of Facilities since 2019, overseeing the care, maintenance, and operational excellence of our campus. With a heart for stewardship and a commitment to excellence, he ensures that our church environment remains welcoming, safe, and prepared for ministry at every level. A native of Acres Home, Rashuad developed his love for Christ right here at Living Word Fellowship Church. Over the years, he has served in many capacities throughout the Fellowship, including active involvement in LEGIT Young Adults and the Singles Ministry, demonstrating his dedication to both service and spiritual growth within the church community. Rashuad is a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Brittany, and a proud father of six children. His passion for faith, family, and fellowship is evident in both his leadership and his life.
With over 30 years of faithful service, Maria has been a trusted and integral part of LWFC’s financial stewardship. She began her journey at Living Word Christian Academy, where she served diligently before transitioning into her current role supporting LWFC and ABC Word Academy. As Accountant, she oversees all financial assets, reporting, and fiscal operations with integrity, precision, and excellence. Her commitment ensures that the ministry’s resources are managed responsibly and transparently, helping the church and academy continue their mission effectively. Beyond her professional dedication, she treasures time with her husband and enjoys dancing, cruising, and traveling—especially when visiting her beloved family in Colombia. Her longevity, faithfulness, and joyful spirit are a true blessing to our ministry.
JOIN — US
SUNDAYS
8:00am & 11:00AM (11 am Contemporary service)
