Lead Pastor & Assistant Pastor
Dr. Paul Cannings
Senior Pastor
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
Executive Assistant Pastor & Associate Pastor of Youth & Missions
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.
Associate Pastors
Duane Lawrence
Associate Pastor – Children, Youth, Evangelism & Shepherding Ministry
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.
Allen Boutte
Pastor of The Reach & Community Engagement
Allen Boutte is the Founder and CEO of the Recovery and Restoration Faith Base Treatment Outpatients Program at The Reach, located on 4333 W. Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77091. He is a LCDC with a specialty in addiction. Allen Boutte has been married for over 40 years to his lovely wife, Loretta; they have 4 children, and 4 grandchildren. He also serves as Chaplain for the LWFC Motorcycle ministry and enjoys working out and spending time with his grandkids and family.
Keron Brown
Young Adult & Discipleship Pastor
Keron Brown is the Young Adult & Discipleship Pastor 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!
Executive Staff
Sylvia Edwards
Children’s Director
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.
Taylor Haynes
Marketing Director
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.
Jeffrey Allen
Director of Family Ministries
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 Crenshaw
Youth Minister
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 Miller
Office Assistant / Missions Director
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
Executive Assistant to the Pastor
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
Director of Facilities
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.
Maria Owensby
Accountant
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.