From the Desk of Pastor Davis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Prairie, TX — June 25, 2026 — It is with a deeply saddened heart that I mourn the transition of my dear friend, and fellow servant in the ministry, Reverend Dr. Anthony Sharp.
For more than forty-six years, President Sharp and I shared a friendship rooted in a connection that traces back to our years at Bishop College. What began through our shared association with an institution that nurtured our gifts, helped shape our calling, and prepared us for lives of ministry would eventually grow into a lifelong bond of brotherhood. I first became aware of Brother Sharp in August of 1980 during his installation into his first pastorate. Though we were not personally acquainted at that time, I would later come to know firsthand the depth of his character, his commitment to ministry, and the unwavering faith that defined both his life and leadership. I remain grateful that God would ultimately allow our paths to cross and our lives to remain connected through decades of Kingdom work and service.
It has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve alongside him in various capacities throughout our ministry journey. I had the honor of serving with him as a Moderator, and I, as a vice moderator of the Fellowship District Association, later would work alongside him as he faithfully served as a Vice President of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas. In later years, I was privileged to serve as a Vice President while he led with distinction as the President of the National Missionary Convention of America.
Beyond our leadership roles within the Convention, we stood together in Kingdom work through ministry efforts such as the Bishop Five Revival—a reflection of our shared love for the Gospel and our enduring appreciation for Bishop College, the institution that invested in us, cultivated our gifts, and prepared us for lives committed to service.
President Sharp was a man who loved the Lord, loved His Church, and faithfully dedicated his life to serving God’s people. His leadership was marked by wisdom, humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God. His impact and legacy will continue to inspire and bless generations to come.
Today, I grieve the loss of my friend and colleague, I find comfort in the promise of God’s Word: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). While our hearts are heavy, we do not sorrow without hope, for we know that President Sharp now rests peacefully in the presence of the Savior whom he preached and served so faithfully throughout his life.
On behalf of my family and the entire St. John Church Unleashed family, I extend our deepest love, heartfelt prayers, and sincere condolences to the Sharp family, his church family, and the entire National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. May the God of all comfort strengthen you, sustain you, and grant you peace in the days ahead.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your friendship, your faithfulness, your leadership, and your unwavering witness for Christ. It has been an honor to walk this journey alongside you. Until we meet again, rest well, my brother.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Prairie – June 2, 2026 – It is with a heavy heart and yet with the hope of the Gospel that I share the news that our beloved Assistant Pastor, Reverend Ellis Ford, Jr., transitioned from labor to reward this morning.
What do you say about a man who rarely needed a microphone to make an impact? His life preached louder than many sermons ever could.
For many of us, he was simply “The Cardinal.”
What began as a term of endearment became a fitting description of who he was among us. He was wise. He was steady. He was faithful. He was the kind of leader whose presence brought comfort, whose counsel brought clarity, and whose faith inspired confidence. You always knew where Reverend Ford stood because he stood firmly with God, His church, and His people.
For decades, Reverend Ford faithfully served the St. John Church family. He cared for thousands of families through some of life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows. He helped shape ministries that became an integral part of our church’s culture, including Member Services. He poured into the lives of countless ministers, helping to develop, encourage, and guide many who now serve throughout the Kingdom because he took the time to invest in them.
His service was never about recognition. It was about faithfulness.
Long before many people saw ministry as a platform, Reverend Ford understood it as service. Whether offering a word of wisdom, standing beside a grieving family, mentoring a young minister, or helping ensure the work of the church moved forward, he did it with humility, consistency, and grace.
For me personally, this loss is profound.
Reverend Ford was more than my Assistant Pastor. He was my friend, my counselor, my confidant, and my right hand in ministry. Through every season, he was a trusted presence whose wisdom, loyalty, and love for God’s people strengthened both me and this church. His fingerprints are woven throughout the fabric of St. John, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Today, we grieve because we loved him. We grieve because a voice of wisdom has been silenced in our hearing. We grieve because a faithful servant’s chair now sits empty among us.
But we do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
We rejoice knowing that the servant who labored so faithfully has now entered his eternal rest. The God he preached, served, trusted, and loved has welcomed him home.
The Cardinal has taken flight.
Though his earthly assignment has ended, his legacy lives on in every life he touched, every minister he mentored, every family he comforted, and every person he encouraged to trust God a little more.
Please join me in praying for Sister Ford, the Ford family, and all who loved him. Let us honor his memory by serving faithfully, loving generously, and continuing the work of ministry with the same humility and devotion that characterized his life.
Thank you, Reverend Ford, for your service. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Prairie, TX — November 24, 2024 —St. John Church Unleashed Extends Prayers and Support to Bishop Jakes
The leadership and congregation of St. John Church Unleashed, under the direction of Dr. Denny D. Davis, extend our heartfelt prayers to Bishop T.D. Jakes, his family, and The Potter’s House community following the medical emergency he experienced during a recent service.
As a cherished friend and spiritual leader, Bishop Jakes has profoundly impacted countless lives through his ministry, both locally and globally. In this moment, we stand in faith, believing in God’s healing power and divine strength for Bishop Jakes and those closest to him.
“Our hearts are with Bishop Jakes and The Potter’s House family,” said Pastor Davis. “We are praying for his swift recovery and peace for all who hold him dear. May the Lord’s hand of healing and grace be evident in every step of this journey. We trust and believe in God for complete restoration and renewed health.”
St. John encourages all in the faith community to join in lifting Bishop Jakes, his family, and congregation in prayer.
