JURISDICTIONAL PRELATE
Bishop James C. Austin, Sr. – Jurisdictional Prelate
Mother, Dr. Mary T. Kincaid – Supervisor of Women
Bishop James Curtis Austin, Sr. is a dedicated pastor, spiritual teacher and uncompromising preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is known and respected as an honorable man, and a holy man of God.
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He is the husband of Missionary Vernesta T. Austin, and together they are the proud parents of four adult children: James Jr., (Yashika), Dorcas, Prisca, and Marcus, and two grandchildren: James Curtis Austin, III (affectionately called “Hudson”) and Violet Delores Austin.
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Before graduating in 1967, Bishop Austin received his call to ministry in 1966. In 1978 he was appointed pastor of the St. Luke Church of God in Christ and was consecrated to the sacred office of bishop in 2004. He has established long-standing affiliations with local organizations such as Tabitha House (a home for the homeless) and the renowned Moody Bible Institute.
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Bishop Austin unyieldingly serves the underserved and the underprivileged in the Near North community, where St. Luke has resided for more than 75 years, and around the world. Liberia, in particular, has become a concern of his heart after having traveled there in March 2018. Public officials such as former governor of Illinois Pat Quinn, the past president of the United States, Barack Obama and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White have visited St. Luke church because of its notoriety in Chicago.
One of Bishop Austin’s most profound accomplishments was producing “The Legacy of a Leader,” which is a commemorative documentary video on the life of the late Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, one the unsung heroes of the 20th century. In addition, Bishop Austin was inspired to write two books: Preach (collaborated with First Lady Austin) and The God-Ordained Life. The latter book and its companion eight-week DVD series reveal God’s plan for our lives. Bishop Austin continues as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and a faithful minister to God’s people.
OUR MISSION
The 5th Illinois Jurisdiction-EAST, an arm of the National Church, CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC., Headquarters in Memphis, TN, is an organized body of local churches and assemblies who carry out the mission, programs, and mandates of the National Church, impacting the world with the gospel and love of Jesus Christ.
OUR VISION
Build a strong, vibrant, relevant Jurisdiction through the development of growing, impactful local churches, using THE JOSEPH STRATEGY. I invite you to visit any of the 5th EAST churches, and let the pastor know that you were invited by me. You will be in for a treat. Again, welcome to THE SUNRISE JURISDICTION! Bishop James C. Austin, Sr.
SUPPORT US
Cash App. Use Cash tag $FifthILEast
Zelle: Use Zelle code 708 212 1430
Debit or Credit Card: Call the 5th IL East Jurisdiction Finance Office at 312-286-8859 to process your payment
Checks: Mail to the following address
5th Illinois Jurisdiction East
Attn: Finance Office
P.O. Box 1003
Matteson, IL 60443
A FAITH WORD
Inspirational word from Bishop James C. Austin Sr.