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Retired Pastor Continues Ministry as Bishop

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Washington Informer Newly consecrated Bishop Leon Lipscombe Photo by Robert Ridley
Five years after retiring from Allen AME Church in Southeast, Leon Lipscombe was consecrated a Bishop in the Temple of Praise International Fellowship of Churches Inc. under the leadership of Bishop Glen A. Staples. The service of consecration occurred Sat., May 16 at the church’s headquarters in Southeast.

“We, the Temple of Praise International Fellowship, honor the service of Bishop Leon G. Lipscombe and his service to the Body of Christ,” said Staples in a written statement. “He has been a father in the Gospel to many of us. He has been a great blessing to pastors, preachers, leaders and laity throughout the city.”

Lipscombe will serve as Bishop Suffragan (assistant to the Prelate). His role will be to encourage young pastors who need encouragement, motivation, and direction, a role he has played throughout his 46 years of pastoral ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church before his retirement in 2005.
More than 500 people, including members of Allen AME, where Lipscombe had pastored for 35 years, attended the consecration service.

“Rev. Lipscombe was my pastor when I became a Christian. He impacted my life in so many ways and because of his teachings and opportunities for leadership that he gave me I’ve been able to grow as a person,” said Kenneth Hinnant, a member of Allen AME.

“All of my life I have been interested in empowering people to do w
hat they do best and do it better. I’m a community man and want to continue to be an example to young ministers and churches,” Lipscombe said.

“I retired, but God said I want you to go on to the day’s end, so I’m serving the Kingdom of God in a larger capacity. Under the direction of Bishop Staples I’m being asked to enable, advise, and encourage young pastors.”

Bishop Lipscombe and his congregation hold service in Clinton on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at 8910 Simpson Lane.

Ed Laiscell can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .



Last modified on Thursday, 04 June 2009 11:29
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Published in Religion Archive
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