Pastor Kenneth R. Levingston grew up in Homer La., a small town of less than four thousand people and moved to 5th Ward Texas when he was 12 years old. His family joined New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where he was nurtured and cared for by the saints of God in this community. He later united with Brooks Chapel United Methodist church where he came to accept the call of God upon his life to preach, teach and pastor God’s people. During the past 24 years Pastor Levingston has been the pastor of congregations in rural, urban, suburban, and multicultural settings.  Pastor Levingston believes in and teaches the word of God in a manner that is relevant and challenges the hearer to make decisions concerning their walk and witness for Christ.  He is passionate about the teachings of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, clothed the naked, visit the sick and minister to those who are in prison. Pastor Levingston’s life reflects his belief that living a “Higher Way” is not optional for Christians, it is who we are.

Married to Shanda Kaye for 23 years
Children:  Brittany Nycole, 19 years old; Ke’Andra Nycole, 17 years old

Pastor in Texas Annual Conference:  25 years
11 years as Senior Pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Huntsville, Texas.  St. Paul grew from less than 75 members to over 400 members.
4 years as Executive Pastor of First United Methodist Church Houston – Westchase Campus. Appointed to Jones Memorial United Methodist Church on September 1, 2008 and is growing church membership and ministries in very dynamic ways.

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Houston 1997, Master of Divinity, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University 2000, Ordained Deacon United Methodist Church 1999, Ordained Elder United Methodist Church 2000

Recent Awards:
2009- present  Board of Ordained Ministry United Methodist Church
2009- present  Board Member of Hope Through Grace
2008- present  Alternate delegate General Conference of United Methodist Church
2008- present  Delegate Jurisdictional Conference, South Central Jurisdiction of UMC
2008- present  Appointed to Methodist Hospital Board of Directors

2006-present  Preaching Instructor Texas Annual Conference Local Pastor’s School
2006-2008 Member District Leadership Team Central South District
2006-2008 CORE Leadership Team Texas Annual Conference
2004 Appointed Executive Pastor of First Methodist Houston Westchase

2002 Covenant College Presenter
2002 Church Growth and Evangelism Presenter
2002 Texas Annual Conference Eric Anderson Award

2000 Karis Stahl Fadely Award for Commitment to Jesus Christ and
the Mission of the church, responsibility and good management
of time – Perkins School of Theology
2000 Texas Annual Conference Small Membership Church Pastor of the Year

Vice-Chair – Texas Annual Conference Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Director of Colleges: Houston North District Texas Annual Conference Council on Ministries
Camp Coordinator: Houston North District Texas Annual Conference

1999 Community Service Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
1999 W.B.J. Martin Award in Homiletics–Perkins School of Theology

Email address: pastorL@joneshigherwayumc.com