Paul S. Morton
Encyclopedia
Paul Sylvester Morton is an American Baptist
pastor. He is currently senior pastor of
Changing A Generation Full Gospel
Baptist Church and Co-Pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. He is also a recording artist, author
and the founding and presiding bishop
of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
.
named Mount Zion C.O.G.I.C in Canada
and one in Detroit, Michigan
named Mount Zion Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C, both were a part of the Church of God in Christ
, Inc. Growing up, he exemplified a special talent in music. He sang with his brothers Bishop C.L. Morton Jr, Bishop James H. Morton, the lesser known, George Morton and became known all over the country. He was also the founder of a young singing group called the Junior Progressives and served as Director of the Youth Choir in his fathers' church.
Bishop Morton graduated from the prestigious J. C. Patterson Collegiate Institute
. He then attended St. Clair College
, he excelled in the area of music. It was around this time he met a young man Named LeRoy Bailey, Jr. LeRoy in 1971 was called to become the pastor of The First Baptist Church of Hartford In 1967, Paul Morton felt called by God to preach the Gospel
. In 1972, He was led to city of New Orleans, Louisiana
and to the Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church (now known as Greater St. Stephen
Full Gospel Baptist Church) under the pastorate of Reverend Percy Simpson. Here he became an Assistant Pastor. He also attended and graduated from Union Baptist Seminary of Louisiana.
In the early days of his pastoral ministry, Morton's sermons began to draw hundreds of listeners. Since becoming Greater St. Stephen MBC's senior pastor, he has incorporated several seasonal institutes and revivals, numerous community outreach programs, and implemented over 60 active-in-house ministries.
In 1997, the ministry purchased an Army Naval Base and renamed it St. Stephen City. This new development provides affordable housing to more than 75 families, also an apartment complex, St. Stephen Manor which provides housing to over 50 families. Also in 1997, the ministry purchased an office building which now houses the new corporate headquarters, home to the ministry’s daily operations, and to several other community businesses.
Bishop Morton continues to spread the Word of God through the "Changing A Generation" daily radio and weekly television broadcasts which air in several markets nationwide, including a nationally televised broadcast from Greater St. Stephen FGBC and Changing A Generation FGBC-Atlanta on Dream Television Network, Black Entertainment Television
(BET) and Word Network
. Morton has also made appearances on Trinity Broadcasting Network
's Praise The Lord segments, and CBN
's The 700 Club
program.
Bishop Morton’s commitment to the community is evident by his participation on the board of One Church-One Addict and the nation’s leading gospel magazine, Gospel Today. He is also the president of the Paul S. Morton, Sr. Scholarship Foundation and president of the Paul S. Morton Bible College and School of Ministry.
In 1980, Greater St. Stephen MBC had begun its initial move from their origial 600 seat sanctuary facility to a 2000 seat facility adjacent to the original edifice. During this period the church began to grow from 647 members to over 20,000 members presently, expanding to three church locations in the Greater New Orleans area. Collectively Greater St. Stephen FGBC offered eight worship services per week. five services on Sunday, and two Word Explosion services on Wednesday, and a Friday night Deliverance Service.
, a movement to lead and teach born-again Christians primarily in the Baptist
denomination, how to operate in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, while becoming more strongly grounded in their faith in Jesus.
Atlanta FGBC Annex
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Bishop Morton opened the Greater St. Stephen FGBC in Atlanta
, (now renamed Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church) under the credo that they were becoming "One Church in Two States" and vowing that they are "Changing the Way We Do Church.". A passage from the Holy Bible, Isaiah 1:17a, "Learn to do well..." would also serve greatly as its inspiration.
As the head of the office of International Presiding Bishop in FGBCF, Morton continues to preside over the planting of new churches.
Outside of the FGBC, Bishop Morton is an author and a musical recording artist.One of his books is entitled Why Kingdoms Fall describes his personal struggle life between mental breakdown and his miraculous spiritual restoration. In addition to Why Kingdoms Fall, Morton has also authored the books ,"What is the Full Gospel Baptist Church?."; and "It’s Time For The Outpouring".
Let It Rain & I'm Still Standing
In 2003 Morton recorded the single "Let It Rain", then in 2006, following Hurricane Katrina disaster, and after surviving a battle with cancer, he recorded the song "I'm Still Standing". Included among his other musical accomplishments are five albums with the Greater St. Stephen Mass Choir and two recordings with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir. He was also featured on the all-star recording of the hit song, "Something Inside So Strong" a tribute to Rosa Parks.
Tehiliah Music Group
In 2002, Bishop Morton became the CEO of Tehiliah Music Group, with Pastor Jerry Parries, pastor of Christian Family Worship Center in Orlando, Florida, serving as its president.
Baptist
Baptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
pastor. He is currently senior pastor of
Changing A Generation Full Gospel
Full Gospel
The term Full Gospel is often used as a synonym for Pentecostalism, a Protestant movement originating in the 19th century. Early Pentecostals saw their teachings on baptism with the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and divine healing as a return to the doctrines and power of the Apostolic Age...
Baptist Church and Co-Pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. He is also a recording artist, author
Author
An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
and the founding and presiding bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, International is a fellowship of churches and individuals representing various denominations or organizations that accepts the operation of spiritual gifts in the church today, in reaction to the teachings of many Baptist bodies.-External links:* -...
.
Early years
Paul Sylvester Morton is the son of the late Bishop C.L. Morton Sr. and the late Evangelist Matilda E. Morton. His father pastored two congregations, one in Windsor, OntarioWindsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
named Mount Zion C.O.G.I.C in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and one in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
named Mount Zion Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C, both were a part of the Church of God in Christ
Church of God in Christ
The Church of God in Christ is a Pentecostal Holiness Christian denomination with a predominantly African-American membership. With nearly five million members in the United States and 12,000 congregations, it is the largest Pentecostal church and the fifth largest Christian church in the U.S....
, Inc. Growing up, he exemplified a special talent in music. He sang with his brothers Bishop C.L. Morton Jr, Bishop James H. Morton, the lesser known, George Morton and became known all over the country. He was also the founder of a young singing group called the Junior Progressives and served as Director of the Youth Choir in his fathers' church.
Bishop Morton graduated from the prestigious J. C. Patterson Collegiate Institute
J. C. Patterson Collegiate Institute
J.C. Patterson Collegiate Institute was a public secondary school located in downtown Windsor from 1854 until 1973.- History :...
. He then attended St. Clair College
St. Clair College
St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology is a college in the Southwestern Ontario counties of Essex and Chatham-Kent.-Campus:Its main administration and largest campus sites are in Windsor, Canada. In addition, other campuses are located in Chatham and Wallaceburg. In 2007, St...
, he excelled in the area of music. It was around this time he met a young man Named LeRoy Bailey, Jr. LeRoy in 1971 was called to become the pastor of The First Baptist Church of Hartford In 1967, Paul Morton felt called by God to preach the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
. In 1972, He was led to city of New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
and to the Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church (now known as Greater St. Stephen
Full Gospel Baptist Church) under the pastorate of Reverend Percy Simpson. Here he became an Assistant Pastor. He also attended and graduated from Union Baptist Seminary of Louisiana.
Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church (1972-1992)
In December 1974, Pastor Simpson died and the then Assistant Pastor Morton was installed as Senior Pastor in January, 1975. Upon becoming the church's new pastor, Morton began to commit to a mission to "help people reach their ultimate potential spiritually" in their relationships with Jesus Christ by teaching them to operate in "spirit over mind." Under Morton's leadership, both the financial growth and the growth of the congregation would increase dramatically.In the early days of his pastoral ministry, Morton's sermons began to draw hundreds of listeners. Since becoming Greater St. Stephen MBC's senior pastor, he has incorporated several seasonal institutes and revivals, numerous community outreach programs, and implemented over 60 active-in-house ministries.
In 1997, the ministry purchased an Army Naval Base and renamed it St. Stephen City. This new development provides affordable housing to more than 75 families, also an apartment complex, St. Stephen Manor which provides housing to over 50 families. Also in 1997, the ministry purchased an office building which now houses the new corporate headquarters, home to the ministry’s daily operations, and to several other community businesses.
Bishop Morton continues to spread the Word of God through the "Changing A Generation" daily radio and weekly television broadcasts which air in several markets nationwide, including a nationally televised broadcast from Greater St. Stephen FGBC and Changing A Generation FGBC-Atlanta on Dream Television Network, Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television is an American, Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its...
(BET) and Word Network
Word Network
The Word Network is a religious network in the United States. It caters to all people including many African American ministries, gospel music and family programming. The Word Network was founded in February 2000 by Franklin Z. Adell. While television station WADL in Mt...
. Morton has also made appearances on Trinity Broadcasting Network
Trinity Broadcasting Network
The Trinity Broadcasting Network is a major American Christian television network. TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New...
's Praise The Lord segments, and CBN
Christian Broadcasting Network
The Christian Broadcasting Network, or CBN, is a fundamentalist Christian television broadcasting network in the United States. Its headquarters and main studios are in Virginia Beach, Virginia.-Background:...
's The 700 Club
The 700 Club
The 700 Club is the flagship news talk show of the Christian Broadcasting Network, airing in syndication throughout the United States and Canada. In production since 1966, it is currently hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, Kristi Watts, and Gordon P. Robertson, two of whom will host on any...
program.
Bishop Morton’s commitment to the community is evident by his participation on the board of One Church-One Addict and the nation’s leading gospel magazine, Gospel Today. He is also the president of the Paul S. Morton, Sr. Scholarship Foundation and president of the Paul S. Morton Bible College and School of Ministry.
In 1980, Greater St. Stephen MBC had begun its initial move from their origial 600 seat sanctuary facility to a 2000 seat facility adjacent to the original edifice. During this period the church began to grow from 647 members to over 20,000 members presently, expanding to three church locations in the Greater New Orleans area. Collectively Greater St. Stephen FGBC offered eight worship services per week. five services on Sunday, and two Word Explosion services on Wednesday, and a Friday night Deliverance Service.
Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (FGBCF)
In 1992, Bishop Morton helped to co-found the Full Gospel Baptist Church FellowshipFull Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, International is a fellowship of churches and individuals representing various denominations or organizations that accepts the operation of spiritual gifts in the church today, in reaction to the teachings of many Baptist bodies.-External links:* -...
, a movement to lead and teach born-again Christians primarily in the Baptist
Baptist
Baptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
denomination, how to operate in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, while becoming more strongly grounded in their faith in Jesus.
Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church (FGBC)
That same year, following the vision of its pastor, Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church changed its name to Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, in March 1993, Bishop Morton was consecrated to the office of International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. .Atlanta FGBC Annex
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Bishop Morton opened the Greater St. Stephen FGBC in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
, (now renamed Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church) under the credo that they were becoming "One Church in Two States" and vowing that they are "Changing the Way We Do Church.". A passage from the Holy Bible, Isaiah 1:17a, "Learn to do well..." would also serve greatly as its inspiration.
As the head of the office of International Presiding Bishop in FGBCF, Morton continues to preside over the planting of new churches.
Literary works
Why Kingdoms FallOutside of the FGBC, Bishop Morton is an author and a musical recording artist.One of his books is entitled Why Kingdoms Fall describes his personal struggle life between mental breakdown and his miraculous spiritual restoration. In addition to Why Kingdoms Fall, Morton has also authored the books ,"What is the Full Gospel Baptist Church?."; and "It’s Time For The Outpouring".
Musical works
In addition to being a dynamic preacher and proficient teacher, Bishop Morton is a world-renowned singer. In 1999, Bishop Morton released his nationally recognized solo CD (album) entitled Crescent City Fire.Let It Rain & I'm Still Standing
In 2003 Morton recorded the single "Let It Rain", then in 2006, following Hurricane Katrina disaster, and after surviving a battle with cancer, he recorded the song "I'm Still Standing". Included among his other musical accomplishments are five albums with the Greater St. Stephen Mass Choir and two recordings with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir. He was also featured on the all-star recording of the hit song, "Something Inside So Strong" a tribute to Rosa Parks.
Tehiliah Music Group
In 2002, Bishop Morton became the CEO of Tehiliah Music Group, with Pastor Jerry Parries, pastor of Christian Family Worship Center in Orlando, Florida, serving as its president.