Rev. Hollingshed’s Biography

Rev. Kenneth L. Hollingshed

Pastor Kenneth L. Hollingshed. A devoted servant of God, a visionary leader, and a lifelong advocate for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A native of Fort Valley, GA, Pastor Hollingshed’s journey in ministry began in his early teens when he accepted his call to preach at Usher’s Temple CME Church under the mentorship of the late Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green. This pivotal moment ignited a passion for service that has spanned over four decades within the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. In the early years of his pastoral ministry, Pastor Hollingshed balanced his calling with a full-time career as an architectural engineer and designer. For ten years, he navigated the challenges of bi-vocational ministry, showcasing remarkable dedication and perseverance. Following this season, he transitioned into full-time pastoral ministry, wholeheartedly committing himself to the spiritual well-being of the congregations he served.

Throughout his remarkable career, Pastor Hollingshed has pastored 16 churches across Georgia and Texas, serving under the guidance of distinguished bishops, including Bishop Joseph C. Coles, Jr.; Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey; Bishop Marshal Gilmore; the late Bishop Ronald Cunningham; the late Bishop Henry M. Williamson; and currently Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick. In 1998, Pastor Hollingshed took a significant step by relocating from Georgia to Texas, where he faithfully led North Park CME Church in Dallas for an impressive 21 years. His tenure in Dallas left a lasting impact on the city and the congregation, reflecting his unwavering commitment to ministry and community. For the past 27 years, Pastor Hollingshed has been a vital member of the 8th Episcopal District’s evangelism team, including serving as the Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region Director of Evangelism and as the 8th Episcopal Director of Evangelism for 16 years.

Under his leadership, he spearheaded evangelism crusades, trained local congregations to reach their communities, and championed the use of technology to expand ministry outreach. His efforts have led to increased visibility of CME churches and a stronger connection between congregations and their communities. In July 2018, Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick appointed Pastor Hollingshed as the Senior Pastor of Morning Chapel CME, affectionately known as “The Rock Church.” Nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, TX, this 157-year-old historic church has flourished under his compassionate leadership. Pastor Hollingshed has guided the congregation with a steadfast focus on spiritual growth, meaningful community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to faith. With a profound love for God and His people, Pastor Hollingshed has become a sought-after evangelist, teacher, revivalist, and conference speaker.

His passion for preaching, pastoral care, and outreach has inspired and transformed countless lives across the nation. His commitment to ongoing theological studies further reflects his dedication to equipping himself to serve effectively in ministry. A dedicated lifelong learner, he holds a BA in Architectural Engineering, a BA in Theology, an MA in Business Organization and Design Planning, and is a proud graduate of the United States Army Chaplain Center and School. Pastor Hollingshed and his wife of 25 years, Rev. Tanesha Hollingshed, co-authored the book 40 Day Financial Renewal. Together, they share a dedication to ministry and family, with two adult sons who continue to inspire their journey. With over 40 years of ministry experience, Pastor Hollingshed remains steadfast in his mission to advance the Kingdom of God and uplift communities through faith, service, and love.

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