Howard Blakeney, a district pastor and senior pastor in South Carolina, has been part of GCI since age two. “My mom was baptized in the Greensboro, North Carolina church in 1966. She then moved from Greensboro to Charlotte, North Carolina where we attended church and that is where I grew up. I was mostly absent from church from about age 19 to 21, though I would return during basketball season and that kept up my relationship with other teens.”
Howard and his wife Wanonia Myers-Blakeney are in their 28th year of marriage. “For me it was love at first sight. We dated in high school and afterwards for a total of four years before getting married. We have three children (Kashonta, Ladaisha and Dale), one son-in-law (Bryant, married to Kashonta) and two grandchildren (Trevon and Kaylonee). We love to spend time with our children and our grands.”
Howard was baptized in May 1988 and began serving in the Charlotte church. He was ordained an elder in 1996. “I was then asked to assist Pastor Greg Williams in the newly planted Myrtle Beach, South Carolina church. He was pastoring three congregations at that time. After one and a half years, Pastor Greg and District Superintendent Keith Brittain decided I had a call to pastoral ministry. Eventually I agreed and became the senior pastor of the Myrtle Beach congregation in January 1998.” Howard planted the Marion, South Carolina congregation in 2000.
Howard, who is currently working on a master’s degree in theology, loves the history of GCI. “I love the long road that Jesus Christ has led us on. Our journey has been humbling, yet distinct in the body of Christ. I believe it enables us to help minister to folks who are trapped in legalism and works-oriented faith. Many still do not understand the grace of God!”
When asked about mentors, Howard noted the influence of Deacon Curtis Polk, Pastor Martin Manuel, Pastor Greg Williams, District Superintendent Keith Brittain and District Pastor Paul David Kurts. “These men taught me a lot about being a pastor and a leader.”
Howard’s passion is “To raise up things that God wants raised up. To help guide and grow what God wants grown. To develop and equip members to advance the kingdom of God under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our congregation hosts the Myrtle Beach fall conference each year. God has also given me a great passion for this.”
Recently, Howard was appointed to serve as the district pastor in North Carolina and part of Georgia. “The thing I enjoy most about pastoring is helping people, serving people, and seeing the growth in people as they stay the course and learn to trust Jesus in their lives. If I had to choose one moment as a pastor that is most memorable it would have to be baptizing all my children, my brother’s wife, my younger brother and both my sisters. Praise God!”
When asked when he feels closest to God, Howard said, “I feel closest to God in the midst of tribulation and difficulty. He has always given me the strength and power to trust him in the storms of my life.”
I know this man and i can truely say Yes Lord Yes.
Very helpful man — in all my dealings with him (mostly long distance) he has been a joy with whom to work.
Up Close & Personal with Pastor Howard and Wanonia Blakeney . . . appreciate “getting to know you here” very much. May God’s blessings continue to flow to you Howard, Wanonia and your family and to all those whom you serve in his name.