In this article, I offer an insider’s review on Pastor Dr. Damian M. Epps, the devoted shepherd of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.
Every now and then, I take a break from my Biblicist-based defense of the Holy Bible—dismantling the arguments of those deemed theologically non compos mentis—to pay tribute to those who uphold sound doctrine.
As many of you know, through this blog and in person, I have been graced by the Lord God of Armies with the anointing to confront crooked, absurd, and often fake preachers and pastors.
This assignment has been extraordinarily challenging, as I’ve detailed in past articles. When I began this journey, I had no idea that some of those claiming to be sent by Yahweh would prove to be His most entrenched opposition!
Nevertheless, I strive to judge righteously and to give honor where it is due—especially to genuine men of God like Dr. Damian M. Epps. In a recent article, I highlighted another exemplary leader, Dr. Frantz T. Whitfield of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Waterloo, Iowa.
Dr. Whitfield, who serves as Vice President At-Large of the Iowa Baptist Convention, exemplifies the heart of a servant. Interestingly, Dr. Whitfield served as Dr. Epps’s Convention Secretary during his tenure as President of the Iowa Baptist Convention.
What struck me most about Dr. Epps was his grace in stepping aside when his presidency concluded.
Despite the operational challenges posed by COVID-19, he respected the convention’s desire to adhere to its election schedule. This act of humility and integrity speaks volumes about his character.
Let me be clear: Dr. Epps is called by God, and he carries that mantle with both class and a fierce sense of urgency. But my connection to him goes deeper than his public leadership.
So great is my respect and admiration for Dr. Epps, that he is one of only four (4) men alive who can tell me to "hush and sit down" and I would immediately comply.
The others are my former pastor, John U. Minion Sr. (Indiana), Pastor Dr. Marshaundus Robinson (Impact Church of Hope), and Bishop Brian E. Hill (Gift of Life Church).
I am still a bit hot with Robinson and Hill though! Hill had the nerve to confront me with, "You are not the Bible police. The Lord did not tell you to enforce the Bible on people."
Yeah, he is right, I am still hostile though. My flesh is offended by my SOUL is happy!
Robinson made my flesh boil with, "Man, you getting mad at a preacher for calling you crazy when even you know you do crazy stuff." In the call of a Watchman, one has to go up to the line of appearing crazy, but that doesn't mean I like to hear it.
No need to speak on Pastor John U. Minion much because our pastors spend years correcting and rebuking. However, perhaps one is worth mentioning and corresponds to Dr. Robinson's "crazy" comment (though they do not know one another).
When I would do stuff he didn't undertand (like open air street preaching), Pastor would ask, "brother, did the Lord tell you to do that or did YOU do that?"
Years ago, during one of the most difficult seasons of my prophetic ministry, Dr. Epps became a source of support and wisdom. I provided personal context to these difficulties in an article concerning the danger of pastorless churches.
In 2016, I was serving as Interim Pastor at the church I now lead. Our previous pastor had passed away in February of that year, and the church was under siege by opportunistic preachers—what I call “thirst trap preachers” and “pulpit hyenas”—who were vying for control.
The most dangerous of these individuals was already on our ministry staff and actively seeking the pastorate. Before his passing, our late pastor had urged me to stand with this preacher saying, “He will need you.”
As a former U.S. Marine, I took this as an order from my rank superior and committed to supporting him. However, this candidate eventually ended up in jail, had to be bailed out by church leadership, and was not elected pastor.
Instead, I was chosen.
During this tumultuous period, Dr. Epps stood by me, offering support, encouragement, and crucial warnings—two of which proved prophetic. First, he advised, “Stop worrying about how slow church growth is, doc. If it’s quick, then it’s sick.”
Unfortunately, I didn’t heed this wisdom immediately and nearly drove myself crazy with the comings and goings of people. Over time, however, I came to embrace his insight.
Second, he warned, “Keep your eyes open, man. If people start to fight you and seem more organized than usual, another preacher is probably behind it. Only a shepherd can teach sheep how to fight another shepherd.”
This time, I heeded his advice.
Praise the Lord for my confrontational nature and vigilance toward other leaders, no fake or hateful preachers ever gained a foothold in our church. It took seven years for the Lord to send ministers to our congregation—and, interestingly, they are just as “eccentric” and confrontational as I am!
Beyond his wisdom, Dr. Epps possesses a rare charisma. His leadership style is not what I would call charismatic in the traditional sense—a style often marked by vagueness and a lack of direction.
Instead, Dr. Epps inspires those he leads to carry out a specific vision and agenda. He is approachable and friendly, yet unafraid to speak the truth when necessary.
One of the most profound moments I witnessed was Epps’s interaction with his father during his installation service as President of the Iowa Baptist Convention. His father preached about the modern “Diotrephes” in the church, and the look on Dr. Epps’s face as he listened was unforgettable.
As someone who grew up in foster care without a father or mother, I found myself deeply moved, though I lack the words to fully describe what I saw.
However, recently I was over another minister's house and as he was speaking about the things of God, his young daughter literally sat at his feet, with the same look Epp's had while his father was preaching.
I am not sure if it was amazement, awe or other but it was very noticeable. Furthermore, I have never had children who are flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone, so I do not have the reference point of a father either.
However, Dr. Epps has an exceptional ability to build loyalty among those he leads. Having served in the United States Marine Corps, I recognize the traits of a great leader—loyalty, charisma, and a clear sense of purpose.
Pastor Epps embodies these qualities and I served with true leaders, who not only demanded we sacrifice our very lives for one another, but would (and have) given their lives for us.
Let's just say that in more than two (2) decade in ministry leadership, I say with surety that 99% of those who lead in the Name of Jesus are much less committed to one another, and the mission for that matter, than are 100% of Marines to the 'yellow foot print pledge.'
Pastor Epps has done several things that, to this day, mean more to me than he likely realizes.
First, during my early days as a pastor, he took the time to visit our small church in the cornfields of Iowa. Despite his busy schedule as Iowa Convention President and his numerous speaking engagements across the country, he made time for us.
His presence was a tremendous encouragement, especially given the modest honorarium we could afford, which he didn't even demand in exchange for his presence.
Second, Epps used his significant social media influence to affirm my election as pastor, sending a clear message to those who sought to undermine me. His support was a powerful deterrent to their satanic schemes.
Third, during his installation service for the state convention presidency, Epps appointed me as the state’s “social content” guy, recognizing my talent for search engine optimization (SEO).
Later, I came to understand this gesture was not just about leveraging my skills; it was strategic to affirm my role and silence the wolves and hyenas who sought my demise.
I used the same wisdom to solve an issue between folk several years ago.
In transparency, I have yet to master this level of subtley on a consistent basis preferring the direct, to the face approach.
That evening, during the installation services, two local preachers—who, out of love and respect for Dr. Epps, will remain nameless—had been plotting against me, were visibly shaken.
Epps’s speech without speaking sent a clear message: I was not just an Interim Pastor but a valued leader in the convention. Even these two idiots were not crazy enough to stand against Dr. Damian M. Epps.
While I was born to preach violence, spoil, and repentance to false prophets and wayward church leaders, his encouragement and wisdom during this time were Holy Ghost sent.
If Dr. Epps ever runs for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention USA, this platform will be fully dedicated to supporting him. However, this does not change my earlier stated challenges with the national convention which, beyond the Sunday School Publishing Board, I see little value in.
Epps can, and will, change all of that and I don't care what pinched-nose, ignorant negro preachers say. Keep your mouth off God's guy and on that, I borrow one of Dr. Epp's sermon tropes; "preach black boy!"
With nearly 300 articles, 1.5 million impressions, and 10,000 monthly visits, this blog is a powerful tool for amplifying his message when, and if, the moment arrives.
Thus far, I have mentioned nothing about his national profile, preaching, and networking gift, all of which are extraordinary. I am sure he gets enough honor and praise, and rightfully so.
Yet, there are others with the same credentials, a few of which are featured on this blog, that are neither sent by God nor a truly anointed leader of His people.
The height, width, and breadth of a person can never be based on traits which can be a result of our efforts in the area of personal development. The measure of Holy Ghost anointing are gifts that, no matter how hard one works, they can never obtain.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Damian M. Epps. He is one of only three men I would follow as a watchman, alongside my former pastor, John U. Minion of Indiana, and the late Pastor Michael E. Coleman (dead yet alive) of Antioch Baptist Church in Waterloo, Iowa.
Dr. Epps has the heart of a shepherd, and I am honored to have served under his covering.
If you ever read this, sir, thank you for taking me in and watching over me when I was too blind to see how much I needed your guidance.
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