Bishop Clarence E. McClendon was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois and began preaching at age fifteen. He assumed his first pastorate position at age nineteen and today, Bishop McClendon serves as the Senior Pastor for Full Harvest International Church, a growing global, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual congregation located in the South Bay area of California. He also serves as the founder and president of umbrella corporation, Clarence E. McClendon Ministries (CEMM), which encompasses weekly national and international television broadcasts formally known as “Take It By Force” is now entitled “A Miracle for You”. Currently more than 250 million homes have access to CEMM broadcasts throughout North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Bishop McClendon also hosts national conferences and crusades throughout the year in targeted US cities. “Clarence E. McClendon South Bay Miracle, Prayer and Healing Crusades” draw believers and non-believers alike to share in the apostolic, prophetic, and healing ministry of Bishop McClendon, and often sees attendance that exceeds thousands. In addition, a part of CEMM, the Full Harvest Network of Churches, Ministries and Entrepreneurs offers men and women of God the opportunity to connect with Bishop McClendon’s apostolic call by formally recognizing him as their spiritual father in the ministry.
Among his other accolades, Bishop McClendon is the founder and president of Siloam Bible College and Clarence E. McClendon Leadership Institute, dedicated to “Empowering 21st Century Leaders of Today With a Vision for Tomorrow.” In addition, under the umbrella of CEMM, PrayerForce serves as a coalition of 21,000 people who have committed themselves to pray for national protection and the manifestation of God’s will in the 21st century and is seen as a prophetic response to the tragedy of 9-11 by raising a spiritual hedge of protection over our families, our neighborhood and our cities.
Dr. McClendon serves as the Third Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship where he was consecrated to the bishopric in 1997. Bishop McClendon has also accepted a seat on the College of Bishops of the International Communion of Charismatic Churches. Both, of which, are interdenominational fellowships where he has built a reputation as a force for reconciliation and harmony across ethnic, denominational, generational, and geographical lines.
He also serves as a board member of the Do Something Foundation, a think-tank of some of America’s top young leaders, and as a California Regent for President Bush’s Faith Based Initiative Center. As a voice of authority regarding some of society’s most pressing issues, Bishop McClendon has appeared on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, Nightline on ABC and Black Entertainment Television.
Young people are a central focus to Bishop McClendon’s ministry, as he understands the unique challenges facing this generation. He provides a powerful exhortation to young people in saying, “Time and again we tell our young people what they cannot do. ‘You can’t do this and you can’t do that.’ It’s high time that we start telling our young people what they can do. They can be accepted as they are. They can live lives of purpose and destiny. They can find trustworthy friendships and relationships. They can remove themselves from the pain and disappointment of their past. They can be free from drugs. They can be hopeful for their future and as the Church we have the answer for them in the person of Jesus Christ.”
Understanding that our young people are the ones who are destined to lead their generation and eventually a nation, Bishop McClendon has initiated the following programs to assist in preparing today’s youth to fulfill their purpose and destiny:
Daniel’s Posse
In response to national statistics, which illuminate the lack of male presence in the home for most inner-city youth, Daniel’s Posse provides a forum for instruction as well as interaction regarding topics such as peer pressure, sex, drugs, and violence. Currently, more than 200 young men between the ages of 12 & 18 years old are currently being mentored through a weekly gathering known as Daniel’s Posse at Full Harvest International. Daniel’s Posse participants are exposed to sporting and cultural events, and are being trained in computers and technology so as to prepare them for post-secondary education and ultimately, a viable place in the workforce.
Philip’s Daughters
A mentorship program for young women ages 10 to 18 focuses on the development of well rounded and secure young women. Philip’s Daughters provides a forum for instruction as well as interaction regarding topics such as peer pressure, sex, drugs, and abuse. Philip’s Daughters participants are exposed to cultural events, and are being trained in etiquette and as well as prayer, praise and worship.
N’crease Youth Ministry
Understanding that the Apostle Paul believed that Christians are to minister within the context of our culture, N’crease was introduced as an outlet for young people who have felt disenfranchised from traditional church or who have found modern religion to be somewhat irrelevant to their lives. N’crease is an alternative to “traditional” church services and encourages the voice of this generation to be heard. With everything from hip-hop, rap, dance, comedy, and talent shows, it breathes the true liberty given to the New Testament Church. One of its highlights includes a forum entitled “Faith Speaks,” where young people have the opportunity to directly ask Bishop McClendon questions about issues they face and receive a sound, biblical response that encompasses practical application.
Media
Bishop McClendon is firmly committed to using the most strategic and relevant mediums of communication for reaching out to this generation. Bishop McClendon can currently be seen on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and The Word Network. Bishop McClendon can also be heard every Tuesday on radio station KTYM.Music
An accomplished musician and songwriter, Bishop McClendon passionately believes that music is key to reaching a generation. His musical accolades include the Stellar Award nominated CD “Shout Hallelujah,” which debuted on Billboard’s top ten listing for gospel music as well as “Give Glory to God,” his debut CD.Literature
Bishop McClendon is a teacher of magnanimous proportions who presents revelatory insight into the kingdom of God. As such, he has coined several literary works that reach believers at any stage in their walk with God, as well as non-believers who want more than what their life is currently offering.The X-Blessing
The secular news media and experts of the day have declared Generation X to be an “unknown generation” and have labeled them as lazy, lost, confused, and without hope. Taken from the story of Manasseh and Ephriam in Genesis, chapter 48, Bishop McClendon shows how Jacob (or Israel) crossed his hands and commanded the greater blessing to be upon the younger generation. Bishop McClendon reveals that God is doing the same thing with today’s youth. He boldly declares in this book: “God has His eye upon Generation X; and although they appear to be the ‘unexpected ones,’ it is this generation whom God is choosing to save, anoint and usher in the greatest revival the world has ever seen.”And When You Pray
This step-by-step instructional guide takes the mystery out of praying and offers a practical approach to accessing the presence of God in your personal time of prayer. Based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, chapter six, prayer is meant to be dialogue with God, where He communicates to us the answers for our lives. In this book, learn to pray the way Jesus did and experience the power of prayer with God.Beyond Personal Power
As individuals made in the image and likeness of God, we were created to have whatever it is that we speak and continue speaking, and the Bible calls that faith. Faith is more than a mere belief or a persuasion of the heart: it is coupled with action. In this book, Bishop McClendon teaches that faith speaks what it believes; and, as believers, we must be demonstrating the God-kind of faith in order to produce the God-kind of results. He unveils how Christians must discipline themselves to speak the promises of God, even when the situation we are facing may be “saying” something different. With this teaching, Christians are empowered to move beyond their own ability and begin expecting the limitless power of God’s word to produce His promises in our lives.Firstfruits:
The Key to Unlocking Power in the Dream DimensionFor too long the Church has only taught two-thirds of God’s plan for prospering His people, and as a result, Christians have been breaking even but not increasing. God established authority to exist in “3s.” There are three lights that govern the heavens – sun, moon and stars; three parts to man – spirit, soul and body; three parts to the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There were even three archangels – Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer; but, when one of them fell (Lucifer), darkness and chaos was the result. Such is the case with our financial covenant with God. It is comprised of three parts – firstfruit, tithe and offering; and because we have been missing the first part, our finances have been out of order and seemingly chaotic. In this book, Bishop McClendon teaches believers how to unlock the power of their dreams by putting all three elements of our financial covenant with God into effect. He explains the difference between the firstfruit, tithe and offering, and even reveals the blessings attached to each one. God wants His people to prosper, but we must know how to position ourselves so that He can cause the blessing to be released into our lives.