Pastor Clarence Russell Jennings
When you first meet Pastor Clarence Jennings, there is a sense of deep love for the Lord and His people. His warmth and compassion and love for the Lord is evident. Many have said, “He surely is a man of God.”
Clarence Russell Jennings was born in Wisconsin on October 25, 1942, to Maime & Clarence Jennings Sr.
Clarence Sr. moved his family to South Florida when Clarence Jr. was 2 years old. Pastor Jennings grew up learning a trade. He graduated from Miami Jackson at age 17. He began attending Evangel Temple, the first Pentecostal church in Miami. This became his church home from 1960 to 2005. Being called to ministry in 1989, Pastor Clarence worked in every capacity at Evangel and served as Associate Pastor from 1990 until the Lord called him to Calvary Assembly of God.
Pastor Jennings underwent his pastoral training through Global University of the Assemblies of God. His practical training came through Pastor Martin Luther Davidson, who has had a great influence on his ministry. He also served under Pastor Higel Hundy for 13 years.
Pastor Davidson spoke to Pastor Clarence of the vision he had from God that the Lord would be taking him to a new level. To be a pastor requires a 24 hour commitment, but Pastor Clarence would do no less because of his deep love for people. God told him He had a special work and, “I need your voice”. Shortly after that, a defining moment came when his mom passed; he asked the Lord, “Who’s going to pray for our family?” God told Clarence, “You will”. At that moment, a journey of deeper ministry began, which we continue to see today.
In retrospect, people have indicated the level of influence on their lives, whereas, three pastors have come from his tutelage. In three notable cases, young men with no fathers came up to serve the Lord in tremendous ministries across the country. Pastor Clarence gives all credit to God; “We are called to serve. In the process of serving, we may be called to lead but leadership without humility equals very little influence.” To pastor is not just to preach, but to help heal brokenness.
Pastor Jennings feels the Lord led him to Calvary to help build the church at a time when Pastor Eldon was ill. One of his favorite texts is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Why this verse? As we see our limitations, we realize how much we must lean on the Lord.
One Scripture reference that Pastor Clarence quotes is from Ezekiel 34. There is a serious responsibility that shepherds have to the sheep that they are called to serve and to God who is the Ultimate Good Shepherd. So in knowing how to minister to a multi-cultural congregation such as Calvary Assembly of God, the answer is simple – “You love them.” Pastor Clarence Jennings is a man of his word.
Pastor Jennings has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for forty-eight years. They have been blessed with two daughters, Joella and Melanie. Their nine grandchildren have brought great joy into their lives.
