Wallace J. Sibley Inducted Into Hall of Prophets
The Pentecostal Theological Seminary is proud to announce the induction of Dr. Wallace J. Sibley into their Hall of Prophets on Thursday, July 12, 2012. The event was held in Cross Chapel on the Seminary campus followed by a luncheon in the Knight Conference Hall.
Wallace and Dorothy Sibley accept the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Prophets.
Giving tribute in the ceremony were Reverend Gotral A. Poitier, Bishop Carlton L. Cannon, Dr. Wayne C. Solomon, Bishop Julian Robinson, Bishop Antonio C. Richardson, and Dr. Kenneth Hill. Special music was provided by Reverend Jacqueline Smith. After Seminary President Dr. Steven Land honored the Sibleys and presented the Hall of Prophets plaque, Dr. Donnie Smith closed the service in prayer.
Land shared with those assembled that the friends and family of the Sibleys have established an endowment in the name of the Sibleys as part of the Hall of Prophets induction that will provide scholarship assistance to seminary students.
“Over $500,000 in scholarships are awarded each year because of our Hall of Prophets endowments,” Land stated. “We praise God for the honor we can give to deserving servants of God like the Sibleys, and we praise God that these endowments are making an eternal difference.”
Dr. Sibley became a Church of God minister in 1963. He distinguished himself as he pastored and planted churches for over 20 years with dynamic preaching, leadership skills and love for people. His appointments include: Youth Director and Administrative Bishop in several states, chairman of the Black Ministries and Haitian Ministries Board. Sibley is also, notably, the first Black in the Church of God to be elected to the following: Executive Council, Evangelism and Home Missions Assistant Director and Director, Executive Committee of the Church of God (Secretary General).
He has authored the following books: Evangelizing the Black Community – 1984, A Passion for Evangelism and Missions-2008, Praying Like Jesus (with N. Fouda Ndikintum)-2008, Prayer Changes People…People Change Things-2011.
Wallace Sibley married Dorothy August 23, 1964, and they are the parents of four children: Vince, Wallace Jr., Kevin, and Anita. They have six grandchildren.
The Sibleys’ legacy of love was a recurring theme from a long line of guests who offered tribute at the luncheon. Mark Williams, First Assistant General Overseer, shared about his appreciation of Dr. Sibley’s service on the Executive Committee and their special friendship. Sandra Kay Williams reinforced her husband’s views and dwelt on how Dorothy Sibley is a Godly woman and an outstanding professor and leader. Those speaking at the luncheon shared of the Sibley’s unforgettable and eternal contribution to the Church of God. President Steve Land noted that, “the Seminary is proud to honor the Sibleys and have a role in preserving the memories of their significant contributions to the ministry.”
It was a special treat for all of those present to have the opportunity to hear from several of the Sibleys’ relatives who attended the induction including the Sibleys’ oldest son, Wallace Sibley Jr. who shared how his parents have always been the same sincere, dedicated and compassionate Christians in the privacy of their home as they have been in public.
During the luncheon, Ken Davis, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, explained he had to quash a rumor that had been circulating that the Hall of Prophets honor meant that the Sibleys were retiring, “Let me make it clear that the Sibleys are not retiring,” Davis said. “They are still responding to God’s call; there is too much to do for them to retire now. The Sibleys will continue to effectively minister in their current roles if God so desires.”
Induction into the Hall of Prophets at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary is reserved for those ministers whose service to Jesus Christ and the Pentecostal Movement has been meritorious. For more information regarding contributing to the Sibley endowment or to recommend someone for inclusion in the Hall of Prophets, please contact Ken Davis at (423) 478-7707 or e-mail [email protected].
