They have three grown children and four grandchildren. Active at the local, national and international level Dr. Masters serves on several boards and agencies including Africa University Development Board which oversees the work of Africa University in Zimbabwe.
Dr. Masters in an avid reader and author of Simon of Cyrene, the only African eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus, (Inkwater Press 2004) and Makin’ Room in the Inn, Christmas Hospitality through an African American Experiences (Abingdon 2010), co-authored with his wife Rev. S. Dianna Masters. He was also publisher of a magazine, Deep River, which addressed issues and topics of African American churches in Southern California.
A passion of Dr. Masters is working to revitalize churches in the central city and developing strategies to “Save Black Boys”(currently tutoring black boys at Charles Rice Elementary in South Dallas-the most poverty stricken community in Dallas). His current efforts are also focused on writing, consulting, traveling, assisting his wife of forty years, going to Houston to baby sit his grandkids and publishing a new publication – By Faith magazine.
WHO WE ARE
Ms. Deborah Bell
Rev. Eugene Boyer
Dr. Michael Bowie
Mr. John Coleman
Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III
Rev. Staci Current
Rev. Denise Smart Sears
Rev. Dr. Kirbyjon Caldwell
Mr. Larry Dozier
Judge Jon Gray
Dr. Cynthia Bond-Hopson
Rev. Telley Gadson
Dr. William McClain
Dr. Myron McCoy
Rev.Gary Williams
Dr. Frederick Outlaw
Bishop Gregory Palmer
Ms. Lanella Smith
Ms. Amelia Tucker-Shaw
Bishop Woody W. White
Dr. Masters is a native of Waco, Texas. He is a graduate of A.J. Moore High School, Paul Quinn College (B.A.), Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University-SMU (Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry), Huston-Tilloston University (Doctor of Divinity). His first ministerial appointment began in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church with the Metropolitan Board of Mission working with an ecumenical staff of Urban Community Organizers. He has served churches in Valley Mills, Texas (student appointment) Fort Worth, Dallas, Los Angeles and one term as District Superintendent. Additionally Dr. Masters has also served as Adjunct faculty at Texas Christian University (TCU) and Perkins School of Theology at SMU.
In 2012, Dr. Masters returned from an eleven year pastorate at Holman UMC (the largest UMC in Los Angeles) to assume senior pastor duties at St. Luke “Community” UMC in Dallas. In June 2014 Dr. Masters retired after forty seven (47) years of pastoral ministry. He is married to Rev. S. Dianna Masters (Pastor Warren UMC-Dallas).
MISSION
To provide a vehicle through which the shared life and stories and the gifts of the Black Experiences will enable the Black United Methodist Churches to make disciples for Jesus for the transformation of underserved communities and the world.
AGENT
BFM is produced by Closer Walk Ministries, a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization established to provide resources for Christian growth and development through educational publications, seminars, etc. to perpetuate Christian values.
VISION
Black United Methodist churches need revitalization. They need to see as Ezekiel did, dry bones being makes whole, alive, vibrant, on their feet shouting. As Ezekiel witnessed the bones “getting connected” growing muscles and tendons and having breath entered them. BFM is an instrument of God, as was Ezekiel, that will get the bones (Black churches/Pastors) connected so they can see, through their shared stories and life together what the wind of God can do and is doing to bring new life.
BY FAITH MAGAZINE (BFM)
BFM is an initiative to provide a communication vehicle for the Black Churches in the United Methodist Church (UMC). Begun in late 2015 by the effort of Rev. Dr. Henry L. Masters, Sr. a retired UMC Pastor, BFM is now a movement that has galvanized support from Black staff in practically all of the (57) conferences in the UMC, Bishops and leading Pastors and laity.
ORGIN OF NAME
DISTRIBUTION
BFM is published Bi-monthly and mailed to 4,000 Black United Methodist Churches / Pastors and church-related institutions, organizations, agencies and subscribers.
ADVISORY BOARD
About Harry Hosier
Harry Hosier was the first Black preacher licensed to preach in the Methodist Church. He was the chosen companion of Bishop Francis Asbury, father of America Methodism .Though illiterate, Harry more than held his own among preachers of his day, drawing crowds of blacks and whites. He captivated audiences with his melodious voice, powerful preaching and heartfelt prayers. The Methodist Church grew exponentially from the fire in the belly of (Black) Harry Hosier.
In what scholar call his elocution of faith Harry’s immortal credo reads: I sing by faith, pray by faith, preach by faith and do everything by faith ….
In the spirit of Harry Hosier “By Faith Magazine” is born.