Southeastern Diocese
National Theme
Arise: It’s Your Time
Southeastern Diocese Convention
June 26-28, 2026
First Church Birmingham Alabama
637 Bell Ave, Birmingham, AL 35217
Diocese Convention Agenda (Coming Soon)
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Southeastern Diocese Calendar
Upcoming Events
More Details to come …
Presiding Bishop Hillard Castilla
GREETINGS BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo I am with you always[s], even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20
Thank you for visiting the Southeastern Diocese website. We are a diocese committed to “Building God’s Kingdom – One Soul at a Time.” The motto / mission statement is based on the Great Commission (quoted above), the greatest mission statement ever given! We are so grateful and excited that the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, has allowed us to partner with him in this most precious enterprise.
Every church in this diocese is a welcoming, loving group of believers committed to making disciples. That’s our whole agenda! We want to know Jesus, make him known and teach others to live for him according to his word.
Our founder, Bishop Charles Price Jones, taught that we should strive for wholehearted devotion to Christ, that he is “All I Need.” So, we preach and teach in the holiness tradition that we can live victoriously in the present world as we allow Christ to live through us by his Spirit. I know that’s a lot to unpack, but come visit us and learn more about this exciting journey.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Joyfully,
Bishop H. Vonzell Castilla
Bishop H. Vonzell Castilla, Presiding Prelate
Southeastern Diocese
Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.
Givc to General Fund
southeasterndiocese@gmail.com
Give to Brotherhood Ministry
through CashApp or Zelle.
sedbrotherhood@gmail.com
Give to Youth Ministry
through CashApp or Zelle.
southeasternyouth@gmail.com
Give to Women’s Ministry
through CashApp or Zelle.
seducwm@gmail.com
Support Our Diocese Ministries
MEET OUR PASTORS
FIND A LOCAL CHURCH NEAR YOU
We welcome you to join us!
ALABAMA DISTRICT
Elder Ulysses Woodyard
Directions
Ambassadors for Christ
Our mission is to reach out to those who are lost and the sick and shut in. Jesus said If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.
Elder Charles Dixon
Directions
Christ Temple Church
Our mission is to diligently seek God and make disciples as we preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, advance a vibrant youth ministry, give witness to the lost, listen and restore backsliders, and minister to the less fortunate.
Elder Darren Christian
Directions
First Church Worship Center
Our mission is to engage every member in Building families, Restoring the lost, Articulating the gospel in our Community and Empowering each person with the love of Jesus Christ.
Elder Frank Braxton
Directions
Lord’s Tabernacle
mission is to move forward in Christ. We will carry out and continue the work of Jesus Christ on earth, continuing to lead souls to Christ, become kingdom builders, preaching, teaching, and encouraging others in our community.
GEORGIA DISTRICT
Elder Deandre Turnipseed
Directions
Community of Hope
It is the mission of Community of Hope to help lost and broken people become devoted followers of Jesus Christ by placing their faith and hope in Him. We glorify God as we encourage one another
Elder Dr. David Kennebrew
Directions
Freedom Fellowship Church
We are a CHRIST-CENTERED & COMMUNITY FOCUSED church whose mission is to simply lead people to FREEDOM through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come join our journey to Freedom!
Interim Pastor, Elder Dr. David Kennebrew
Directions
Elder Bill Jordan
Directions
Smyrna Worship Center
Our mission is to present the Gospel of Christ in such a way that feels like family and turns non-Christians into converts, converts into disciples, and disciples into believers who
will reach others for Christ
Elder Anthony Griffin
Directions
Love Life Ministries
At Love Life Ministries COCHUSA, we BELIEVE that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We BELONG to a covenant community. We BECOME transformed as we obey God’s commandments.
Elder John Flott
Directions
FLORDIA DISTRICT
Elder Joseph Rivera
Directions
House of Prayer
As a church called by God, we are determined to carry out the mission He has prepared in advance for our lives. We have understood that Jesus is the reason we live, just as we were the reason He came to this earth. The Apostle Paul explained it best in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 when he said, “For the love of Christ compels us, because we believe this: that if one died for all, then all died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” As a church, we are fully committed to going wherever God confirms He is sending us, since there is no place too far away where His grace cannot sustain us. If you live or will ever find yourself in Orlando, Florida, we invite you to share with us as we praise and worship the Lord in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and grace. We are a church where you will be received with love as together, we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into the Presence of God. We are a church where you will be received with love as together, we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into the Presence of God.
Diocese Resources
Georgia District
Elder Deandre Turnipseed
Alabama District
Elder Darren Christian
Diocese Secretary
Diocese Treasurer
Bro. Vincent Smith
Southeastern Headquarters
Higher Calling Ministries
2901 Wesley Chapel Road
Decatur, Georgia, 30032
Common Questions
Are there any prerequisites for attending a church in your diocese?
No, we have a “whosoever will, come as you are” policy.
Is there a financial commitment?
Visitors have no obligation to support a local church, but we encourage everyone to give, as it’s actually beneficial for them. Philippians 2:3 and 4:17. Of course, members are expected to support their church.
What does “holiness” mean?
Holiness is first an attribute of God. He is holy and commands his followers to be holy as he is holy. 1 Peter 1:16. For us, it means to be set apart for use by God. The good news is that He gives us everything we need to live victoriously in this present world! II Peter 1:3.
Does this church believe in spiritual gifts?
Yes, believers are given spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. Ephesians 4: 11-13. We believe all gifts must be exercised according to guidelines in scripture. I Corinthians 14.
Who is in charge of the churches?
Organizationally, we have an episcopalian form of government where bishops oversee local pastors who, in turn, oversee their local congregations. But bishops, pastors and all other offices serve under and at the will of Jesus Christ, the official “Head of the Church.” Colossians 1:8.