Sterling Lands II (born November 11, 1944) is an African-American minister and senior pastor of Greater Calvary Bible Church,[1] formerly Greater Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Lands is also the founder and first presiding bishop for Family Life International Fellowship,[2][3] a civil rights and community activist, and author.[4][5]
Moving and living in University City, Missouri, Lands was president of the St. Louis chapter of the Center for Non-violent Social Change.[6] He was coordinator and president of the Association for the Nonviolent Social Change in America (ANSCA) from 1980-1984.[7][8][9][10]
Lands pastored the Second Baptist Church, Frankford, Missouri, which merged with the 117-year-old Maryland Street Baptist Church, Louisiana, Missouri in 1981-1984. Lands founded the Greater Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Austin, Texas September 1984, and the Family Life Bible Church in Desoto, Texas in December 2005.[11]
Lands moved to Austin, Texas in the fall of 1984. Lands continued his movement for justice, quality education and equity for African-Americans. Lands founded the Eastside Social Action Coalition in 2000. The coalition was listed in the Progressive and Activist Organization in Austin, Texas.[12][13][5][14]
In a historic ruling, Lands and his church was awarded temporary parenting responsibilities for two children.[15]
Lands served as chair of the Community Action Task Force, a subcommittee of the Baptist Ministers' Union 2000-2006. Lands led non-violent marches[16] in protests of racial discrimination and for equal rights and equitable protection to African-Americans residing in Austin, Texas.
Lands, a former member of the citizens panel for the police monitor's office accused the Austin Police Department of racial discrimination and shootings by the department of unarmed people of color criminal. Lands coordinated a forum for community leaders and the Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo to discuss race relations.[17][18]
In 2022, Lands as a bishop within the Evangelical Episcopal Communion joined the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches (a Christian denomination in the Convergence Movement) through one of its provinces; while in the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches, they continued affiliation with the Evangelical Episcopal Communion.[19][20]
Youth advocacy
Lands is the founder of Greater Calvary Rites of Passage,[21] a 501c3 non-profit organization that aims to improve the transition of black youth to adulthood through character education and development. Youth remain in the program for thirteen years.[22][23] Notable graduates include jazz artist Dana Clark,[24] and gospel songwriter, Monae Miller.[25]
Music
Lands is a "protege" of Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee Reverend Cleophus Robinson.[26] Lands is the founder and lead musician of the Warrior Gospel Band.[27]
Community development
Lands is the founder and CEO of Rites of Passage Development, a company that specializes in affordable housing.[28]
^St. Louis Argus;"Minority Postal Union Celebrates 70th Anniversary", October 6, 1983 Issue, Malaika Horne
^Group Analyzes 'Non-Violence' As Civil Rights Tool, Veronica L. Banks
^Globe Democratic. "Activist may leave one of his posts", Leslie J. Allen, September 26, 1983
^Local Non-Profit Groups Oppose Federal Rule Change, Johnson Y. Lancaster
^St.Louis American; "Black St. Louisans Divided Over U.S. Roles In Beirut, Grenada, October 27, 1983-Vol. 55 Number 32, Judy Howard
^"Church History". Greater Calvary Bible Church International. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
