Reverend Cecil Lamb with First Lady Benza Lamb.
Over 26 years ago, when Reverend Cecil Lamb was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church there didn’t seem to be many others who shared his belief in the ‘word of faith gospel.’ The movement shares characteristics with charismatic and Pentecostal churches. The belief lies in if one believes in the Word of God (the Bible) and confesses or states it, then one shall receive what they confess.
From his personal experiences with the Holy Spirit in particular, and from his own studies of the Bible, Lamb found himself agreeing with many elements of the Word of Faith movement.
Finally, 26 years ago, Lamb decided to leave the AME church and found the Spirit of Christ, a Word of Faith church. Some of his critics compared him to Jim Jones, but Lamb was determined to live by his beliefs.
What began with just 11 members, has grown into a church with over 600 members and that supports its own K – 12 academy with nearly 80 students.
Other non-denominational and evangelical churches have increased in popularity in recent decades, according to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research. But Lamb believes this is an understandable transition.
“Every denomination is good for its time,” he explained. “I think probably the reason that they are so popular now is that over a period of time God always does something different.”
But how can a devout worshipper determine the difference between a Christian fad or a new movement or change?
Lamb advised, “when you can find two or three places in the Scriptures where God has already done it.”
Spirit of Christ Ministries
Some of the church’s most popular ministries are the Women with the Vision and the Men of Destiny, both program designed to strengthen and courage the of men and women of today, as well as the Successful Marriage Ministry.
According to Lamb, a successful marriage is when “two imperfect people come to together to fulfill the purpose of God in their lives”
The Overtown native has been married for four years to his second wife, Benza Lamb, 45. Together, the couple have six children and a wealth of knowledge to offer to other couples seeking to have a strong marriage.
“In this ministry, we strongly advocate that your wife is your partner, as the two consult with each other,” Lamb said.
And although they follow the Biblical model as the husband as the head of the household, Lamb also said that in actuality
The top three important actions couples must take is to love, respect and to submit to one another, he advised.
“Not only does she submit to me [as the head of the house], but I have to submit to her as well,” he explained.
Once Lamb is behind the podium, he most often speaks about faith, which is the basis for everything in life, according to the minister.
“Most people don’t live by faith. It’s just a popular phrase, [but] true “faith is when you tap into the power of God,” he said.
To help others tap into that spiritual power, the church will even be hosting a Faith Conference, April 4 – 6, hosted by Michael Freeman.
By Kaila Heard
kheard@miamitimesonline.com
Dee
February 17, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Your article is incorrect, this is not his second wife. This is his third wife, his second wife was Diane Barnes who he married in June 2005. Lamb believes that the wife is submissive to him and whatever he says is what goes. And as long as she does what he say, and have no opinion they will stay married. Thats if he does not beat her first for opening her mouth. Its amazing you have an article in the paper on domestic violence. He abused his first and second wife. However his second wife did not put up with his mean dark side and had him arrested for domestic violence. Verify this if you want to know the truth.
SOCC
February 24, 2012 at 12:18 pm
On behalf of the Congregation of the Spirit of Christ Church, Lady Benza Lamb is Pastor Cecil Lamb’s third wife. He realizes that he made a mistake in rushing into his second marriage before fully recovering from the devastating loss of his first wife of 43 years, Pastor Regina Lamb. He has acknowledged, and accepts full responsibility for his decision and has asked for forgiveness from God, Ms. Barnes, and the congregation. We have forgiven him and we pray that Ms. Barnes has forgiven him as well. We continually pray to God for blessings over her life.