About Me
Bishop Robert Carter was born in Houston, Texas to Bridgette Carter and Trent D. Lavalais. Carter is a product of the Houston Independent School District, and a graduate of the United Christian School. Bishop spent most his years attending many churches, but appreciates his upbringing in the Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. J. J. Roberson, Pastor. It was not until some years later that he desired a walk in holiness and became a member of the Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Bishop N. H. Henderson, Jurisdictional Prelate of the Texas South Central Jurisdiction. Bishop Carter pays homage to many of the fine leaders who have instilled the gospel of Jesus Christ in him.Bishop Carter’s first pastorate began at the age of sixteen. He pastored the Southside Missionary Baptist Church. As a young man, and high school student, Bishop had learned first hand on dealing with God’s people on an entirely different level. Bishop Carter’s first Episcopal assignment was a result of an appointment by Bishop A. J. Bixby, Presiding Prelate of the International Gospel Fellowship Outreach Ministries, Inc., (IGFMI) as Southwest Regional Bishop for the IGFMI in 2002. Due to some controversial issues, he resigned.Bishop Carter was later led to a higher assignment in 2003 after much prayer, He assisted Chief Apostle J. L. Payne, Sr., in establishing the Churches of God In Christ, USA, Inc. It was Chief Apostle J. L. Payne who consecrated Bishop Carter as Jurisdictional Bishop of the Texas Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and later appointed him as Secretary General of the Church Organization. Bishop Carter is an active member on the COGICUSA’s Board of Bishops.Bishop Carter has been noted for his efforts in Church Planting, Development, and Administration. He is the recipient of many city proclamations, awards, and merits. On the March 18, 2005, Bishop Carter received the rites of Apostolic Succession conferred on him by Archbishop Bruce D. Campbell, Patriarch of the Independent Catholic Union. Bishop Carter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in Religion and Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies from the Southwestern Christian University. He also holds a Certificate of Pastoral Ministry and is currently seeking to pursue his Doctoral degree. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Nu Christian Fraternity, serving as National Dean of Pledges and President of the Kappa Nu Chapter.Bishop Carter is presently serving as Senior Pastor of Houston’s best kept secret, the Sanctuary, located in the bottom of one of Houston’s most depreciated and economically disadvantaged communities, Third Ward. Bishop Carter serves as the Presiding Prelate & Senior Apostle of the United Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., where he is also Diocesan of the 6th Episcopal Diocese – Texas State Council. Finally, He is the Husband to the First and Only Lady, Lanette Butler – Carter and together they are the proud parents of three beautiful children; Lawrence, Cameron, and little Miss Layla.
