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Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin - Sept 2 & 3
Senior Pastor of Potter's House Christian Center, Jacksonville, Florida
In 1988, he founded what is now a worldwide ministry known as The Potter's House Christian Fellowship. After exponential growth of the newly founded ministry, Bishop McLaughlin enrolled in North Florida Theological Seminary, where he obtained his Master's Degree in Theology and also earned a Doctorate of Theology two years later. In preparation for the office of Bishop, he submitted to the tutelage of the Joint College of Bishops and successfully completed the course of study required for graduation from the Joint College at Case Western Reserve University.
One of the most unique segments of the ministry revolves around and economic empowerment center called The Potter's House Multiplex. This 42,000 square feet structure houses a Christian bookstore, full service restaurant, banquet facility, Law offices, financial services office, federal credit union, and a host of other businesses. The elementary school portion of the Academy is also located in the Multiplex. All of the businesses within this complex are owned and operated by members of the church or the church itself.
Another of Bishop's business ventures consist of a two-story office complex and warehouse known as The McLaughlin Building. This personal investment serves as an incubator for businesses lacking start up capital. Over 10 small businesses are housed in this incubator who would have otherwise not been able to manage the high cost of start up and overhead.
In 2002, Bishop McLaughlin led The Potter's House in the purchase of the first fully enclosed shopping mall in Jacksonville's history. Valued at over 20 million dollars, it was purchased for 4 million dollars and is now home to the main auditorium and church facilities which include a 4,000 plus seat sanctuary, a 1,000 seat children's church, a 12,000 square nursery with two indoor playgrounds, Java Rock coffee shop, a state of the art recording studio, offices and more. The purchase and renovation of this mall has brought national attention and recognition from news media. |
