Bill Winston facts for kids

William Samuel Winston (born May 6, 1943) is an American preacher, author, and business leader. He shares his messages through television and radio. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Living Word Christian Center. This is a large church in Forest Park, Illinois, with more than 22,000 members.

Mr. Winston's teachings and writings are shared globally through his ministry, Bill Winston Ministries. His broadcast program, Believer’s Walk of Faith, is seen and heard worldwide. His sermons are also played on many radio stations across the United States.

Early Life and Education

Bill Winston was born on May 6, 1943, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He grew up there and was inspired by local aviators, including the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

Family Life

Winston met his wife, Veronica Irene Brown, while they both worked at IBM. They got married in 1983. Veronica Winston is also a leader and teacher at Living Word Christian Center. Bill and Veronica have three children: Melody, Allegra, and David. They are also grandparents to eight grandchildren.

Military Service and Career

In 1967, Winston graduated from Tuskegee Institute. After college, he joined the US Air Force and served for six years. He was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. In March 1971, he flew an F-4E Phantom on a mission deep into enemy territory. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After his military service, Winston joined IBM Corporation in January 1973. He worked as a marketer and was promoted to Regional Marketing Manager. During his time at IBM, he felt called to full-time ministry. He left IBM in 1985 to attend Logos Bible School. Later, in 1996, he briefly studied at Oral Roberts University.

Starting His Ministry

In 1988, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bill Winston and his wife started a small ministry. They traveled to Chicago every weekend to hold "Faith Crusades." These early meetings had fewer than 20 people.

Growth of Living Word Christian Center

By December 1988, Winston and his family moved to Chicago. He started a Bible training school, holding services at the Quality Inn Hotel. In 1989, it became known as the “Living Word Church of Chicago.” The name changed again in 1990 to “Living Word Christian Center.”

As the church grew, it rented space at the Chez Roué Banquet Hall in Forest Park, Illinois, from 1994 to 1997. In 1997, the church bought the Forest Park Mall, a large shopping center. On New Year’s Eve of 1997, the church held its first service at the mall. Since then, the church has grown into a modern worship center. Its main auditorium is known for its unique design.

Books and Publications

Bill Winston has written and published more than 15 motivational books. These books cover Christian and business topics. Some of his well-known titles include Transform Your Thinking, Transform Your Life, Law of Confession, Power of the Tongue, and Divine Favor. He has also created many mini-books and other learning materials. Three of his books have been published by Harrison House.

Awards and Achievements

Bill Winston has received several awards and recognitions for his service and work:

• Distinguished Flying Cross Award from the United States Air Force.
• Air Medal Award from the USAF.
• Squadron Top Gun Award from the USAF.
• Distinguished Alumni of Tuskegee University.
• Chicago Tuskegee Club, Incorporated Heritage Award from Tuskegee University.
• Award from the Chicago DoDo chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
• An Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters from Friends International Christian University, Florida.

Other Achievements

• He founded the Joseph Business School and The Joseph Center. This is a nationally recognized business school in Forest Park, offering both campus and online classes.
• Bill Winston and the Living Word Christian Center church choir were nominated for an award. This was at the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Their first church music album, Bill Winston Presents Living Word: Released, was nominated for Traditional Choir of the Year.

Affiliated Ministries

Bill Winston is involved with several ministries:

• Bill Winston Ministries: This is a global ministry with its main office in the United States and other offices in South Africa.
• Living Word Christian Center: Located in Forest Park, Illinois.
• Tuskegee Christian Center: Located in Tuskegee, Alabama.
• Faith Ministries Alliance: Winston founded this group to connect churches and ministries with similar beliefs.
• Bible Training Center: Winston also founded this center, which offers Bible training classes and a school for ministers.