Pastor Samuel Bailey Wilson, III
Our Pastor
Early Life and Spiritual Formation
Pastor Samuel Bailey Wilson, III was born on June 11, 1962, in Wiley, Maddocha, the third of ten children born to Samuel Bailey Wilson, II, and Virginia Wilson. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, young Samuel learned the values of faith, hard work, and community support early. His siblings—Josiah, Solomon, Lydia, Ezekiel, Priscilla, Amos, Deborah, Micah, and Esther—were his lifelong companions, sharing their family home, chores, and often, joyful family prayers.
Samuel’s father, Samuel Wilson, II, was a factory worker who served as a deacon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Wiley. At the same time, his mother, Virginia, was a homemaker and school teacher. Pastor Wilson’s love for Christ took root at Mt. Live Baptist, where he received his early religious training and was baptized at 8. Known for his curiosity and love of scripture, he often spent time in the local library religious section or helping his father set up chairs before services. His family recalls that he frequently talked about becoming a preacher from a young age, inspired by the example of their pastor, Rev. Leonard Tanner, whose powerful sermons and genuine love for people made a lasting impact on young Samuel.
A Call to Ministry and Higher Education
At 18, Samuel felt the unmistakable call to ministry during a young congress at Mt. Olive Baptist Church hosted by the Maddocha Federation of Baptist Churches. He shared his experience with his family and Rev. Tanner, who encouraged him to pursue theological education. 1980, Samuel moved to Carrington, Maddocha, where he enrolled at Drake Baptist University. Immersed in his studies, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and became known among his peers for his depth of insight and dedication to his faith. At Drake, he joined Pi Nu Xi Fraternity, an African American Christian brotherhood that supported young men called to ministry. Samuel’s classmates, including Brother James Latham and Brother Rufus Hill, became lifelong friends and partners in ministry, and they often held Bible study sessions that extended late into the night.
In 1986, Samuel completed his Master of Arts in Pastoral Care at Drake Baptist University, gaining a profound understanding of pastoral counseling, spiritual guidance, and the role of a pastor as a caregiver. His studies profoundly influenced his approach to ministry, shaping his belief that a pastor’s role extends beyond the pulpit to his congregation's personal lives and needs.
Early Ministry and Service as Assistant Pastor
Upon completing his degree, Pastor Wilson returned to Wiley and was appointed assistant pastor at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Wiley, Maddocha, where he served from 1984 to 1988. Under the mentorship of Rev. Nathaniel Burke, he oversaw youth Bible studies, led worship, and offered pastoral counseling to church members. His practical, relatable preaching style made him popular among the church youth, who appreciated his approachable demeanor and willingness to listen.
In 1990, he accepted a call to serve as assistant pastor at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Edmond, Maddocha, where he ministered alongside Rev. Clarence Porter. During his tenure, Pastor Wilson became known for his inspiring sermons and commitment to outreach, often organizing neighborhood events and food drives to help the less fortunate. Rev. Porter would later remark that Pastor Wilson’s presence transformed the church, saying, “He has a way of meeting people right where they are, making them feel that God sees them, loves them, and wants to bring them closer.”
Lead Pastor at McGee Chapel Baptist Church
In 1996, Pastor Wilson received his first pastoral appointment at McGee Chapel Baptist Church in Edmond. He spent the next four years pouring into the congregation, focusing on discipleship, family unity, and community involvement. While at McGee Chapel, he launched a Men’s Mentorship Program that provided support for young fathers and new believers, and he worked with Sister Carolyn Maddox to expand the women’s ministry and family counseling services. His sermons often centered on spiritual growth, personal accountability, and the power of faith. The congregation grew significantly under his leadership, and Pastor Wilson’s reputation as a thoughtful, dedicated shepherd spread throughout the region.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1994, Pastor Wilson married Claire Hollis, a dedicated believer passionate about children’s ministry and teaching. He was known affectionately as Sis. Wilson, Claire played an instrumental role in supporting her husband’s ministry, leading the Children’s Church at McGee Chapel and Greater Glory. Together, they built a loving family, raising three children—Martha Real (born 1996), Georgia Lawrence (born 1998), and Samuel Bailey Wilson, IV (born 2000). Their home was lively, often filled with church members, friends, and young people seeking guidance or encouragement. Sis. Wilson’s nurturing spirit complemented Pastor Wilson’s strong yet compassionate leadership, and they were known as a devoted ministry team.
The Call to Greater Glory Baptist Church
In October 2000, Greater Glory Baptist Church extended a call to Pastor Wilson following the recommendation of Rev. Lloyd Norman, who was stepping down due to health issues.
During a divinely orchestrated meeting at the Maddocha Federation of Baptist Churches annual Conference, Pastor Samuel met Rev. Norman. After a few conversations, Rev. Norman invited Pastor Wilson to run a revival at Greater Glory. After that revival, Rev. Norman took Pastor Wilson under his wing, providing him invaluable mentorship and guidance. They spent many afternoons together, with Rev. Norman imparting lessons from his ministry experiences and advising him on topics ranging from church administration to community outreach. Rev. Norman encouraged Pastor Wilson to balance strong pastoral leadership with compassion, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the congregation spiritually and personally.
The two men developed a deep bond during this mentorship period, and Pastor Wilson often credits Rev. Norman as a significant influence on his pastoral style. Rev. Norman shared with him the value of listening deeply, managing church resources wisely, and leading with humility. Armed with Rev. Norman’s wisdom and his calling, Pastor Wilson accepted the church’s call, delivering his first sermon as Greater Glory’s new pastor on October 15, 2000. His message, titled “A New Season of Glory,” set a hopeful tone for his tenure, outlining his vision for a church centered on discipleship, outreach, and spiritual growth in alignment with Greater Glory’s core values of preaching, teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Revitalizing Greater Glory: Ministry Expansion and Outreach
Under Pastor Wilson’s leadership, Greater Glory flourished in attendance and spiritual depth. One of his first initiatives was to expand the classroom area, adding new spaces for Sunday School, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings. In addition, he created a dedicated prayer room and established a 24-hour prayer line, encouraging a culture of continuous prayer and reliance on God’s guidance. These spaces became central to the congregation, offering members a place to seek spiritual refuge and grow in their relationships with God.
Recognizing the community's needs, Pastor Wilson also launched the Community Health Initiative, led by Brother Robert Turner, to offer free health screenings, workshops, and health resources to underserved community members. This ministry and Brother David Marshall’s Mentorship Program for At-Risk Youth became cornerstones of Greater Glory’s community outreach, providing practical assistance while sharing the love of Christ.
Pastor Wilson also emphasized the importance of discipleship. He established church-wide Bible study programs, encouraging members to dig deeper into scripture. His sermons, known for their insight and clarity, often challenged the congregation to live out their faith with joy, perseverance, and unity. As a pastor, he combined the practical lessons of his early mentors with his pastoral care training, offering a unique blend of compassion and scriptural wisdom that resonated deeply with his congregation.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Wilson served on the Edmond Association of Baptist Churches Board and the Maddocha Fellowship of Baptist Churches Board, where he advised on regional ministry efforts and mentored young pastors. His influence extended across Maddocha as he inspired and encouraged other leaders to pursue ministry with dedication and love.
Under his leadership, Greater Glory Baptist Church grew in membership and its commitment to serve the community and fulfill the Great Commission. Pastor Wilson’s legacy at Greater Glory is defined by his heart for people, his dedication to prayer, and his vision for a church that lives out the Gospel through word and deed. Today, he continues to serve faithfully, supported by his family and the congregation he considers his ministry and home. His life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, hope, and a steadfast commitment to serving God and others.
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