Rev. Lloyd Norman

Early Life and Family Background

Rev. Lloyd Norman was born on August 12, 1961, in Jouette, Maddocha, to Rev. Harold Norman and Clara Norman. Lloyd was raised in a profoundly spiritual and family-oriented household. His father, Rev. Harold Norman, was the pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, a prominent congregation in Jouette, and his mother was a Sunday school teacher and active leader with the women of the church. Lloyd was one of ten children with nine siblings: Samuel, Michael, Regina, Kathryn, Christopher, Diana, William, Nicolas, and Patricia.

Lloyd grew up attending the Jouette Public Schools, where he was known for his leadership and academic ability. From a young age, he exhibited a natural charisma, a passion for learning, and a strong desire to help others. Lloyd was deeply involved with the youth at Mount Zion, often leading prayers, assisting with church events, and taking on leadership roles within the church, particularly with the youth.

Salvation and Early Spiritual Formation

At age 10, during a revival meeting at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Lloyd made the most critical decision—giving his life to Christ. The preacher that evening spoke about surrendering one’s heart to God, and Lloyd felt a deep conviction to respond. With his father by his side, he walked to the altar and committed to living a life of faith. This moment marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him to ministry.

Growing up in a pastor’s home, Lloyd was surrounded by examples of faith, service, and devotion to God’s Word. His father often involved him in church activities, and by the time he was a teenager, Lloyd had already developed a deep understanding of scripture and a passion for ministry. This early exposure to church leadership helped shape his approach to ministry later in life.

Calling to Ministry and Education

Lloyd’s calling to the ministry came at the age of 19. At the same time, he was a sophomore at Jarrett Baptist University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Church Ministry and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. One evening, while studying and reflecting on scripture, Lloyd felt God's clear and undeniable call to preach the Gospel. He sought counsel from his father, who encouraged him to pray about the calling and trust in God’s timing. Over the next year, Lloyd immersed himself in study, prayer, and ministry training, knowing God was preparing him for something greater.

In 1981, at the age of 20, Lloyd was officially ordained as a minister at Mount Zion Baptist Church under the guidance and mentorship of his father. His ordination service was a joyous occasion attended by family, friends, and the church congregation. His first ordained minister sermon, “Faith in Action,” was based on James 2:26: "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." This remains his favorite scripture to this day.

Assistant Pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church

After his ordination, Rev. Norman began to serve as the assistant pastor at his father’s church. Over the next several years, he gained valuable experience in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and church administration. His father entrusted him with several responsibilities, including overseeing the church’s outreach ministries and helping to manage the church's day-to-day operations. During this time, he developed a deep passion for evangelism and community service, often leading initiatives to help the poor and marginalized in Jouette.

His time at Mount Zion was marked by his commitment to the congregation and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His sermons were known for their practicality and warmth, often drawing on his experiences growing up in a pastor’s household. He also continued to pursue his education in business management, which helped him develop the skills necessary for effective church leadership.

Family Life and Career

In 1982, Rev. Norman married Angela Miller, a fellow Jouette native who shared his strong faith and commitment to ministry. Angela grew up in New Hope Baptist Church, where she was involved in music ministry and children’s education. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and service to others. She was a crucial partner in Rev. Norman’s ministry, often leading women’s Bible studies and coordinating the church’s family-focused outreach programs.

The Normans were blessed with seven children: Harold (born 1983), Jonathan (born 1985), Elizabeth (born 1987), Sarah (born 1989), David (born 1991), Rebekah (born 1994), and Benjamin (born 1996). Rev. Norman and Sis. Norman prioritized raising their children in the faith, and their home was often filled with love, laughter, and scripture. The family was actively involved in church life, with each child finding ways to serve as they grew older.

While serving as assistant pastor, Rev. Norman also pursued a career in the corporate world. After graduating from Jarrett Baptist University in 1983, he secured a position as a manager at Madison Industries, a corporation in Jouette, Maddocha, that specialized in manufacturing and distribution. Rev. Norman’s background in business management made him a natural fit for the role, and he quickly rose through the ranks. His work ethic, leadership, and integrity earned him the respect of his colleagues, even as he balanced his corporate responsibilities with his pastoral duties.

Call to Greater Glory Baptist Church

In 1990, after years of faithful service at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Norman received a call to become the pastor of Greater Glory Baptist Church in Edmond, Maddocha. The church experienced significant growth under the leadership of Rev. Hollis Clevenger, Jr., but after Rev. Clevenger’s passing in 1984, the church went through a period of transition. The congregation chose Rev. Norman to lead them into their next phase of growth and development due to their background in ministry and church management.

After prayerfully considering the call, he accepted the position. He preached his first sermon as pastor of Greater Glory Baptist Church on July 15, 1990, delivering a message from Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." His vision for the church was to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor while expanding the church’s outreach and ministry efforts.

Leadership at Greater Glory Baptist Church

Under Rev. Norman’s leadership, Greater Glory Baptist Church entered a tremendous growth and revitalization period. He oversaw the church's relocation to 9810 Franklin Street, a new, larger building that allowed the congregation to accommodate the growing number of members. The new facility, which included a sanctuary seated 500 people, classrooms, a fellowship hall, and offices, was dedicated in 1992. This expansion allowed the church to offer a broader range of ministries, including a Christian Education Program, youth activities, and family-focused worship services.

Rev. Norman was known for his practical, business-minded approach to church management, which helped streamline the church’s operations and improve financial stewardship. At the same time, his sermons remained deeply spiritual, focusing on faith, perseverance, and the importance of serving others. He frequently preached about the need for the church to be a beacon of light in the community, inspiring members to engage in outreach and evangelism actively.

During his tenure, Rev. Norman expanded the church’s ministries to include:
Youth Discipleship Programs: Led by his eldest son, Harold, these programs helped guide young people in their faith journeys.
Community Outreach Initiatives: Food drives, health screenings, and partnerships with local schools.
Christian Education: Rev. Norman strongly emphasized Christian education, launching a series of adult Bible study classes and training programs for church leaders.
Family Counseling Services: In partnership with his wife, Sis. Norman, the church offered marriage and family counseling to support healthy relationships within the congregation.

Rev. Norman’s vision was to create a church that nurtured spiritual growth and addressed the community's practical needs. He often said, “We are not just a congregation—we are a family, and we are called to serve God by serving one another.”

Ministry amid Illness

In May of 2000, Rev. Norman received a life-altering diagnosis: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that required immediate and intensive treatment. Despite the sudden diagnosis, he faced it with the same faith and determination that had defined his ministry. Rev. Norman began a six-month course of chemotherapy and radiation at St. Joseph’s Oncology Center in Edmond, where he was treated by Dr. William Matthews, an oncologist known for his compassionate approach. The treatment was grueling, requiring the effects of the illness and therapy to weaken extended hospital stays and his body.

As the months went on, Rev. Norman's condition deteriorated, and his medical team suggested a stay at St. Vincent’s Hospice, a facility in Edmond specializing in end-of-life care, where he could receive more comprehensive support. However, true to his nature, Rev. Norman turned his time there into an opportunity to serve and uplift others. Even in the hospice, he was a bright light to patients, their families, and the staff. He organized weekly Bible studies in the standard room and led Sunday services for any patient or family member who wished to attend, sharing messages of hope and faith. He often quoted 2 Corinthians 4:16: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed daily." His resilience and unwavering faith comforted many, and the hospice staff came to see him as a patient and pastor to all who entered.

Miraculously, in April 2001, after nearly a year of fighting, Rev. Norman received the news that he was in complete remission. His recovery amazed his doctors, calling it nothing short of a blessing. He credited God and the prayers of his family, congregation, and the new friends he had made in hospice. Following his recovery, Rev. Norman moved to Kanard, Maddocha, a quiet town where he could focus on regaining his strength and embracing a slower pace of life.

In 2002, Rev. Norman accepted a new calling as a pastoral consultant for the Maddocha Federation of Baptist Churches, a regional organization supporting churches and pastors across the state. In this role, he guides young pastors, assists with church administration strategies, and offers counseling and encouragement to ministers facing challenges in their congregations. Rev. Norman’s experience with illness and recovery has given him a unique perspective on resilience, faith, and the importance of ministering with compassion. Through his work with the Federation, he continues to impact countless lives, mentoring the next generation of Baptist pastors and serving as a beloved figure in the Maddocha Baptist community.

Legacy and Impact

Rev. Lloyd Norman’s impact on Greater Glory Baptist Church and the Edmond community has been profound. His leadership style, which combined a deep love for scripture with a practical understanding of church operations, has left a lasting legacy. Over his tenure, the church grew in membership and its ability to serve the community.

Through his dual career as a pastor and a corporate manager, Rev. Norman demonstrated that faith and work can coexist in powerful ways. He often mentored younger pastors (including our current pastor, Pastor Samuel Wilson Bailey, III) and church leaders, encouraging them to develop their skills in both ministry and business to serve their congregations better.

Rev. Lloyd and Sis. Angela Norman served faithfully at Greater Glory Baptist Church, where the congregation still loves them. Their seven children, all of whom were raised in the church, have carried on the family tradition of faith and service, with several of them taking on leadership roles in their church homes and community.

His Life and Ministry

Rev. Lloyd Norman’s life and ministry have been marked by a steadfast commitment to serving God and His people. His leadership at Greater Glory Baptist Church has transformed the church into a thriving, community-centered congregation, and his legacy continues to inspire those whom his ministry has touched. A devoted husband, father, and pastor, Rev. Norman’s example of faith, perseverance, and service remains a guiding light for all who know him.