iiesoiiflfion Honoring the 20th Airaraiver$ary-Past©r M@bhle WiBkersosi ADOPTED BY
The City Council of the City of Chicago, Illinois Presented by Alderman Emma Mitts on Octobers, 2013
WHEREAS, Pastor Robbie B. Wilkerson was ordained by Bishop Conrien Clark and Pastor Steven Richardson at Jordan Tempie Church November 7th 1993; and
WHEREAS, After providing dedicated service as Assistant Pastor and Armor Bearer, Pastor Wilkerson received the calling to organize the New Birth Christian Center with eight faithful people. The ministry quickly grew, and today - over 700 faithful members have been won to the Kingdom through the ministry of New Birth Christian Center; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Robbie Wilkerson has founded several ministries and spiritually-based community projects, such as: The Gentleman of Peace, a men's fellowship which focuses on providing opportunities for men from various backgrounds and experiences;
WHEREAS, in addition Pastor Wilkerson co-founded the New Birth Training Institute, a training agency which trains youth and adults on career and entrepreneurial options. Robbie Wilkerson also stepped out on faith and opened the first Christian social club on the West Side of Chicago. Called Club Inspiration, it offered fun and entertainment for teens and adults; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilkerson has provided spiritual leadership to a variety of community-based endeavors, including: serving as President of the Chicago Ministerial Alliance, Convener of the Faith Based committee for the Illinois African American Prevention Coalition, Chairman of the Austin Care Collaborative, Board member and director of community services for the Leaders Network, as board member of the former Austin YMCA, Board Member Circle Family Healthcare Network, and Member of the Bethany Fund Board - to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Robbie Wilkerson holds membership with several community-focused networks and coalitions, such as: The Illinois African American
-Coalition for Prevention, African American Tobacco Prevention Network, a member of the 37th Ward Pastor's Alliance, the Austin Safety Network, Ceasefire Austin, and the Faith Ministry Alliance under Bill Winston; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilkerson has further unselfishly given his time and talent to assist community-focused anti-violence efforts, homeless prevention and addiction recovery initiatives on the city and state level, educational programs for children, teens and young adults, and job-training and placement for at-risk adults; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilkerson has also dedicated his life to the support and assistance of low income and underprivileged families on the west side of Chicago and surrounding communities. His enduring faith, love and committed service for the youth, at-risk adults and seniors has been unsurpassed over the years; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilkerson is also an educated man of GOD, with a Bachelor's degree in Biblical studies from Midwest Theological Institute, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from MTI. He also holds a Master's Degree in Christian Education from Hope Bible College and Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilkerson is also a strong family man, and is the husband of the former Tasha Bryant, and the father of six biological children and eight God-children; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago Council, do hereby salute Pastor Robbie-Wilkerson on the honored occasion of this 20th church anniversary celebration, and thereby further express our very best wishes for the continued successful service of this iconic and historic spiritual community leader; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Pastor Robbie Wilkerson with the deep respect and appreciation on behalf of the citizens of the City of Chicago.
Emma Mitts, Alderman - 37th Ward