07/13/2026
A Tribute to A General Apostle Lonnie Stocks
Ralph Waldo Emerson in his collected essays on Self Reliance once said, "An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man."
20 years ago, I was newly ordained and the youngest Baptist preacher in both the association and the Brooklyn Baptist Evangelical Union. My Grandfather ranged the bell signaling that it was time to get ready for a service and that night I never knew my life would never be the same.
I'll never forget riding to service asking simply, "Where are we headed tonight?" His response, "To hear the RIGHT way to preach my son."
We pulled up to St. John Baptist Church of Deliverance on Bainbridge pastored by Dr. S. Wayne Stokeling. Downstairs you could hear laughter and the sound of plates ruffling as food was being served.
"Welcome."
We sat down and unbeknownst to me, my Grandfather registered both of us for an intimate Expository Preachers Conference where Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood was the lecturer and the preacher for the night was Dr. Frank E. Ray. At our table was one of the most friendly pastors I ever met: Bishop Lonnie Stocks.
His warmth, his charisma and his love was felt even from shaking his hand. Immediately he took an interest in my development and ALWAYS invited me to preach at The Jesus Saves Ministry. I was there so often his media ministry would send me DVDs of the sermons which I've kept in my archives. Bishop Stocks and his family embraced me as family. We fellowshipped together, ate scrumptious meals together and always held each other in high esteem.
Bishop Stocks, an apostle, church planter, motorcycle rider and statesman transcended denominations, preached across the country and around the world and never lost touch with simply being compassionate, considerate and a man of authentic character and conviction. His words of wisdom and prophetic utterances are yet still being fulfilled over my life.
I am deeply saddened to hear of his departure. I am sure his family, church and the radio broadcast ministry will never forget his preaching, his teaching and his dancing. A Pastor's Pastor and a Leader's Leader has gone to sleep.
Thank you for your deposit.
Praying for the Stocks family and the Body of Christ. What a gift. I am forever grateful. 🙏🏾💛
-Bishop D. A. Sherron and Lady Adara Sherron
Senior Pastor, Global Fire Church
Prelate, Global Alliance Network
Suffragan Bishop, Hollywood Cathedral
