BYRON DESHAYE STEVENSON is the Senior Pastor of the West Orlando Christian Center Church Of God In Christ (WOCC). A church founded in 1934 to serve the Winter Garden community. A ministry with a history of service steeped in the traditions of the Church Of God In Christ and holiness.
Born the first of three children (twin sister Mrs. Joy Stevenson Bouler and brother Sterling Stevenson) to Mr. Freddie Stevenson, Jr. and Ms. Martha Thompson Stevenson, he is a 4th generation son of the church, that followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Bishop Timothy H. Thompson who served as the Jurisdictional Bishop of Western Florida from the early 1970’s to 1984. His uncle, the brother of Bishop T.H. Thompson, Superintendent David Thompson was responsible for Pastor Stevenson’s training and development, it was there at the Bay Street Church Of God In Christ where Superintendent Thompson gave the then young Stevenson an opportunity to learn how to play the organ, and how to do the general work of the church. Ecclesiastically, it was his other uncle, the late Bishop Melton Lewis Sconiers that gave him exposure into the things of protocol and order. All of these men helped to shape Pastor Stevenson into the person he is today, thus ensuring that he would be a true servant of the church and community.
In June of 2000, the then Elder Byron Stevenson was selected by Superintendent David Thompson and the local congregation to serve as its senior leader. It should be noted that the late Superintendent Thompson served the then Bay Street Church for more than 48 years of amazing service! Pastor Stevenson has been successful in continuing this great legacy by building upon the foundation that was established in 1934, ensuring that as an institution it will continue to last for generations to come.
As a visionary, Pastor Stevenson’s concern with the plight and advancement of all people, especially those that lack access to quality education and empowerment, has developed many ministries specifically, The King’s Academy Learning Center and Preschool and The King’s Academy Elementary and Middle School.
Under his leadership, Bay Street Church became West Orlando Christian Center (WOCC) in 2010, understanding that its mission and call is larger than a street, it covers a region. WOCC continues to be a beacon light within its community and serves as a place where leaders can gain insight, mentorship, and direction. WOCC has experienced a significant increase in overall membership, and great depths of spiritual blessing and individual empowerment. Pastor Stevenson’s dynamic teaching and leadership abilities were developed at the Florida A&M University where he attended the School of Business and Industry majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. As a multifaceted thought leader, he is an accomplished builder, finance accounting professional and much more. Superintendent Stevenson possesses creative and anointed musical abilities as an organist. Accolades attributable to his talent include his role as the Executive Producer of one of Billboards Top 10 Gospel CD’s: “Twinkie Clark-Terrell presents the Florida A &M University Gospel Choir.”
Nationally, Superintendent Stevenson has served in many capacities, Manager of the International COGIC Leadership Conference for more than 14 years, Adjutant Overseer and Chief of Operations for more than 12 years and Vice Chair of the International AIM Convention. Superintendent Stevenson has closely served Presiding Bishop’s Chandler David Owens, Gilbert Earl Patterson and Charles Edward Blake.
The primary purpose of his life’s goal and objective is to change lives, reserving the ideological approach that God placed us upon the earth to make a difference in the lives of people of all origins. Transforming a generation of people to not only know God, but to do exploits for Him as spoken of in Daniel 11:32.