LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – Washington D.C. native and now Lexington Park resident, Pastor John Tillery, was presented an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from The School of the Great Commission Bible College on Sunday, February 25 at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. The degree was presented by Chancellor Dr. Winford Thompson for Tillery’s 30 years of dedication to music and the arts.
Tillery, who is now legally blind, sings from the depth of his surrendered soul to God. The enchanted sound will bring the most hardened hearts to their knees. He is a humbled man and has known pain. He has seen the best and worst of times. For both, he’s grateful.
Tillery and his wife and helpmate, Katina Tillery, pastor Free Worship Ministries located at 21800 North Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park, Md. Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. and the general public can also watch online at freeworshipmin.org. From March 15-17, Katina Tillery will be hosting an event entitled, “You Are a Jewel” to celebrate Women’s History Month.
“It was exhilarating to be there,” Katina Tillery said as she let her husband walk most of the way across the stage.
“My husband’s heart has always been for the people. We’ve always been more for the underdog. It’s a heart thing. You have to have it deep down. We wanted a church right there in the community. He wants to bring the community together.”
John Tillery said he was blessed to grow up in a spiritual household, where his family instilled musical talents into him. He plays the drums and sings as he was a vocal major in college.
His mother toured the world with the “BL & S Singers”, known for their hit, “Just to Behold His Face”. Pastor Tillery said although his love for music and the Lord Jesus began in church – he directed the children’s choir at the age of nine and the church choir at the age of 18 – that wasn’t his greatest achievement.
He started a gospel choir at Columbia Union College, which is now called Washington Adventist University, located in Takoma Park, Md.
Tillery is a Stellar Award nominee and was considered for two Grammy awards and one BET Award. He has 10 completed projects, with a chart-topping song called, “Miracles”, a song he wrote after losing his eyesight. Tillery also had two kidney transplant surgeries, one donated by his wife and the second donated by Prince George’s County resident, Deshontae Peterson, who was listening to Tillery preach, and approached him and offered to donate.
Tillery said he gives it all to the glory of God.
“My greatest achievement has been to raise my two children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and for them to have a relationship with him [Jesus],” said Tillery. “Every child is not blessed to have that in a father and a husband, and I had to learn to let go and let God at times.”
Tillery and his wife are very proud of their children, DeAndre and Jianna Tillery. DeAndre is a local recording artist and DJ. You can find him @Artillery on social media platforms. Jianna works for a non-profit organization.
Free Worship Ministries serves monthly at the Soup Kitchen in Callaway and takes care of hundreds of meals for the homeless each month. They set aside bookbags in August for children returning to school. Tillery and his wife lead a Community Choir, Voices II Voices of Southern Maryland.
“We are making strides in making community development,” Pastor Tillery said. “This county has a lot of resources. I just want to make an impact on where I live. Some people want global success but before you reach out globally, you need to be successful locally. I want to bring resources to the county. I’d like to discuss the process of having adaquet shelter and I’d like to work with the local library and partner with the literacy program.”
March is Women’s History Month and Associate Pastor Katina Tillery said she started hosting a lady’s brunch last year and has decided to host it again this year. She expects a move of God beginning on March 15. Prices to attend are now $45 and will be $55 after March 10.
“You are a Jewel Women’s Weekend Celebration” will begin with prayer on Friday night.
“We are multicultural,” Katina Tillery said. “We’re people who love God and who come together and worship. We’re teaching people about starting their own business and about networking. We will have vendors there as well. We’re excited to have Elder Shameka Sharod [The Life Church, Md.] and on Saturday for the brunch at 11:00 a.m. we’ll have guest speaker, Evangelist and National Recording Artist, Maria Jenkins [Greater Mt. Calvary, DC], and on Sunday we’ll have Pastor Juakena Winston of Greater Works Ministry of Atlanta, Georgia.
“We need to feel the unity in the community among women,” Katina Tillery said. “Everyone that comes will feel the fellowship and friendship. On the first night, we’ll focus on prayer for our families. At the brunch, we will share our talents and more networking tips and listen to guest speakers. It will definitely be impactful.”
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