Smokie Norful’s repertoire includes a string of hits that have bombarded gospel, satellite and urban radio stations around the globe including I Need You Now, I Understand and Um Good. In addition to singing, the Grammy Award winning gospel singer c
Smokie Norful’s repertoire includes a string of hits that have bombarded gospel, satellite and urban radio stations around the globe including I Need You Now, I Understand and Um Good. In addition to singing, the Grammy Award winning gospel singer celebrated his third year anniversary as pastor of the Victory Cathedral Worship Center on September 20.
While the average church size in America is 200 members, Norful is among the up-and-coming young pastors whose ministry is expanding to that of a mega church. Since the Arkansas native stepped into the pulpit, his membership has grown to over 4,500.
Just a few weeks ago, the thriving ministry expanded from southwest suburban Bolingbrook to the South Side of Chicago for a third Sunday service held in the CVS high school auditorium, 2100 E. 87th St.
The humble pastor preaches powerful sermons to enable a victorious lifestyle day to day. Amazingly in 2005, Norful began weekly services in the Bolingbrook and Romeoville areas. As he pondered his journey, the former high school teacher said that “God literally…enlarged my territory phenomenally.”
VCWC’s staff reported that approximately 1500 people packed the auditorium and overflow area, eager to welcome and partake of the ministry.
“The first service on Sept. 28 was immensely successful and we had an overflow, and unfortunately we had to turn some people away. So I have to apologize to those people who were not able to get in either in the overflow or the main sanctuary. Please know that we will be there every week. We love them, I’m so grateful that they would make the trip to come out. It was standing room only, and then we had to turn people away. What we are looking at is that I may have to add an additional service as a result of that….we just gonna be prayerful and watch and see what God says and what he does and if the need arises, we will add another service,” Norful said.
Being mindful that salvation prioritizes attendance, “What I am really excited about is…that we had 17 new converts and took in 25 new members. But I’m more excited about the 17 new converts that came and gave their life to Christ,” he added.
The gospel celebrity pastor suspected that many of the visitors might have expected a concert instead of preaching.
“Knowing that, I had to preface my sermon that ‘I know that some of you came with a quarter to drop in the jukebox, but the jukebox is broke today…there is a word coming out.’”
The multiple award-winning singer admits to a hectic schedule but is adamant concerning his music and ministry.
“I’ll juggle it all with a lot of supernatural strength that I can only get from God! Much prayer and discipline is required as well as an awesome team of people supporting me, most especially my wife and my children’s support,” Norful said.
Norful is excited about his upcoming project.
“I’m writing most of this project and am looking forward to sharing it,” he said.
For more information about Smokie Norful or Victory Cathedral Worship Center call 630-378-9172 or go to www.getthevictory.org.
“Remember you are blessed by the Best!”
Effie Rolfe is the religious entertainment columnist for the Chicago Defender. Contact her at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com.
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