UMC’S LARGEST CONGREGATION SYNDICATES: Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell leads church to millions of viewers.

     Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, has recently launched his Living the Kingdom Experience television ministry on Fox in Houston as well as in Orlando, Boston and Minneapolis.

     More cities will be added in coming months, including Amarillo, Abilene, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, Beaumont and Tyler, in Texas.

     Caldwell, who became pastor at the church 27 years ago when it had just 25 members, told the Houston Chronicle people have asked him to pursue television ministry for two decades.

     "I have been very sensitive about maintaining the integrity of our local ministry," said Caldwell of his 15,000-member congregation. "That is where my heart is, and that is where my mind is."

     But Caldwell said he "got a green light" from God this time, particularly after people in his own congregation stepped forward to offer their time and expertise.

     "The Lord has provided us with the intellectual capital, the people we need in order to produce the program," he said. "I didn’t ask for them. They just kind of dropped down like manna from heaven."

     In the 30-minute show, viewers will hear condensed versions of Caldwell’s Sunday sermons, along with an introduction and commentary from the pastor and his wife/co-pastor, Suzette Caldwell.

     Though perhaps new to television, Caldwell is no stranger to celebrity. The pastor gave the benediction at the inaugurations of President George W. Bush and served as a Bush advisor during his terms of office. He also officiated the wedding of presidential daughter Jenna Bush. And the New York Times reported that Caldwell is one of five pastors in the nation that President Barack Obama consults on religious matters.

     In addition to its major network run, the show also is expected to air locally on Comcast Channel 77 and Trinity Broadcasting Network in July.

     Caldwell will be the second Houston based pastor to syndicate his morning service. Joel Osteen is the first.