Discipleship Class begins in June. Learn more about Truth Ministry
For over 35 years, Dr. Lester Upchurch has faithfully answered the call to serve—from ushering at the church door to leading from the pulpit. An ordained minister since 1995, he currently serves as an Elder at Koinonia Christian Center Ministries in Cordova, Tennessee, under the leadership of Apostle Cedric Taylor. There, he oversees outreach, media, music, and worship, bringing a steady hand and spiritual wisdom to every aspect of the ministry.
Dr. Upchurch’s ministry journey has been deeply rooted in service and mentorship, having held roles as a Sunday school instructor, assistant youth pastor, prison chaplain, and deacon. His heart beats especially for youth and young adults, which led him and his wife to launch Youth Reach Ministries—a discipleship movement focused on at-risk youth and the next generation of Kingdom leaders.
He holds advanced theological training, including a Doctor of Theology from Jacksonville Theological Seminary, and served as a professor at Memphis Bible College, where he mentored and taught future ministers of the Gospel.
Retired from a successful 40-year career in business management, Dr. Upchurch now enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. He and his wife of 46 years, Dr. Lue Ida Walls-Upchurch, continue to labor side by side in ministry. Together, they are proud parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, committed to equipping others to walk in truth, purpose, and power.
From the prayer room to the police precinct, Dr. Lue Ida Walls-Upchurch has been a force for both spiritual and societal change. An ordained minister since 1998, she currently serves as an Elder and Intercessory Prayer Leader at Koinonia Christian Center Ministries in Cordova, Tennessee, where her passion for prayer continues to anchor her service.
Dr. Walls-Upchurch holds multiple degrees—including two doctorates from Jacksonville Theological Seminary—and is a proud graduate of the University of Memphis, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees with honors.
Before ministry became her full-time calling, she was a pioneer in law enforcement, breaking barriers as the first African American female Chief of Police in the University of Tennessee system. Her résumé includes work with the Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, and prestigious training from the FBI’s Executive Management Program and the University of Louisville’s Crime Prevention Institute.
Now retired from active duty, Dr. Walls-Upchurch devotes her time to serving in ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Lester Upchurch, and cherishing life with her children, grandchildren, and great-grands. Whether she's writing, traveling, hitting the gym, or running with her crew, she lives life with purpose and power—rooted in prayer and led by the Holy Spirit.
About Elder Dr. Lester Upchurch and Elder Dr. Lue Wall-Upchurch
Truth Ministry
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