Pastor Andrae Sweeney

The incomparable Andrae Jermaine Sweeney, affectionately known as Dre and Pastor Sweeney, entered this earth realm and was presented to his endearing parents, Pastor Tyrone and Lady De’Lisa Sweeney, on October 21, 1973 in Flint, Michigan.

He attended Durant Turri Mott Elementary, Holmes Middle School in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Bentley High School in Burton, Michigan. He also attended some college classes at University of Michigan, Flint Campus. He accepted The Lord Jesus Christ at the early age of ten at a powerful Morris Cerullo Crusade. As Bishop Otis A. Floyd laid hands on him, in braces, he released those braces and walked across the stage and ultimately received the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. According to his beloved parents, it was a grand day of rejoicing and praise to the Lord.

In 1997, he met his beautiful wife, Kendra, while they were both employed at Opportunities Services under the supervision of owner, Superintendent Harold W. Jones, Sr., Senior Pastor of Greater Ephesians Church of God in Christ of Vassar, Michigan. They were joined in holy matrimony on July 26, 2003 at Greater Ephesians COGIC. Everyone knew Andrae loved, honored, respected and cherished Kendra, as he proverbially stood as king, priest and strong protector of her. His dedication and commitment to Kendra showed in everything he did. Everyone who knew him loved how he loved Kendra.

Pastor Sweeny also served under the tutelage of Superintendent Harold Jones as Youth Pastor and Praise Team Leader at Greater Ephesians COGIC. Andrae was an incredibly caring man, who showed extraordinary leadership, social and life-skills during his tenure in the community as Youth Life Skills Coach for students at Martin G. Atkins, Jesse Loomis, Henry Doerr and Carrollton Elementary Schools.

Pastor Sweeney poured his heart into his first literary project, “Don’t Let the Four Wheels F. O. O. L. You – Faith to Overcome Obstacles in Life.” His first book signing was held at the Flint Planetarium in Flint, Michigan, where many well-wishers, friends and constituents gathered to congratulate him, get their books signed and listen to excerpts from the prolific new author. He also held several book signings in various cities such as Dexter, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Saginaw, Michigan at The First Ward Recreational Center. He promoted his new venture at speaking engagements in many cities across the United States.

Andrae was an Entrepreneur-Extraordinaire. He was the Founder and CEO of “The Match Experience,” a life coaching and church consulting business, as well as the owner of Tripped Out Travels Travel Agency, powered by Paycation Travel, Inc. He accomplished much as a Health and Wellness Business Advocate and as active Brand Partner with PURIUM Health Products for the last year of his life. He shared incessantly the healing power the Lord gave his family through nutrition. Additionally, Andrae became an associate with PRIMERICA because he wanted to help families with their financial literacy and learn how to win the money game. Before his demise, he was studying for his insurance and investment licenses.

Andrae loved going to the movies with his Mom, as they enjoyed watching vampire films and “The Godfather” movies together. He loved basketball and football and was a die-hard fan of The Michigan Wolverines – Go Blue! He was also a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan and Dallas Cowboys fan, and you better not say anything negative about any of them, or else he’d be up on you in the speed of light, looking up at you over his glasses with that glaring eye-gaze.

Pastor Sweeney and Pastor Kendra were appointed the Youth Pastors at Kingdom Life Ministries, International, and served diligently for over ten years. They adored every child that crossed the threshold of The Children’s Church in Saginaw and Flint, Michigan, and poured the love of Christ into every one of them. They not only taught them the things of Christ, they lived a life of love, honor, respect and loyalty in front of them and were outstanding examples to all. More recently, they were appointed and lovingly served as Overseers of “The Kingdom Couples” and worked alongside other leaders as Staff Pastors at Kingdom Life Ministries, International.

Pastor Sweeney absolutely cherished and honored his leader, mentor and friend, Bishop Alvernis Johnson, who admonished him to go after everything God had for him. He loved praise and worship but he really loved it when Bishop Johnson would break out in one of his old school songs. He also loved dearly his two best friends, Pastor Adrian Johnson and Jamale Ishmel, his “Aaron & Hur,” who loved, supported and treasured their relationship with him.

On August 29, 2019 our Lord sent his angels to claim his loving child, Andrae. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Pastor Leroy & Ernestine Sweeney, Matthew & Emma McMullan; father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Lenora “Phyllis” Byrd.

He leaves to cherish and rejoice in his memories his loving wife, Pastor Kendra Sweeney; children, Khalia (Brindon) Bell, Norman Jr. (Shantel) Mize, Javontae (Roneshia) Westbrook Mize; special grace gifts, Takesha Grant, DeMarcus Johnson, Devone Williams, Xavier Turner; grandchildren, Malaya, Nicholas, Javontae, Jr., Noriah, Caleb, Blessing, Kendall, R’rianna, Josiah, Kameron and Kendrick, who took extraordinary care of Pastor Sweeney until he made his transition; godchildren, Akina and Kearson Mike, Kandice Martin, Samuel McGaughey, III; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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