At one time, Kirbyjon Caldwell was one of the most esteemed pastors in the country. As a lead minister for President George W. Bush’s faith-based office, Caldwell shared an unabridged Gospel in the White House. Back in 2001, his counsel was instrumental for President Bush during the 9/11 tragedy. During his administration until 2009, cameras and the minds of political leadership captured his ubiquitous presence.
Caldwell first met George W. Bush in 1995 when the future President was Governor of Texas and a dedicated United Methodist churchgoer. The preacher was the founder and senior pastor of Windsor Village UMC. Caldwell’s church was foundational in greater Houston.
Through his divine connections, Kirbyjon Caldwell spent considerable time and money reaching out to the impoverished areas in the city. He opened the doors of “The Power Center.” Through a combination of public and private funding, a 104,000-square-foot former Kmart store became a place of hope. Many considered the Power Center to be powerless, given its ominous address.
Kirbyjon Caldwell never flinched.
He set out to create jobs in areas where no one wanted to start a business. Windsor Village UMC’s Power Center also housed a school, medical clinic, satellite classrooms for a local community college, low-cost office space, and a branch of the Texas Commerce Bank that was the sole bank in the neighborhood. He knew how to create opportunity. The man of God knew how to empower. And, he regretfully knew how to use those powers for evil, too.
In 2018, the Houston FBI and the city DA indicted Kirbyjon Caldwell of defrauding Christian investors of $3.6 million. Some of those victims were allegedly elderly members of Windsor Village UMC, who gave over $1 million to his scheme. (This is a claim that Caldwell has consistently refuted.) His business partner, a Louisiana financial adviser and fellow thief, Gregory Alan Smith, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. The tool of their diabolical plan was reaching out to 29 investors to commit money laundering to raise that money in Historical Chinese bonds in 2013 and 2014.
For his trouble, Caldwell eventually pleaded guilty two years later. In early 2024, USP Beaumont released Caldwell early for good behavior on a six-year sentence. Without much fanfare, he stayed in Houston with his wife, Suzette Turner Caldwell. She stayed by his side throughout the four years of incarceration. He was on house arrest, so he remained out of the limelight.
That is, until last week, when Windsor Village UMC welcomed Pastor Kirbyjon back with open arms—and clear consciences.
Christians regard pastors with high esteem. And if they have been the catalyst behind a deluge of uplifting community activity and empowerment, they remain that way. Yet, should that revered pulpit be opened up to a man who connived and stole from the Body of Christ? What if there is truth that he did the same to people in his church? God forgives, and thank the Lord for it. Yet, is that too far?
Before we delve into those questions to gain a righteous understanding, stay in touch with other faith-based issues that hit “close to home.” Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss what’s happening in the Church, and what real Christians can do in return to defend the love and work of Christ.
Kirbyjon Caldwell and the Perceived Point of No Return
Before Kirbyjon Caldwell went to USP Beaumont, he contritely told the Houston Chronicle, “They trusted me with their money, and I abused that trust. I misled them, I profited at their expense, and for that, I am very sorry.” Whether that apology was for doing it or for getting caught is up for debate. What’s important is that he admitted to defrauding people of millions.
These Historic Chinese bonds were worthless. They were issued by the Republic of China before the Communist takeover in 1949. Meanwhile, Caldwell and Smith were selling $3.6 million worth of these things to elderly folks who thought they were going to Antiques Road Show for a sweet payday.
Fast forward to last week, Caldwell served the majority of his prison time. Moreover, court documents show he paid full restitution. That notwithstanding, he was given the mic at Windsor Village UMC and greeted with a rousing standing ovation. He said, “I went all the way to Beaumont, Texas, looked all around, couldn’t find nobody.” That may be because most of the people he defrauded were law-abiding folks, but with this in mind, we’ll continue.
He also found time to sit down with Houston’s CBS affiliate KHOU 11 because, of course, he did.
God’s love is unconditional. His promises are irrevocable. Furthermore, those blessings are never revoked. The Spirit of God still rests on that man. There is no denying that, but should that pulpit be given to him without haste?
“My friend is home and free to use all of his skills and gifts to not only Pastor this church, but pastor this community,” Pastor and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver said from the pulpit before giving the microphone to Kirbyjon Caldwell. “There’s a big word that we use biblically and theologically, and it is forgiveness, and somebody who cannot move past that, maybe should rethink their commitment to God,” Cleaver said.
Indeed, that means many of those inside Windsor Village UMC believe he can. Yet, there is a perception to consider as well. Sure, God restored a blessing to the convicted, but new people will visit that church. Consequently, they’ll sit down and see a guy who stole money from other people—church members or not—for his selfish desires. And that’s the guy asking for an offering?!
Certainly, God thought of that. Have those pastors in control? Do they care what others think? Maybe not, but maybe they should.
“The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them” (Ecclesiastes 2:14 ESV).
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