Rev. George Stevens was born and raised In Flint, Michigan in 1953.  He attended Atherton High School and started as a freshman in basketball, football, and baseball. He was a fierce competitor with accurate shooting and consistent scoring ability on the hardwood.  Back then, they did not have a 3 point line but he was still able to score 30 points a game earning him All- State honors.  He quarterbacked the football team and was recruited to play baseball for the Detroit Tigers but evidently God had bigger and more important plans for this man....using a basketball.

       In the early 70’s, God called him to Bible college in New York which is when he started the City Ministry Program in New York City.  Pastor Steven’s was drawn to the people of NY and enjoyed most working with individuals who were completely discounted by society- rivaling street gangs, prostitutes, drug dealers, and the poor/needy. 

      In bible studies at CM, Pastor teaches the young men and women about his journey and the lessons he has learned, many of which were learned in the streets of New York.  The ministry moved to Flint Mi in the early 80’s and has been operating at Great Lakes Baptist Temple for the last 7 years.  The Pastor loves every minute of every game but what he loves most is getting the opportunity to share God’s Word with thousands of individuals each year.

       God’s purpose for this man is one of a unique calling.  Pastor’s heart holds a special place for everyone who has ever come through the CM program.  He has special memories for the men and women he’s lost to street violence and crime as he continues to feel a fatherly responsibility to those who are in the program.  Over the last thirty years, God’s blessing has been upon the program and both CM and the Pastor have remained constant– that’s the secret to the success of CM.  The future of CM is exciting as we anticipate future family growth for the Kingdom of God and experiencing God's hands guiding CM all the way. 

 ~We thank you Pastor George and Debra Stevens for over 30 years of service to God and your community and for all the hard work, time, and funds you invest in CM.  May may God pour out blessings you cannot receive for the thousands of lives influenced and souls saved for Christ.~      

Warren Henson- 6'3 Forward

Warren was born and raised in Flint, MI. He was raised in a bi-racial family by both parents, Warren Sr. and Sally Henson.  Warren attended Stewart elementary during his grade school years and he began playing basketball while at Stewart under the direction of then Community School Director Jesse Pugh. Basketball quickly became a way of life for Warren and those around him. Warren played for school teams, AAU, summer leagues, and in the Mecca 3 on 3 tournaments. He was fortunate to surround himself with positive people within an urban community that was full of negativity.

Warren was an average student throughout grade school and high school and he graduated from Flint Central High School in May 1995. Shortly thereafter Warren was accepted to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Warren was able to navigate his way through college while narrowing what he wanted to be. Warren obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Speech Communication with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. He immediately applied for graduate school for Criminal Justice Administration at Ferris State. Warren excelled within the program and graduated as a Master of Criminal Justice Administration at age 24. Two years later, Warren enrolled into a second graduate program through the University of Michigan-Flint and, one year later, Warren obtained his second Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Currently, Warren works with the 30^th Judicial Circuit Court in Lansing, MI where he is a Senior Juvenile Court Officer and manages 25 youth as a probation officer in the Lansing Community. He is passionate about working with at-risk youth and enjoys every opportunity he has to do so. 

Warren was introduced to the City Ministry (CM) family approximately three years ago. City Ministry has provided a positive atmosphere where men can come together and create something positive. City ministry has had a powerful impact on Warren and helped shape who he is and how he deals with his youth on probation.  In February 2008, Warren talked with Pastor Stevens about implementing the CM program in Lansing with High School youth. In April 2008 Warren Henson and a team of probation officers worked in collaboration with Pastor Stevens to start the I.C. O.N.S. Basketball and Mentoring program. I.C.O.N.S. (Implementing Change and Opportunities Necessary for Success) has been a major force in Lansing’s basketball scene. The program has continued to grow and it has been in existence for 1 ½ years. I.C.O.N.S.