Bishop Houston Miles served as Senior Pastor of Evangel Cathedral in Spartanburg, South Carolina for 31 years from 1968-1999. In 1971, during the early days of the Charismatic Renewal, God changed the direction of the church in Spartanburg. Instead of a very traditional Pentecostal Church, the church became a vibrant, exciting, growing church with an outreach not only in the Spartanburg area, but also in a number of cities across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Eventually, new churches were established through the efforts of Pastor Miles and Evangel Cathedral in these states.
Dr. Miles led the church from 140 members to more than 2,400 members. In 1988, they dedicated a new sanctuary, which is now the largest church sanctuary in the state of South Carolina.
During President Ronald Reagan’s administration, Dr. Miles was invited to the White House on four occasions.
In June 1999, Dr. Miles transitioned from the senior pastorate at Evangel Cathedral to a full-time commitment to Evangel Fellowship International. Today he gives oversight to over fifteen hundred ministers worldwide and 850 churches worldwide as President and Chairman of Evangel Fellowship International, an organization which is composed of pastors, missionaries, traveling ministers, churches, and international ministries.
Dr. Miles has traveled to 40 countries worldwide with the primary purpose of teaching and encouraging church leaders, and strengthening their hands in fulfilling the calling of God in their lives. Since 1991, he has made 44 trips to the former Soviet Union and has seen more than 50,000 decisions for Christ and 672 churches established.
In June 1998, South Carolina Governor David Beasley granted Dr. Miles the state’s highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto, in recognition of his interest in and friendship to the state of South Carolina.
On June 16, 2007, Dr. and Mrs. Miles celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary. They have one son, Phillip, who pastors a thriving church in Conway, South Carolina.
Bro. and Sis. Miles,
This is past due. I communicated it to Roger Gosnell, but wanted to put it in writing.
We are not close, but you have my respect.
I was so sorry to hear of your son’s trouble. I know this is grievous. I have alerted many to pray.
I was packing my suitcase, leaving a meeting to another somewhere with the news on. The report came of his sentence in Russia.
I was overwhelmed with sorrow for a moment, and then the Lord spoke some things to me.
First, Jesus is going to “succour” Phillip–that was the exact word.
Secondly, There is going to be a revival in the prison because of Christ in Phillip, and he will emerge with a new heart and anointing.
Thirdly, He will be released early during a time of international crisis.
Overall, I was assured of his safety.
God bless you both. Do not be overwhelmed. There is a particular anointing from the Lord on health concerns for you both, but especially you, Sis. Miles.
Vaughn Clark