God looked down through time and saw a child whom His favor would be granted and through whom His plan could be fulfilled and on March 23, 1936, He brought into this world through James N. Flowers, Sr. and Lizzie Lee Flowers, our beloved late founder and pastor, Bishop James N. Flowers, Jr.

Bishop Flowers was a man of valor, vigilance, and vision. He had a tremendous passion for God’s Word
coupled with a love for God’s people. His contagious and charismatic spirit flowed through every facet of his personality and ministry.

Having received his mandate from God, from July 1982 until his death in April of 2020, Bishop Flowers
obediently fulfilled his calling as founder and pastor of the Shining Star Missionary Baptist Church later known as Shining Star Freewill Baptist Church. This man of God was a powerful preacher/teacher, a tremendous inspiration to everyone, and was totally dedicated to the work of God.
 

It was evident that God had His hands on him and guided him through service to Him. Bishop Flowers was born in Longwood, NC where he received love and nurturing from his parents. Having been converted at an early age, he developed a passion for singing, and for over 60 years he did just that writing and recording numerous CD’S with his family, which included his mother, sisters, daughters, and aunts. They traveled many places giving God glory through their music ministry and letting people know that they could RIDE OUT THEIR STORM. It was this song that further introduced Bishop Flowers to the world.
 

God called him to preach in 1978 while he was a faithful Deacon of Carmody Hills Baptist Church. It was there that he gave his initial sermon, taken from Jeremiah 1:4-5 "Then the word of the Lord came unto me saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
 

Bishop Flowers obeyed the voice of God in July of 1982 and founded the Shining Star Mission Church with only 12 members and for 38 years he led God’s people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God was faithful to Bishop Flowers and the Shining Star Church and continue to add to this ministry.
 

Bishop Flowers was married to the love of his life, First Lady Margaret L. Flowers for 58 years. She
predeceased him in April 2019. He never failed to let the world know that they were still in love with each other after 58 years. Together they were the proud parents of four children, Randy Flowers, Elder Yolanda Flowers, Ronnie Flowers and Linda Flowers. They were also the proud grandparents of eleven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
 

Bishop Flowers accolades and accomplishments are too numerous to mention but include the following:

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• Founded and Pastor Shining Star Freewill Baptist Church for 38 years

• Producer and Recording Artist

• Community Activist

• Established “FAMILY AGAINST DRUGS” Program – a prevention program that was voted 1 of the 10

       top programs in the State of Maryland

• Under his leadership…was able to purchase over 1 million dollars in property for the church

• Received 2 keys to the City; City of Seat Pleasant and City of District Heights

• A street was named after him in Seat Pleasant, Maryland “James N. Flowers, Jr. Way”

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