FOUNDER & HISTORY
Pastor Dr. Dwight Edward Brisbane Sr.
Founding Pastor, Higher Ground Ministries – Jacksonville, Florida.
Pastor Dwight Edward Brisbane Sr. was a beloved spiritual leader, visionary, and community servant, best known as the founding pastor of Higher Ground Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Jacksonville, Florida. His life was marked by unwavering faith, humility, and a passion for ministry that left an indelible impact on everyone he served.
Pastor Brisbane's pastoral journey began in 1983, when he received his first pastoral appointment from the late Bishop C.D. Kinsey Sr. He was sent to lead the Olustee Church of God in Christ in Olustee, Florida. There, he served with diligence and integrity, nurturing the spiritual lives of a small but faithful congregation. His time in Olustee was foundational—refining his shepherd’s heart and deepening his commitment to building up the body of Christ.
Following years of faithful service, Pastor Brisbane was led by the Lord to plant a new ministry in Jacksonville. What began as Victory Temple COGIC eventually grew into Higher Ground Ministries, located at 2514 Van Gundy Road. As its founder and senior pastor, he cultivated a thriving, Spirit-filled church focused on holistic ministry, biblical teaching, and practical outreach.
Under his visionary leadership, Higher Ground COGIC became a dynamic beacon of hope in the Jacksonville community. Pastor Brisbane established impactful ministries that reflected his heart for people, including:
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Prayer & Care Ministry – ministering to the sick, shut-in, and hospitalized.
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Food & Clothing Ministry – meeting essential needs of the underserved.
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Singles Ministry – nurturing whole, Christ-centered living.
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Men’s Ministry (M.O.D. Squad) and Women’s Ministry – empowering spiritual leadership and fellowship.
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Youth Ministry – through dance, step teams, and music, he encouraged the next generation.
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Evangelism Teams – actively taking the gospel beyond the church walls.
A man of profound conviction and compassion, Pastor Brisbane modeled servant leadership in every aspect of his life. Whether in the pulpit, on the streets, or in the homes of the hurting, he carried the presence of God with humility and power.
Though Pastor Dwight Edward Brisbane Sr. has gone on to be with the Lord, his legacy continues to thrive through the lives he impacted, the ministries he built, and the spiritual foundation he laid at Higher Ground. He often encouraged all by stating his favorite saying "It's Going To Get Better" and reminded us of God's goodness by singing his favorite song "I Won't Let A Day Go By Without Praising His Name" His memory lives on in every prayer uttered, every soul uplifted, and every act of love extended in the name of Jesus.
"He fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
