Rev. Pennon Lockhart, Ph.D. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama A&M University (AAMU) in 1968 (Mechanical Engineering) with honors. His post-graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering were at the University of Kentucky. Pastor Lockhart later received a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Ph.D. degrees in Christian Theology with high honors from the American University of Biblical Studies where he later retired as a tenured professor of theology and Biblical languages. He also taught as an adjunct professor at Beulah Heights University in Atlanta for several years. He is the husband of Dr. Charlotte W. Lockhart, father of two adult children and two grandchildren.
Rev. Lockhart’s ministry over the years has allowed him to travel across the U.S.A. and internationally to many countries in Africa, Asia, and other global locations. He founded “Global Vision Ministries, Inc.,” – an online portal featuring Christian Books and digital support media developed by Drs. Pennon and Charlotte Lockhart.
A member of Greenforest since 1986, Pastor Lockhart has served in many capacities over the years – Church Treasurer, Minister of Christian Education, ordained as a member of the Deaconship, and founder/ Director of the Greenforest Bible Institute. Fondly referred to as “Rabbi” by our beloved senior pastor, the late Dr. George O. McCalep, Jr., Pastor Lockhart is recognized for his excellence in Bible teaching and exegesis. The Lord granted Pastor Lockhart leave to serve as Associate Pastor under Dr. Lonnie Oliver of the New Life Presbyterian Church in College Park, Georgia for 12 years (1993-2005). Pastor Lockhart also served as Interim Pastor for the Transformation Christian Covenant Church for 2+ years following the death of their pastor and the facility rebuilding (due to a fire) until a new pastor was installed.
Upon his return to Greenforest, Dr. Lockhart became the Minister of Missions from 2006-2011. In addition to serving as a support teacher for the Fulfillment Hour Adult Class II, Dr. Lockhart also taught Wednesday night Bible Classes on the Harmony of the Gospels as the occasion allowed.
Dr. Lockhart maintains membership in the Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter of AAMU, the Atlanta chapter of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) and was Basileus of his undergraduate fraternity chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at AAMU. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps with a tour of duty in Southeast Asia, Viet Nam. He holds life memberships in the American Legion and is a charter member of AMVETS Post 44 here at Greenforest. Rev. Lockhart serves as president of his neighborhood Homeowners Association (Chippewa Forest Subdivision, City of South Fulton) from 2014 – Present.
Pastor Lockhart often reflects that he can never forget the place where God changed him over 45 years ago that initiated his walk with Jesus Christ. His prayer and heart’s desire is for those who are far off to be brought near by the blood of Christ to the praise and glory of God.