Compassionate Outreach Ministries - Our Late Founder and Bishop

Our Late Founder and Bishop

Larry J. Dennison

The Late Bishop Larry J. Dennison has been preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ since 1978. He founded Compassionate Outreach Ministries in June 1985 and has served as pastor since that time. Bishop Dennison proudly acknowledges that he is a “PK” (preacher’s kid), and the seventh child born in the union of the late Rev. Curtis L. Dennison and the late Mrs. Virginia Gloster Dennison.

Bishop Dennison married his illustrious wife, First Lady Margaret Dennison on February 4^th, 1978. Together they shared two beautiful children, Shawndria and Jonathan and a grandaughter, Jada.

The Late Bishop Dennison made his transition from this earthly realm on April 2, 2018.

He is remembered by many for his dedication to God, his family, Compassionate Outreach Ministries, and the people.

His legacy continues to live through his wife, Pastor Shepherd Mother Margaret Dennison and the many lives he has touched with the compassionate and love of God.

Bishop Dennison was a great teacher and example of how God wants a man to be the head of his family, a leader, and provider. He received his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Ministry. He was a Certified Pastoral Addiction Counselor, a Licensed Christian Marriage & Family Therapist, and a registered Pre-Marital Preparation Course Provider.

Bishop Dennison’s preaching, teaching, and leadership went beyond the pulpit platform or the conventional four walls of the church as he brought a message of service and outreach to those who were in need of guidance and spiritual intervention in their lives. The Ministry provided support as he shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ in convalescent homes, prisons, parks, hospitals, street corners, private homes, on television including the TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), radio, internet, and to churches of diverse denominations. His preaching, teaching, counseling, love, and prayers brought deliverance to many. In addition to his service as Bishop of Compassionate Outreach Ministries, Bishop Dennison also oversaw several pastors and churches.

His Accolades & Accomplishments were extensive and included:

Member of the Alachua County Christian Pastor's Association
Voted Pastor of the Year
Recipient of the Pastor Appreciation Award
Inducted into the Florida Star Religious Hall of Fame
Featured in Gospel Today Magazine as one of "The Most Loved Pastors in The World"
Recognized for Outstanding Community Involvement by Delta Sigma Theta
Recipient of the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Energizer Award
Nominee for the Spirit of Gainesville Award for Community Service
Graduate of the Gainesville Police Department’s First Annual Faith-Based Leadership Academy
Recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. “Drum Major for Justice” Award
Consecrated and ordained as a Bishop in the Lord’s church, in 2007
Elevated to the position of Jurisdictional Bishop for the State of Florida by C.L.U.R.T International and the College of Bishops in 2011
Author of "The Doctrine of Salvation," a book which provides a simple explanation of the greatest gift ever given to man - salvation. The book is available by contacting Compassionate Outreach Ministries.