Alumni Spotlight: Clarence and Lorene Lambert
Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Nelson University
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, TX – September 12, 2024 – Nelson University takes immense pride in celebrating nearly eight decades of ministry for alums Clarence E. Lambert and Lorene Clifton Lambert. Their journey together spans 75 years of marriage and 75 years of dedicated service within the Assemblies of God denomination.
After attending Nelson University (then Southwestern) from 1948-1949, Clarence embarked on his ministerial path in 1949, licensed by the Oklahoma District and ordained by the Arkansas District in 1951. His steadfast leadership took him across various states—Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Florida, and Colorado—where he served as an evangelist, pastor, and eventually as District Superintendent of the Rocky Mountain District from 1970 to 1979.
Not only was Clarence active nationally within the AG, but he was also Chairman of the Board of Regents at Southwestern. Clarence was inducted into their Hall of Fame for meritorious service and in 1975, was conferred a Doctorate of Divinity.
Equally dedicated to ministry, Lorene began her journey alongside Clarence, attending Nelson University from 1947-.1949. She was licensed by the Arkansas District in 1949 and ordained by the West Florida District in 1960. She played a pivotal role in ministering to children, youth, and women throughout her and Clarence’s ministry. Lorene pursued further education, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Missouri State University in 1983.
Their joint efforts culminated in significant milestones, including Clarence’s appointment as Secretary of the New Church Evangelism Department at Springfield in 1979. Under his leadership, the Assemblies of God experienced unprecedented growth, planting a record 400 new churches in 1982 and garnering acclaim as the fastest-growing denomination in America.
Even after their formal retirement in 1993, the Lamberts continued to serve within the AG community. For almost 6 years, Clarence and Lorene served as interim pastors in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Louisiana before returning home to Owasso, Oklahoma. Today, at 95 and 96 years young, the Lamberts are blessed to be still living independently in Owasso, Oklahoma, close to children – Marsheila (Allen) Prior (Nelson University, 1974 – 1977) and Bret (Sharon) Lambert; 2 grandchildren and their spouses; and five great-grandchildren. They remain active in their faith community, serving as Pastors Emeritus at Owasso First Assembly under the leadership of Rev. Bruce McCarty.
From their formative years at Nelson University to their lifelong dedication and remarkable contributions to the Assemblies of God fellowship, Clarence and Lorene epitomize a life given in service. “We owe a debt of gratitude for the impact Southwestern Bible Institute (now Nelson University) had on our lives through knowledge gained and lifetime relationships built,” the Lamberts remark. Nelson University honors the Lambert’s lifelong dedication, exemplary service, and enduring impact on generations of believers.
Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.
