A church moving forward in Mobile.
Forward Church Ministries began with a simple conviction: that God is still doing new things, and His people are invited to move forward with Him.
Meet Bishop Lavorgie Burage
Bishop Bio
Bishop Lavorgie Burage is a preacher, pastor, teacher, husband, father, and servant of God whose life is a testimony of what happens when you say yes to the call of God. At just 11 years old, he answered the call to preach under the leadership of Bishop Manuel Watson. For 29 years, he has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, and for the past 4 years, he has served as a pastor. At the age of 18, Bishop Burage married his wife, Karlicia. Today, they celebrate 22 years of marriage and counting, and together they are the proud parents of three wonderful children who are growing in God and actively serving in ministry. Bishop Burage later served under the leadership of his father-in-law, Bishop Tyson Johnson, where he served faithfully as an Assistant Pastor and Bishop, spending more than 20 years growing, serving, and developing in ministry. He is also a graduate of Faulkner University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). After the passing of his pastor, God gave Bishop Burage a new assignment: start a work in your house. What began in his home became a growing ministry through the grace of God. That work eventually moved to its current location and became Forward Church Ministries, where God continues to bless, strengthen, and expand the ministry. Bishop Burage’s life is a testimony that when God calls you, He will provide the grace to fulfill the assignment. But this isn’t the end of the story. God is still writing. The ministry is still growing. The family is still serving. The vision is still unfolding. 29 years of preaching. 4 years of pastoring. 22 years of marriage. A lifetime of God’s faithfulness. And if you think this is all there is, Stay tuned. Because God is still writing the story!
Meet the team.
First Lady
Karlicia Franklin-Burage
Lady Karlicia Burage is an evangelist, wife, mother, educator, community servant, and woman of God whose life reflects a passion for purpose, people, and ministry. For nearly 20 years, Lady Burage has faithfully shared the Gospel, using her voice to encourage, empower, and inspire others to discover their God-given purpose. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Faulkner University. Lady Burage has been married to Bishop Lavorgie Burage for 22 years, and together they are the proud parents of three wonderful children. Family is at the heart of who she is, and she cherishes spending quality time with her husband, children, friends, and loved ones. For more than 20 years, Lady Burage served under the leadership of Bishop Tyson Johnson. During that time, she faithfully assisted his First Lady and served as her adjutant, learning firsthand the responsibility, wisdom, and grace required to be a leading woman in ministry. Her heart extends beyond the walls of the church. Lady Burage has a genuine passion for helping women discover their purpose and walk confidently in their God-given assignment. She also has a special heart for children, particularly children with exceptionalities, and is passionate about creating opportunities for them to feel valued, supported, and empowered. Her commitment to community is demonstrated through various outreach efforts, including serving families in low-income communities through organizations such as Goodwill and other community initiatives. As she continues to serve alongside her husband at Forward Church Ministries, Lady Burage’s ministry continues to develop and unfold. She understands that God doesn’t reveal the entire journey at once—He develops us along the way. Her story is still being written. Her purpose is still unfolding. Her ministry is still developing. And as God continues to lead her, one thing is certain: The best chapters of Karlicia Burage’s story is still being written.
Youth Pastor
Shanton Collins
Shanton Collins is a devoted husband, loving father of three, grandfather, uncle, preacher, teacher, Youth Pastor and faithful servant of God whose life is centered on faith, family, service, and purpose. At the heart of Shanton’s life is his relationship with God and his family. He is the husband of Minister Shellessa Collins, whom he strives to love and honor according to the biblical example of Christ’s love for the Church. Together, Shanton and Shellessa have built their lives upon faith, family and ministry. Youth Pastor Shanton and his wife are also among the founding members of Forward Church Ministries , where they have had the privilege of helping establish and support a ministry dedicated to advancing the Kingdom of God and impactinglives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Shanton has a tremendous love for the Word of God. He believes that Scripture is more than something to be read—it is something to be studied, taught and most of all lived. His passion for biblical truth has helped shape his ministry as a preacher and teacher and has strengthened his desire to help others develop a deeper relationship with Christ. For approximately two years, Shanton has faithfully served as a Youth Pastor. During that time, he has experienced tremendous personal and spiritual growth. While his responsibility is to teach and encourage young people, he recognizes that serving them has also challenged him to study more deeply, pray more intentionally, and continue growing in his own understanding of God's Word. Shanton is especially grateful to Bishop Burage for entrusting him with the opportunity to servein youth ministry and for providing him with the spiritual leadership for his continued development. He considers it an honor to have been given the opportunity to grow under Bishop Burage's leadership, wisdom, and guidance. His heart for youth extends well beyond the walls of the church. Shanton has a genuine love for children and believes strongly that they are the Church of tomorrow. He understands that investing in young people today helps shape the families, churches, communities, and leaders of the future. His desire is not simply to teach children biblical principles, but to help them recognize their value, discover their God-given potential, and understand that their circumstances do not have to determine their future. His life and ministry are grounded in a simple conviction: when God gives you an opportunity, a responsibility, or a person to serve,you should leave it better than you found it.
Take your next step with us.
Plan a Sunday visit, join a small group, or reach out — we'd love to walk with you.