DrBillWinston

Dr. Bill Winston

A Legacy of Honor, Leadership, and Unshakable Courage

Long before he became a global voice of faith and leadership, Dr. Bill Winston was forged in the highes—pressure environment on earth—the cockpit of a United States Air Force fighter jet.

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Combat Service

Forged in Combat

For six years, Dr. Winston served his country as a fighter pilot, five of those years in active combat flying the legendary F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War.

Operating in high-threat airspace over Southeast Asia, he completed more than 200 combat missions, often under extreme enemy fire.

Years of Service

200+

Combat Missions

Inspired by Pioneers

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

From the start, Dr. Winston drew inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary trailblazers who broke racial barriers as the first Black military aviators in U.S. history.

Their courage, skill, and determination became a model for him—instilling in him the belief that excellence, discipline, and faith could overcome any obstacle.

Military Honors

Proven at the Highest Level of Excellence

From the very beginning, Dr. Winston's mastery and precision stood out. Not only once—but twice-he received the prestigious Squadron Top Gun Award, earned only by the most exceptional tactical pilots in the unit. His courage and performance in aerial warfare earned him some of the nation's highest military honors

Squadron Top Gun Award

Awarded twice—earned only by the most exceptional tactical pilots in the unit.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded for heroism and extraordinary achievement in combat aviation.

Air Medal

For meritorious service during aerial flight.

Medal of Honor

The highest and most revered military decoration awarded by the United States.

These honors reflect not just technical skill-but courage, clarity under pressure, and a commitment to mission beyond self.

An Interview With Dr. Winston

Read an interview with Dr. Winston in a past Bill Winston Ministries Magazine.

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A Calling That Began in the Skies

It was in those very moments—flying combat missions over hostile territory—that Dr. Winston first began to sense a greater calling on his life.

Even then, faith was not a concept—it was a lifeline. Every decision in the cockpit demanded absolute truth, conviction, and obedience.

That same battle-tested discipline, spiritual awareness, and leadership under fire would eventually become the foundation of his global ministry.

Corporate Excellence

From the Cockpit to the Pulpit

After completing his decorated military service, Dr. Winston transitioned into the corporate world—bringing with him that same discipline, precision, and leadership excellence.

He joined IBM Corporation, the leading force in computing and business machines of its era, and quickly distinguished himself once again.

Dr. Winston excelled in marketing and strategic operations, advancing into top-level executive management during an era when few minorities held such positions.

His ability to lead, innovate, and deliver results placed him on track for a major corporate career—with significant influence and global impact ahead of him.

Yet even at the pinnacle of corporate success, something greater was stirring.

A Divine Interruption

In the midst of rising through the ranks at IBM, Dr. Winston began sensing a clear and undeniable tug from God—a call not just to succeed, but to serve.

What began as quiet promptings soon intensified into divine direction.

It became clear: His assignment was not confined to the boardroom. It was to transform lives globally through the power of faith and the Word of God.

What the military had forged, and IBM had refined, God was now calling him to deploy on a higher battlefield—the arena of faith, purpose, and destiny.

Global Ministry

A Global Ministry Impacting Nations

Answering that call, Dr. Bill Winston stepped away from a secure corporate future and, in an act of radical obedience, founded Living Word Christian Center in a small storefront in Chicago. What began with just a handful of people has since grown into a multinational ministry touching millions around the world.

Living Word Christian Center

A thriving, multiethnic megachurch in Forest Park, Illinois

Bill Winston Ministries

Broadcasting the Gospel to over one billion households worldwide

Joseph Business School

An accredited, world-renowned entrepreneurship and leadership institute with campuses across the globe

Kingdom—Focused Impact

Missions, partnerships, and marketplace leaders raised and deployed into every sphere of influence

Fighter Jets

Combat pilot, 200+ missions

Corporate Boardrooms

IBM executive leadership

Global Ministry

Impacting millions worldwide

A Profound Testimony of Purpose

From fighter jets ... to corporate boardrooms ... to global ministry leadership—Dr. Winston's life is a profound testimony of what God can do through one person fully yielded to purpose.

His mission remains clear and uncompromising:
to teach believers how to walk by faith, renew their minds, and become leaders who transform their world.