
For more than six decades, Bishop C.L. Carter Sr. has walked faithfully in the vineyard of God—preaching, mentoring, and embodying the unwavering grace that sustains those called to serve. Now, in his deeply personal memoir, Chosen, Bruised, and Blessed: A Life in the Vineyard of God (Paperback, October 4, 2025), Bishop Carter opens his heart and shares the powerful story behind his journey of calling, struggle, and triumph.
“I have been chosen. I have been bruised. But I have also been blessed,” writes Bishop Carter—words that capture both the beauty and burden of his lifelong ministry.
Born and raised in a close-knit Atlanta community, Bishop Carter’s journey began humbly. As a teenage preacher so small he needed a chair to reach the microphone, his voice still carried the fire of conviction that would define his ministry. From those early sermons to his founding of First Missionary Baptist Church, Bishop Carter’s life has been a living sermon—testifying to the power of perseverance, obedience, and unshakable faith.
In Chosen, Bruised, and Blessed, readers will follow Bishop Carter through every season of ministry—the valleys of burnout and betrayal, the moments of miraculous restoration, and the many blessings that confirmed God’s faithfulness along the way. His story is not just one of personal triumph, but a message of encouragement for every believer who has faced hardship in their own walk with God.
“This is not just my story—it’s a testimony to the sustaining grace of God,” says Bishop Carter. “Every bruise became a blessing, every trial a teacher, and every setback a setup for something greater.”
Inside Chosen, Bruised, and Blessed, readers will discover:
- The humble beginnings that shaped Bishop Carter’s faith and purpose
- Lessons learned through ministry’s most difficult seasons
- Stories of divine intervention, healing, and restoration
- Wisdom for young preachers and believers navigating their own callings
- A heartfelt reminder that obedience to God is the highest form of success
This book serves as both memoir and ministry—a guide for anyone seeking to remain steadfast in faith when life’s vineyard feels overgrown with trials.
Chosen, Bruised, and Blessed is now available on Amazon and other major retailers.
About the Author
Bishop C.L. Carter Sr. is the founder and senior pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, where he has served faithfully for over six decades. A respected spiritual leader and mentor, Bishop Carter has been a guiding light to countless believers across the nation. Known for his powerful preaching and compassionate leadership, he continues to inspire others to walk boldly in their divine purpose.
