From the outside, success often looks polished, but Pastor CeJay’s journey has been anything but easy. Kicked out of school and never completing the eighth grade, he endured seasons that could have broken him. He walked through bankruptcy, battled clinical depression, and carried the heartbreak of closing the very church he founded. In desperation, he lived inside that church building trying to keep the doors open, only to later find himself sleeping in hotels and even in the back office of a new business he started with nothing but a vision and faith in God.
But what the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Out of brokenness came breakthrough. Out of loss came legacy. Out of ashes came anointing.
Today, Pastor CeJay is a brilliant community builder, brand development expert, and nationally recognized force in ministry, media, and the marketplace. He has transformed pain into purpose, building a multi-faceted life’s work that now employs dozens of people, impacts thousands of lives, and glorifies God every step of the way.
The Voice That Resonates Across Generations
Pastor CeJay is more than a leader—he is a voice. A voice of confirmation, credibility, and celebration. His commanding, iconic tone in gospel radio has made him one of the most recognized figures in the region and beyond. Affectionately called the Ark-La-Tex Ambassador of Gospel Music, he has brought nearly 200 national gospel artists to his region and is the only leader of his generation to bring home the industry’s highest honor, the Stellar Award.
- 25 Billboard Gospel Airplay Awards
- 5 Stellar Award Nominations
- 1 Stellar Award Win
- 24 Government Resolutions & Proclamations
- 43 Community & Industry Awards
- Inducted into Byrd High School Hall of Fame
- Inducted into Gospel Music Hall of Fame
In every role, Pastor CeJay believes in helping people by meeting them where they are.
Leadership in Ministry and Media
As the Founding Pastor of Faith City Church (formerly Faith Chapel), Pastor CeJay has spent two decades building people, restoring hope, and igniting purpose. His church and nonprofit, Community Caregivers of Northwest Louisiana, have touched thousands with outreach, mentorship, scholarships, and resources.
In media, Pastor CeJay serves as Director of KOKA Radio—The Heart of Gospel. Established in 1950, KOKA is a historic voice in Shreveport. Under his leadership, the station has been rebranded, revitalized, and relaunched into a new era, growing from 7 to over 40 paid programs, expanding to 35,000+ monthly listeners, and reaching thousands worldwide through streaming. Revenue has increased 80%, listenership has multiplied, and the station has been restored to national prominence, earning yet another Stellar Award under his direction.
Beyond the station, Pastor CeJay is the National President & CEO of the National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR), America’s only trade association representing radio professionals in the gospel/inspirational format. With member stations across 42 cities and a collective reach of over one million listeners, NAGR amplifies the power of gospel music nationwide.
Entrepreneur, Builder, and Visionary
Through CeJay Enterprises of Louisiana, LLC, Pastor CeJay has proven himself a bold entrepreneur. What began as a vision in the back office of a small business has now grown into a company serving over 3,000 customers, creating dozens of full-time jobs, and becoming a hub for innovation, media, and community impact.
Execution is his superpower—he not only dreams big but delivers consistently. His ventures uplift the local economy and continue to shine as an example of faith-driven business leadership.
A Heart for People, A Life of Impact
Pastor CeJay’s legacy isn’t just measured in awards and positions—it’s measured in lives changed. He has partnered with schools to create youth programs, raised tens of thousands for local HBCUs, championed minority women entrepreneurs, and become a consistent voice against domestic violence—an issue deeply personal to him after watching loved ones suffer.
His leadership has been affirmed by elders like the late Dr. Harry Blake, who called him “a promising future for clergy who work within the community.” His influence is highly sought after by leaders for endorsement, reflecting the trust, credibility, and impact he carries across ministry, media, and marketplace circles.
The Man Behind the Mission
Born to Sha Dillard and Johnny Shepard, Pastor CeJay honors the legacy of his family while building one of his own. Despite not finishing eighth grade, he pressed forward and is now a proud graduate of C.E. Byrd High School (Diploma), Southern University at Shreveport (Associate in Business Management), University of Phoenix (Bachelor’s in Management), and East Texas Baptist University (Master of Arts in Christian Ministry). Today, he also serves as faculty at Huston-Tillotson University, where he continues to shape and inspire the next generation of leaders.
His influence reaches beyond pulpits and radio studios. He serves on boards for tourism, chambers of commerce, and education, continuing to represent Shreveport-Bossier and the Ark-La-Tex with integrity and vision.
The Legacy of Pastor CeJay
From sleeping on church floors to standing in national halls of fame, Pastor CeJay’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless faith. His life declares that God’s grace is sufficient, His power is perfected in weakness, and His promises never fail.
Pastor CeJay is not just a man who overcame—he is a man who has become a beacon of hope, proving that no matter how broken the pieces, God can build a life that is whole, impactful, and destined for greatness.