Rev. Paul D. Mooney

Paul D. Mooney was born in Noblesville, Indiana on November 15, 1943. His parents Riley and Lena Mooney pastored a small mission in downtown Indianapolis where he served in outreach, youth, and music ministry. He married his beloved life and ministry partner, Micki Mooney, in 1963 and they began their ministry as evangelists with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1966, Rev. Mooney accepted the call to Muskegon, Michigan where he pastored Muskegon Apostolic Tabernacle for 22 years. Through vibrant Sunday School programs, bus ministry, Bible studies, music and drama ministries, and the Bread of Life Radio Broadcast, the Mooneys led a thriving congregation and oversaw the construction of a new sanctuary and educational complex. Additionally, he pastored a second congregation in Shelby, Michigan for 12 years, and was responsible for the construction of a beautiful church building in that community. During his time in Michigan, he became a member of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and served as UPCI Michigan District Presbyter for 12 years before being elected District Secretary in 1983. Following the passing of his close friend and mentor, Rev. William R. Starr, in 1987, Paul was elected Michigan District Superintendent. 

While serving on the district board, Rev. Mooney directed dozens of camp meetings for all age groups, spearheaded campground remodeling projects, chaired the Michigan District Educational Committee, and helped establish the Apostolic Institute of Development, a ministerial training program. With Micki by his side, the Mooneys developed a unique, down-to-earth leadership style that was an encouragement and inspiration to the district and became a hallmark of their future ministry endeavors. In 1988, Rev. Mooney was elected to serve as pastor of Calvary Tabernacle in Indianapolis, Indiana. Shortly after his election, the Indiana Bible College (IBC) Board of Directors asked him to assume leadership of the college, which had been founded in Seymour, Indiana. He embraced the challenge, rallying the saints of Calvary to support the vision. With God’s provision, they acquired a 100,000-square-foot former hospital for $660,000, a fraction of its appraised value. After extensive renovations by the Calvary congregation, IBC miraculously reopened in Indianapolis in the fall of 1989 with its first class of 47 students. Since then, IBC has been a leader in Apostolic higher education, equipping men and women for ministry and service around the globe.

Under Rev. Mooney’s leadership Calvary Tabernacle and IBC expanded their ministries, continuing the Bread of Life Radio Broadcast in Indianapolis, launching Voice and Vision Publications, Apostolic Information Service, IBC Perspectives Magazine, hosting MidAmerica Renewal Conference (MARC), and creating the Steadfast Conference. In 2001, alongside former Calvary pastors Rev. James Larson and UPCI General Superintendent Rev. N.A. Urshan, the Mooneys celebrated the mortgage burning for both Calvary Tabernacle and Indiana Bible College. 

In 1993, Rev. Mooney was elected Superintendent of the Indiana District UPCI. During his nine-year tenure, he led the district in numerous improvements to the campgrounds, including a complete remodel of the tabernacle adding air conditioning and a new entrance, upgraded landscaping and signage, full cafeteria and fellowship building renovations, and the construction of a new boys’ dormitory. 

In 2002, Rev. Mooney resigned as Indiana District Superintendent and launched Calvary Tabernacle into the next phase of its future. As part of his vision, Calvary Tabernacle unanimously voted to move its location from Fletcher Avenue to a miraculously acquired, 23-acres site that including highway frontage at I-65 South and Keystone just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. In 2007, Calvary Christian School began this relocation, moving into a newly constructed, state-of-the-art, 110,000-square-foot education and family life facility.

 Rev. Mooney was a leading voice in the Apostolic Pentecostal movement. His anointed preaching, unique sense of humor, and his ability to connect with people of all ages and cultures inspired countless lives worldwide. He served on the UPCI Global Missions board from 1990 until 1993 and again from 2002 until 2006. The Mooneys were passionate advocates for missionaries and their families, and a he was a creative force in Global Missions fundraising efforts. 

 In 2006, Rev. Mooney was elected Assistant General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International’s Eastern Zone. In this role, he and his wife ministered at conferences, camp meetings, church dedications, and events across the globe, including in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, The Middle East, and North America. 

 After 32 years of service, the Mooneys retired from Calvary Tabernacle and Indiana Bible College in May of 2020. Sadly, his beloved wife Micki passed a month later on June 24, 2020. Rev. Mooney completed his final term as UPCI Assistant General Superintendent and was inducted into the UPCI Order of the Faith in October of 2021. Rev. Mooney will be remembered for his vivid storytelling, insightful writing, distinctive sermon titles, and often preaching with the use of poetry and song. He exemplified a life of faith, vision, and uncompromising dedication to holiness and righteousness. Paul D. Mooney was a true defender of the Oneness Apostolic doctrine.

 Paul D. Mooney is survived by his son, Paul Jonathan Mooney; devoted daughters, Adena Cheryl Pedigo (Rev. Tim) and Jaye Mooney Rodenbush (Rev. Robert L.); nine grandchildren, Justine Jaye Winwood, Jacquelyn Kaye Mooney, Danna Pogue (Harrison), Adena Maci Pedigo, Rev. Georgeon Paul Pedigo (Savannah), Daci Renee Root (Justin), Ashton O’Connell (James), Micki Evangeline Rodenbush and Robert Mooney Rodenbush; and one great-granddaughter, Maybelle Geranium Eisentrout. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Judith Ann Harden, Maxine Harden, and Carolyn Mooney, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, William Riley and Lena Mae (Harden); his wife of nearly 58 years Micki Sue Harden; and eight siblings: Dorothy Oleta Brown, Dalton Douglas (Hazel), Marvin Glen (Linda), Billy Doyle (Ada Mildred), Alton Marshall (Vannie Sue), Joyce Anne, Mary Gural Reynolds (Ray), and Martha Gayle Blevins (James).

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 2:00PM until 6:30PM at New Life Fellowship located at 7849 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803. Funeral services will begin at 7:00PM.

Private family graveside services will be on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

The Rev. Paul D. Mooney Memorial Missions Fund c/o: The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek, 5707 N. Sandy Creek Dr, Seymour, IN 47274

This fund is established in memory of Rev. Paul D. Mooney to sponsor mission efforts. 

The family would like to give special thanks to: New Life Fellowship Terre Haute (Rev. and Mrs. Jeffrey Harpole), The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek (The Arrowood Family), and The Pentecostals of Katy (Rev. & Mrs. Rob McKee) for their kindness, encouragement, and support during this time. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to: Daniel and Betsy Christensen of Christensen Family Funeral Home located  at  311 Holiday Square Road Seymour, IN 47274.

Condolence messages may be left for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.