In a revealing interview for the "Old Man New Man" program, Dr. Carlton Byrd, former senior pastor of Oakwood University Church and speaker/director of Breath of Life television ministry, now President of Southwestern Regional Conference, shares deep insights on how to identify and break the spiritual strongholds that keep us captive. Hosted by, Dr. Minner …
In a revealing interview for the “Old Man New Man” program, Dr. Carlton Byrd, former senior pastor of Oakwood University Church and speaker/director of Breath of Life television ministry, now President of Southwestern Regional Conference, shares deep insights on how to identify and break the spiritual strongholds that keep us captive. Hosted by, Dr. Minner Labrador Jr.
Understanding Spiritual Strongholds
Dr. Byrd explains that a stronghold, according to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, is anything within our mind that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. “In the Old Testament, a stronghold was a physical place of protection, but in the New Testament, Paul speaks of mental and spiritual strongholds that prevent us from hearing or following God’s will,” explains Bird.
The Forms Strongholds Take
Strongholds can manifest in different ways:
- Fear
- Greed
- Pride
- Sinful thoughts
- Lust
- Jealousy
- Negative ambition
The Personal Struggle with Pride
Dr. Byrd openly shares his own battle with pride and negative ambition. Raised in a family of pastors, he recognizes how the ecclesiastical environment can, ironically, become fertile ground for the development of spiritual strongholds. “You can get so caught up in the work in the church that you forget the work of the church,” he reflects.
The Transformation Process
Dr. Byrd’s transformation was catalyzed by a personal tragedy: the loss of his four-month-old daughter in a car accident. This devastating experience taught him profound lessons about humility and trust in God. “When you can look death directly in the face, it changes your complete perspective,” he shares.
Three Keys to Breaking Strongholds
- Exercise Spiritual Authority: Allow God to have real authority in our life, not just as Savior but as Lord.
- Seek Intercession: Identify trustworthy people who can pray and intercede for us. “We all need an accountability partner,” emphasizes Byrd.
- Displace the Old: Move away from the “trees” that tempt us and replace old habits with new patterns of worship and service.
The Path to Freedom
Breaking strongholds is an ongoing process. “It’s a life’s work,” he explains. “I may not be all that I need to be, but I praise God because I’m not what I used to be.” This process requires patience, perseverance, and constant dependence on God.
A New Man in Christ
The resulting transformation produces a gentler, more compassionate, and more faith-directed man. Dr. Byrd describes how his perspective has changed from seeking positions and recognition to simply “illuminating the corner where I am.”
Conclusion
Dr. Carlton Byrd’s testimony reminds us that spiritual strongholds, although deeply rooted in our lives, can be torn down through genuine commitment to God and a continuous process of transformation. His message resonates with special force in an era where many struggle with internal barriers that prevent them from experiencing a full life in Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
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Minner Labrador Jr.
Dr. Labrador earned his degrees from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a Pastor, Author, Revivalist and Administrator.
Pastor Labrador has almost 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry and has served as the Director of Men’s Ministries across Florida, the Carolinas, and throughout North America. His pastoral experience includes serving as a senior pastor in both multi-church districts and single-church districts, as well as in a multi-pastoral church setting.
Additionally, he has contributed to Men’s Ministries as a radio talk show host in Tampa Bay, Florida, and has hosted several Men’s Ministries television series for Hope Channel. He is the recipient of the prestigious lifetime achievement award in North America for his pioneering work and excellence in Men’s Ministries.
