Meet Ivan Pickles | Servant of GOD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Pickles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Ivan James Pickles, a visionary hailing from the heart of Dallas, Texas, is deeply rooted in faith. From his earliest days, Ivan’s life has been intertwined with the rhythms of the church, nurtured by his proud parents, Travis and Arveletta Pickles. His journey into the realm of music ignited with remarkable fervor and passion, as he began directing the choir at the tender age of 8, inspired by the graceful movements of the choir director during Sunday services. At home, Ivan’s love for music flourished as he orchestrated imaginary concerts with his stuffed animal choir, using his mother’s coffee table as a piano.

Acknowledged by his peers and mentors as a uniquely gifted individual, Ivan’s path was undoubtedly guided by God and His divine purpose. As he matured, he assumed the role of Minister of Music at Living Testimony Baptist Church, under the guidance of the late Rev R.G. Simmons. Graduating from W.W. Samuel High School in Dallas, Ivan pursued further education in music at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX.

Throughout his journey, Ivan’s dedication to his craft and community has remained unwavering. Upon returning to Dallas, he joined God’s Tabernacle of Deliverance (GTOD) under the guidance of Bishop Cardell D. Booker. Here, Ivan’s passion, skill, and musical talents flourished, leading him to direct the renowned Bishop’s Choir, now known as Bishop’s United Voices. Under his leadership, the Bishop’s Choir participated in numerous opportunities, most notably achieving 2nd place in the prestigious Gospel Choir competition “How Sweet the Sound.” Additionally, he generously shared his talents across various stage productions in the DFW area, including notable performances in “The Halfway House,” “Cutting Up in the Beauty Shop,” and the most recent, “Lord I Want to Come Home.” Collaborations with esteemed recording artists such as Ricky Dillard, James Hall, Malcolm Williams, and the late Kevin Lemons have not only enriched his journey but also provided invaluable encouragement to push forward in his spiritual endeavors.

Reflecting on his journey and inspired by the book “Help, I’m [Bro-ken],” Ivan shared, “Having overcome personal struggles, I see the importance of sharing my experiences to help others. Creating a platform to showcase God’s transformative power is my way of giving back.” Thus, in March 2023, Ivan founded Pressed IV Purpose—a music ministry dedicated to nurturing mental health through spiritual growth.

Ivan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance, echoing the timeless wisdom of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for the good to them who love GOD, to them who are called according to his Purpose.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Throughout my life, I’ve faced a lot of challenges; some that nearly broke me. I had to come through a dark season where I was surrounded by the wrong PEOPLE, caught up in the wrong PLACES, and chasing the wrong THINGS. But even in all of that, God never took His hand off me.

Was it easy? No. Not at all.

I had to walk through darkness, not just to survive it, but to learn how to embrace it, and let God lead me to the Light. That Light changed everything. It gave me new vision, new purpose, and a new love for life.

I’m blessed to serve in my profession through Case Management, working with individuals affected by HIV and STDs. But even more than that, I get to walk with people—to remind them they’re not alone, and that healing is still possible.

Over time, I’ve learned that when you trust God for real, and let Him lead, even through your lowest points, He’ll guide you to purpose. He’ll take what was meant to destroy you and use it to build something powerful.

What I want the world to know about me, and my brand is this:

Mental health is real. Struggle is real. But so is grace. So is growth. So is God.
You might think you’ve messed up too bad, fallen too far, or failed too much to start over. But I’m living proof that with God, anything is possible.

This brand, this calling, this voice, it’s not about performance. It’s about purpose. It’s about helping people see that even when life gets heavy, you can still rise. You can still heal. And you can still be used.

I was made different. And that difference is exactly what God is using.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite Spots in Dallas:

The FIVEE Bistro & Bar
Thibodeaux’s Authentic Cajun Cookin’
The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge
Six Flags Over Texas

I’m a Simple Guy lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ivan is inspired by: Pastor Jimmy Henson & Hidden Issues and Mistakes (H.I.M)

Ivan is inspired by: Pastor Jessica Henson – Deliverance Point CHURCH (Where God Meets you at the Point of your Need)

Ivan is inspired by the book “Help, I’m [Bro-ken],” – By Dafani Norman

Ivan is inspired by Pastor of Music: Cris Myron Brenham of Dallas TX.

Ivan is inspired The Late Deacon Stanley Hill of The Lord’s Church Dallas

Ivan is inspired Pastor Chris Wesley & Undignified Praise of Dallas TX.

Instagram: @mistahpicklesluvmusic, @pressedivpurpose

Facebook: @Mistah Pickles, @Ivan Pickles & Pressed IV Purpose

Youtube: @MistahPickles-PIVP, @PRESSEDIVPurpose

Other: @ipandpressedivpurpose – TIK TOK

Image Credits
Tyrea Thomas: T noelle PHOTOGRAPHY

Keedrick Dalon: www.kapturesbykeedy.com

STEVEN D. HILL PHOTOGRAPHY