Church Of God In Christ

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COGIC believes in biblical inspiration and holds that the Bible is the supreme and final authority for doctrine and practice. There is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. COGIC teaches the deity of Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, sinless life, physical death, burial, resurrection, ascension and visible return to the earth. Christ is the Head of the church, and He is the only mediator between God and humanity, and there is no salvation in any other. COGIC teaches that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the world. The Holy Spirit is the agent that equips, empowers, leads, and guides the church until the return of Christ.

Baptism performed in Lake Mead in 1972 by members of the North Las Vegas Church of God in Christ

COGIC teaches that angels are messengers sent from God who served during the creation, throughout the Old Testament, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the establishment of the church and the ministry of the apostles, and continue to be at work in the Kingdom of God. They exist primarily in the spiritual realm and are organized according to duty and function. Demons exist as manifestation of evil or unclean spirits. They are fallen angels who joined Satan in his failed attempt to usurp power in Heaven. They exist today as adversaries to the kingdom, purpose and will of God. As Pentecostals, the Church believes that demons can be subdued and subjugated through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.

 Charles Harrison Mason Sr. (September 8, 1864 – November 17, 1961) was an American Pentecostal–Holiness pastor and minister. He was the founder and first Senior Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, based in Memphis, Tennessee. It developed into what is today the largest Pentecostal church denomination and one of the largest predominantly African-American Christian denominations in the United States. 

 Bishop J. Drew Sheard was elected the eighth Presiding Bishop on March 20 2021. succeeding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. 

Bishop J. Drew Sheard’s character and more than 30 years of leadership in the Church of God in Christ demonstrate that he is honourable in life, steadfast in work, and obedient to God’s call. Bishop Sheard’s love for his family; the Church of God in Christ and God’s people are constant and help drive his passion for ministry.  As both an apostolic leader whose business acumen is widely acknowledged, he represents a wealth of expertise competencies, and qualifications that position him well to assemble and lead teams to accomplish excellence in every endeavour.

A committed pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ for 33 years

Bishop Sheard began his pastorate with eight members as a bi-vocational pastor and grew his congregation to the largest Church of God In Christ Congregation in Michigan

Jurisdictional Prelate for eight years, who strengthened the financial position and focus on training and development for Pastors

Successfully retired his predecessor which led to the exploration of retirement plans for interested Pastors and Bishops

Cultivates relationships with civic leaders, clergy, and elected officials at every level

Supports International Bishops and those who dedicate their lives to global ministry

Leads through crises implementing humanitarian efforts, equipping other Pastors and leaders, and sharing his expertise, demonstrated through his STRETCH MINISTRY that he launched at the beginning of the COVID crisis.

Provides on-going training and development symposiums for jurisdictional Leaders and Pastors for their continued leadership and development

Identifies the skills, talents, and abilities of those who actively serve and intentionally creates opportunities for them to serve at a higher level

More than 10 years of real estate investment and community development success in the City of Detroit

Successful launch of a gospel music record label, home to multi-hyphenated and award nominated artists

Acknowledged for his business acumen by ecumenical and industry leaders worldwide

Trusted for his fair dealings, budget accountability, and balanced budget sheets to strengthen financial position

Conscientiously left every ministry assignment better than he found it

Trained Educator with a master’s degree in Mathematics

Educator in the Detroit Public School System for 13 and a half years

Secured more than 1 million dollars in scholarships for Church Of God In Christ youth to attend college

Supported 18 churches that were planted out of his ministry, subsidizing salaries and church expenses for their ministries for four months

As a global voice for emerging leaders

Served as AIM Chairman for 8 years, orchestrating more than a million dollars in contributions to the national church

Bishop Sheard is a recognized: 

· Visionary

· Servant Leader

· Prolific Pentecostal Preacher

· Dedicated Biblical Exegete

· Entrepreneur

· Educator

· Humanitarian

· Crisis Management and Response

· Strategy Development & Execution

· Team Building & Productivity

· Financial & Legal Transactions

· Budget Reconciliation and Accountability

· System and Policy Development

· Cross-Generational Bridge Builder

· Consistent & Transparent

· Global Voice for Emerging Leaders

· 360 Degree Mentor

Education:

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Master of Education in Mathematics, May 1988.

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Bachelor of Science in Education, May 1982.

Bishop Sheard has worked extensively in the Church Of God In Christ and his various duties included:

§ General Board Member, Church of God In Christ, Inc.

§ Chairman, Auxiliaries in Ministries Convention, Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

§ President, International Youth Department, Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

§ Chairman, Michigan & Canadian Council of Church OF God In Christ Bishops

§ Jurisdictional Prelate, Michigan North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

§ Senior Pastor, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church Of God In Christ

§ Administrative Assistant, Michigan North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

§ District Superintendent, Emmanuel District, Michigan North Central Jurisdiction

§ Mathematics Instructor, Detroit Public School Board of Education

§ Bi-Vocational Pastor and Educator 

Bishop Sheard’s Civic Involvement and Leadership include:

v Former Chairman, Human Rights Commission – City of Detroit

v Member, Housing and Community Development Corporation – Wayne County

v Former Director, Michigan Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

v Current Member of the Detroit Medical Center Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC)

v Current Member Executive Committee of the Urban Alliance of Michigan (UAM)

v Inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Christian College in Florida.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions a Detroit Street was named in his honor 

He has been married to Dr. Karen Valencia Clark Sheard for more than 35 years They are the proud parents of two children – Kierra Valencia Sheard Kelly and John Drew Sheard, II and grandfather of Jacob and Kali Sheard