Discipleship Team

Discipleship Director

Elder Nathan Mizzell
[email protected]

Education & Training

Contact: Sister Roxane McDowell, Ministry Leader
[email protected]

The Bible Bowl Team is a group of young people ages 4 – 25 that engage in an in-depth study of the Word of God. The team participates in Bible quizzes and competes annually at the Eastern Diocese Youth Conference, ​the Diocese Convention and the COCHUSA National Convention.

Contact: Prophet Kelvin Hemsley, Ministry Leader
Prophetess LaShondra Hemsley, Co-Ministry Leader
[email protected]

Children’s Church provides a Christ-centered, age-appropriate curriculum for children ages four through 2nd grade. The program provides worship, prayer time, biblical lessons with memory verses, age appropriate videos and crafts. Children are also given an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Savior.

Contact: Minister Tracey Cherry Cleveland
[email protected]

The Master Life Discipleship course utilizes a sequential, developmental process which helps Christians become deeply grounded in biblical doctrine; and grow into mature disciples of Jesus Christ. The course consists of four six-week studies which involve daily workbook assignments as well as weekly group meetings for accountability. Currently, the course begins three times a year: September, January, and March.

According to the author, Avery T. Willis Jr., “Christian discipleship is developing a personal, lifelong, obedient relationship with Jesus Christ in which He transforms your character into Christlikeness, changes your values into Kingdom values, and involves you in His mission in the home, the church, and the world.” The program consists of four six-week studies which involve daily workbook assignments as well as weekly group meetings for accountability. The major components of Master Life involve developing the following six biblical disciplines:

(1) Spending Time with the Master, (2) Living in the Word, (3) Praying in Faith, (4) Fellowshipping with Believers, (5) Witnessing to the World, and (6) Ministering to Others. The foundational scripture for the Master Life Course is Luke 9:23: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” Master Life course begins three times each year: September, January and March.

Contact: Vacant, Ministry Leader
[email protected]

The New Disciples Orientation Class assist new members with the church’s DNA. The class is designed to inform new members of First Church Christian Doctrines by providing them with an understanding of the core values, mission, structure, and vision of First Church. We convey what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. We share the heart of our Pastor, which is “making, maturing and multiplying disciples for Christ.”

Pearl Clark Scholarship

The Pearl Clark Scholarship Fund provides financial resources and encouragement to eligible college-bound high school students, and returning undergraduates. The mission of the Pearl Clark Scholarship Fund is to foster academic and spiritual growth in Christ. Over the past 34 years, monetary gifts were granted to over 200 students.

The 2022 Pearl Clark Scholarship Application and Procedures (Eligibility Criteria) are available for download from the church website.

Deadline:  June 10, 2022

Learn more about this scholarship and download application.


Edna Dancil Scholarship

Established in 2015, this scholarship honors the memory of Edna Douglas Dancil, a staunch disciple of Jesus Christ who believed in sacrificial giving. The scholarship reflects the ongoing commitment to the education of young people and service to the community.

Learn more about this scholarship.


Benjamin Black Scholarship

The Benjamin Black Scholarship was established in 2016. It honors the memory of Deacon Benjamin , who supported the vision of the church to build Faithful Disciples. The scholarship issues yearly grants to eligible applicants wishing to enroll in the Master Life Course.

Learn more about this scholarship.


Deacon and Deaconess College Assistance

Not available at this time.

Contact: Brother Solomon Palmer
[email protected]

Sunday School promotes spiritual growth in the body of Jesus Christ by providing participants an opportunity to engage in Bible study in a less formal atmosphere than Sunday services. We encourage active participation as all lessons are designed to be practical, relevant, and engaging. In-depth discussions reinforce ideas or misconceptions and can serve as a blessing to others.

Contact: Prophet Kelvin Hemsley, Ministry Leader
Prophetess LaShondra Hemsley, Co-Ministry Leader

[email protected]

The purpose of our Youth and Young adult program is to equip each student with the tools necessary in developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each week we pray for creative ideas to bring the word of God to life. We also have discussions about the issues they face on a daily basis. The idea behind the discussion stems from young men and women who are growing up with questions and concerns who rarely have an outlet or a venue to receive Godly answers. At First Church we want to create young men and women who are fully equipped to deal with test’s and temptations life presents them with. We speak life into everyone involved in our program and watch the freedom our youth and young adults find living for Christ. Join us in a revolutionary experience as we empower the next generation to become everything God has purposed and destined them to be.