Keynote Speakers

Bishop Carl A. Pierce

Bishop Carl A. Pierce, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Carter Memorial Church Of God In Christ in Baltimore, Maryland. A native of Texas and graduate of Tyler Junior College and the University of Houston, he accepted his call to ministry in 1984, was licensed in 1986, and ordained in 1989. After relocating through corporate promotions, he joined Carter Memorial Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Frank J. Ellis, faithfully serving the ministry in several capacities before being appointed Assistant Pastor and publicly affirmed as Bishop Ellis’ successor. Elder Pierce was formally installed as pastor on July 2, 2000, by Bishop David Washington Spann, Sr., Jurisdictional Prelate of Greater Maryland First Jurisdiction, Church Of God In Christ.

Under Pastor Pierce’s leadership, Carter Memorial has experienced growth spiritually, numerically, and financially, including property expansion, church renovations, and the development of the church’s Community Development Corporation. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he serves as an Administrative Assistant and Chairman of Auxiliaries In Ministry (AIM) for Greater Maryland First Jurisdiction and has held several national positions within the Church Of God In Christ. Pastor Pierce is recognized as a preacher, praise and worship leader, and teacher who is committed to serving both God and His people. He shares his life and ministry with his wife, Kandace, daughter, Tiffany, and son, Carl II.

Evangelist Kierra Sheard-Kelly

Kierra Sheard is an award-winning gospel artist, actress, evangelist, author, and entrepreneur whose voice and ministry have impacted audiences around the world. Born into the legendary Clark family gospel legacy, she is the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard and granddaughter of pioneering choir director Mattie Moss Clark. Kierra began her recording career at a young age and quickly emerged as one of the leading voices of contemporary gospel music with chart-topping projects including I Owe You, Bold Right Life, and KIERRA. Her powerful vocals, transparent testimony, and commitment to ministry have earned her widespread recognition, multiple award nominations, and respect as both a gifted artist and a dynamic voice of faith.

In addition to her accomplishments in music and entertainment, Kierra Sheard was consecrated as an evangelist in the Church Of God In Christ, further affirming her dedication to ministry and the preaching of the Gospel. She also received national acclaim for portraying her mother in the Lifetime film The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, helping introduce the legacy of the Clark family to a new generation. Through preaching, speaking, writing, and entrepreneurship, Kierra continues to inspire audiences with messages of faith, perseverance, and purpose, using every platform to encourage others and glorify God.

Dr. Joel Tudman

Dr. Joel Tudman is a respected pastor, leadership coach, author, communicator, and mental health advocate known for his dynamic approach to ministry and personal development. Originally from Mount Pleasant, Texas, he earned degrees in Sports Studies and Health Promotion with a minor in Counseling from Texas A&M University and later received a doctoral degree in leadership studies. Dr. Tudman has spent years developing leaders in both ministry and athletics, serving in leadership and player development roles at Oklahoma State University while also ministering as a chaplain, speaker, and mentor. His ability to connect across generations and inspire growth has made him a sought-after voice in churches, conferences, and leadership circles throughout the country.

In ministry, Dr. Tudman is widely recognized as the founder of The Net Church and for his service as Associate Pastor at The Potter's House Dallas under the leadership of T. D. Jakes. Through preaching, teaching, writing, and outreach, he has dedicated his life to helping individuals discover purpose, healing, and spiritual growth. Dr. Tudman is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly among men, and continues to use his platform to encourage faith, resilience, leadership, and personal transformation. Alongside his wife, LaTasha, and their family, he remains committed to impacting lives through ministry, mentorship, and community leadership.

Superintendent Nathaniel l. Green

Superintendent Nathaniel L. Green is a respected servant leader, pastor, and preacher whose ministry has impacted generations through his commitment to spiritual growth, worship, and discipleship. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Grace Cathedral Church Of God In Christ in Dallas, Texas, where he was appointed pastor in 2015. In the same year, he was also appointed Superintendent of the Grace Fellowship District of the Texas Northeast Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Nelson J. Gatlin. Known for his passion for the Word of God and transformational leadership, Superintendent Green has become a sought-after speaker and mentor whose ministry continues to inspire people across the country.

In 2021, Superintendent Green was elevated to serve as President of the International Youth Department of the Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of J. Drew Sheard. He was later elevated to serve as Chairman of the National Auxiliaries In Ministry Convention (AIM), one of the denomination’s premier international gatherings dedicated to training, worship, evangelism, and leadership development. Through preaching, teaching, and leadership development, Superintendent Green remains committed to equipping young people and strengthening the church worldwide. He serves faithfully alongside his wife, Lady Kennisha L. Green, and together they are the proud parents of Nathaniel Jr. and Karis.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard

J. Drew Sheard is the Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church Of God In Christ, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Bishop Sheard has served in ministry for decades as a pastor, preacher, teacher, and leader committed to the growth and advancement of the church. He is the Senior Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church Of God In Christ, where he succeeded his father, the late Bishop John Henry Sheard. Known for his dynamic preaching, practical leadership, and commitment to spiritual excellence, Bishop Sheard has faithfully served the Church Of God In Christ in numerous leadership capacities at the local, jurisdictional, and national levels before being elected Presiding Bishop in 2021.

In addition to his pastoral and denominational leadership, Bishop Sheard is recognized for his dedication to community outreach, church development, and mentoring the next generation of ministry leaders. He has worked to strengthen the global mission and vision of the Church Of God In Christ while continuing to emphasize evangelism, worship, education, and family values. Bishop Sheard is married to Karen Clark Sheard of the legendary Clark Sisters, and together they have impacted both the church and gospel music communities worldwide. Through his leadership, preaching, and service, Presiding Bishop Sheard continues to inspire believers with a message of faith, unity, and spiritual empowerment.