AIM ~ 2014 Evening Speakers

Dr. Benjamin Stephens III, a native of Inglewood, California serves as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ in Grandview, Missouri (just outside of Kansas City). He has an earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Whittier College; a Master’s of Divinity degree from C.H. Mason Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia; an earned Doctorate of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Youth and Family Ministry. More Information

A native of Macon, GA., Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA. He matriculated at Morehouse School of Religion – The Interdenominational Theological Center – Atlanta, Ga. and received his Master of Science degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from the Southern Christian University in Montgomery, AL. Smith earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He was also inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a Distinguished Preacher.More Information

Supervisor Vanessa Gatlin

From the time of her youth, it is irrefutable that God’s hand and favor have guided her every move. There has never been a question that her life was purposed for Greatness. Born to parents Roy L. H. and Mae C. Winbush, Evangelist Gatlin was dedicated as a child back to God for use in His service and the glory of His Kingdom.  

Supervisor Gatlin has contributed to the Church of God in Christ, Inc. on every level. She is the First Lady of the First Church of God in Christ, Crowley, Louisiana. There she serves as Director of the Women’s Ministries.   More Information

Chairman Dillard, the former president of the International Youth Department, pastors the Citadel of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ in Germantown, Tenn. Having served in many capacities at every level of the church, the new chairman brings a wealth of administrative and organizational skills to the position.

Dillard holds a bachelor of science degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is also a graduate of the W.L. Porter Bible Institute, which is accredited by the Evangelical Training Association. In February 2006, Dillard was featured in EBONY Magazine as one of 30 young leaders under the age of 30, highlighted for his work with various social and professional organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. More Information

Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. was elected the seventh in succession Presiding Bishop by the General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ, Incorporated, on November 12, 2007. At the 101st Holy Convocation, during the quadrennial election in 2007, Bishop Blake was re-elected as Presiding Bishop, as well as again re-elected in 2012 for another four-year term.

Bishop Blake is the pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, one of the largest churches in the Western United States, with a membership of over 25,000. He is recognized as one of the great preachers of this generation with a message that ministers to the whole person and brings together people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. More Information