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Evangelist Joyce L. Rodgers
Joyce L. Rodgers The position of Chairlady has tremendous heritage and legacy in our great church and has evolved into an integral unit within our structure Born and raised in Gladewater, Texas, Evangelist Rodgers is a third generation daughter of the Church Of God In Christ.
As prophecy has become evident, Evangelist Rodgers is a woman of abundant talent, demonstrating extraordinary leadership skills within the Church Of God In Christ. During the development of youth ministry within her local church she progressively served in various administrative capacities and was notably appointed as the first female Youth Pastor. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed to the office of Youth Department Chairlady of the Texas Northeast 1st Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. While serving in this leadership role the first Jurisdictional Youth Choir, Youth Church, Youth Praise Dance Team and Youth Vacation Bible School was founded, arranged and systemized. In addition, Evangelist Rodgers successfully formulated relevant youth classroom curriculum for both the spiritual and social needs of all levels of youth departments functions.
From the rung of Jurisdictional Coordinator to the International Chairlady of the Youth Department, Evangelist Rodgers has certainly remained steadfast on the ladder of youth leadership. As the fourth Chairlady to serve in this international capacity, Evangelist Rodgers gained national attention while working the altar and serving on the Youth Executive Board. In 1999, the late Bishop Chandler David Owens appointed her as the Chairlady. The year was filled with synergy, as the innovative President and the charismatic Chairlady Joyce Rodgers structured the department to experience undeniable success for the youth and the workers. In the year 2000, the late Bishop G.E Patterson reappointed her as Chairlady. As a result, Holy Convocation Youth Church was established under her leadership.
In January 2009, the Presiding Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. reassigned her to the position of Chairlady. In his pursuit to prioritize the assignments of the International Youth Department, Bishop Blake presented the challenge to “welcome opportunities to explore and develop new strategies and programs relevant for meeting the need of today’s youth.”
As an agent of change, Evangelist Rodgers has implemented several programs to increase the quality of young women such as Created to Praise, Sister to Sister, Women in Ministry, the President’s Wives and Can You Hear Me Now?, the annual forum of 1500 women.
To highlight the premier programs established in her cabinet, the acclaimed Young Woman of Excellence is the stellar mentorship tool implemented to assist in the personal growth and overall development of young women. Under her leadership, annual pageants, specified course curriculum and departmental job descriptions have been documented and published to support local, district and jurisdictional youth leaders.
In addition to program implementation, she is a community activist who has raised awareness of Juvenile Diabetes through ‘Just Kickin’ It’, an exercise forum. Annually, women’s shelters are provided with pink blankets through the ‘Cover Me Campaign’. Lastly, Destined to Change (D2C) provides young people the opportunity to donate coins to various charities.
“ Most important to her service is the connection between the young woman and her vital significance to the fabric of the Church. It is without question that Evangelist Rodgers brings flairs of youthfulness to her position as Chairlady. Her contemporary style of worship, educational accomplishments, community accolades , and her fragrant sense of inner security have increased the desire of young women to live an improved life of excellence. “Increasing the quality of life through spiritual enrichment, Biblical literacy, financial proficiency, academic distinction, polished leadership skills and physical wellness are motivating factors that fortify my mission.
