BISHOP JOHN DREW SHEARD
SUMMARY:
Bishop J. Drew Sheard’s character and more than 30 years of leadership in the Church of God in Christ demonstrate that he is honorable 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 endeavor.
DEMONSTRATED ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Committed pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ for 33 years
- 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.
- Donated more than $200,000 to Louisiana and Texas for Hurricane survivors
- Led an ecumenical effort to raise $100,000 to support Pastors and ministry leaders during COVID-19
- Secured funds for the Pastors in Michigan North Central Jurisdiction impacted by COVID-19
- Orchestrated the delivery of thousands of cases of water to residents during the Flint Water Crisis
- Sponsors Monthly Community Giveaways to families in need
- 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
- 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
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERTISE:
- 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.
EXPERIENCE:
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
AWARDS & CIVIC LEADERSHIP:
Former Chairman, Human Rights Commission – City of Detroit
Member, Housing and Community Development Corporation – Wayne County
Former Director, Michigan Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Current Member of the Detroit Medical Center Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC)
Current Member Executive Committee of the Urban Alliance of Michigan (UAM)
Inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College
Detroit Street named in his honor in recognition of his leadership and contributions
Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Christian College in Florida
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan – January 1, 1959
Spouse: Karen Valencia Clark Sheard – June 16, 1984
Children: Kierra Valencia Sheard Kelly, 1987, John Drew Sheard, II, 1989
Grandchildren: Jacob and Kali Sheard