BISHOP BRANDON B. PORTER
Bishop Brandon Burdett Porter is a distinguished pastor, author, singer, songwriter, and evangelist, dedicated to sharing the Word of God across the nation. As a fourth-generation member of the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), he continues a rich family legacy in the faith. His late parents, Supervisor Ida M. Porter and Bishop W.L. Porter, founded Greater Community Temple COGIC in Memphis and established the Tennessee Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. His grandfather, Elder George T. Flagg, pastored in Arkansas.
Bishop Porter’s ministry began early; he accepted his call to preach in 1976 and was ordained an elder in 1978 by Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. He served as assistant pastor at Greater Allen Avenue COGIC, became pastor of Greater Victory Temple, and was appointed Jackson district superintendent. In 1991, he succeeded his father as pastor of Greater Community Temple, leading it to over 5,000 members and an additional campus in East Memphis.
Bishop Porter has held numerous roles within COGIC, including vice chairman of the National Trustee Board, president of the International Youth Department, and national director of Public Relations and Marketing. In 2009, he succeeded his father as Jurisdictional Prelate of the Tennessee Central Jurisdiction. He joined the General Board in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016 and 2021, serving as General Board Secretary. He is the second jurisdictional bishop in COGIC history to ascend to the Presidium.
An anointed preacher and motivational speaker, Bishop Porter reaches millions weekly through various media. He has authored several transformative books, including *A Reason to Keep Going* and *It’s Time to Be Filled*. Despite his extensive responsibilities, he cherishes time with his wife, First Lady Melody G. Porter, their children, and grandchildren.