FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Robert Coleman Jr.
Global Communications & PR Director
COGIC World Headquarters
rcoleman@cogic.org

COGIC CHARITIES RECEIVES HALF MILLION DOLLAR GRANT
Lilly Endowment’s Hope After the Storm Initiative Invests in Faith-Based Disaster Relief Capacity

MEMPHIS, TN (April 02, 2026) — COGIC Charities, the benevolent arm of The Church Of God In Christ, has received a $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Hope After the Storm: Capacity Building for Faith-Based Disaster Relief Organizations.

With this investment, COGIC Charities will establish Regional Disaster Relief Warehouses to serve as essential supply distribution centers across the country. These regional locations will create reliable pipelines for crucial supplies — delivering food, water, and in some cases clothing, and critical medicine in response to natural disasters and to those who have been displaced from their homes.

In addition to infrastructure development, the grant will fund education and training programs to equip members of the organization with emergency preparedness expertise. COGIC Charities’ objective is to be proactive — providing pastoral leaders across its jurisdictions with comprehensive disaster manuals and relief kits designed to help them navigate community challenges before, during, and after a disaster.

“This grant from Lilly Endowment is a divine confirmation of what COGIC Charities has been called to do — to serve as a beacon of hope when communities need it most. Our mission has always been to meet people at their point of need, and now we have the resources to build lasting infrastructure that will allow us to respond with greater speed, compassion, and reach. We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for recognizing the vital role faith-based organizations play in disaster relief and for entrusting COGIC Charities to carry this work forward.”
— Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Chairman, COGIC Charities Board of Directors

COGIC Charities will use the grant to expand Disaster Relief Pantries serving the California West Coast, Maryland East Coast, and communities throughout the Midwest. The initiative aims to ensure optimal readiness, provide community support during disasters and emergencies, and identify smaller satellite sites to serve as holding and distribution facilities in affected areas.
The grant to COGIC Charities is one of 30 grants being awarded through Hope After the Storm, an initiative which aims to strengthen the capacity of faith-based organizations to provide aid to individuals and families affected by disasters in communities throughout the United States.

Lilly Endowment recognizes that faith-based organizations play a key role in providing disaster relief services across the nation, serving as important vehicles through which individuals and religious communities live out their faith by volunteering and giving to address the immediate needs of their neighbors.

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About COGIC Charities
COGIC Charities is the official benevolent arm of The Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States, with a global presence exceeding 12,000 congregations in more than 106 nations. COGIC Charities exists to demonstrate the love of Christ through tangible acts of mercy and justice — mobilizing the Church to respond to human need through disaster relief and educational scholarship assistance. Guided by the faith and vision of Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, COGIC Charities partners with local jurisdictions, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations to deploy resources where they are needed most. For more information, visit www.cogic.org.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown of Indianapolis and home state of Indiana.

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Statement from Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard On President Trump’s Recent Truth Social Post

The Church Of God In Christ is deeply troubled by the circulation of a racially demeaning image shared through the President’s social media channel depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama in a manner long associated with the dehumanization of Black people. Such imagery is painful, offensive, and incompatible with the values of human dignity and respect affirmed by the Christian faith.

Scripture reminds us that “God created humankind in His image” (Genesis 1:27), and any action or expression that demeans, mocks, or dehumanizes another person or group stands in direct opposition to that truth. The Bible further teaches that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), and those entrusted with leadership bear a heightened responsibility for the impact of their words and actions.

While explanations have been offered attributing this post to others, the larger concern remains unresolved. Leadership requires accountability, moral clarity, and a commitment to reject racism in all its forms—whether explicit or implied. The presence or tolerance of racially harmful behavior has no place in our public life and should never be excused.

As a church, we call on all people of faith to reject racism, resist dehumanization, and speak with wisdom, humility, and love. We urge believers to remember that allegiance to Christ must always supersede political loyalty. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

The Church Of God In Christ remains committed to justice, reconciliation, and the sacred worth of every human being. We pray for our nation, for those in authority, and for a renewed commitment to leadership that reflects the righteousness, compassion, and integrity demanded by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop John Drew Sheard
Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

A Pastoral Statement from Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard

 

Regarding the 2026 Leadership Conference

Beloved Saints of God,

Grace and peace be unto you.

After prayerful consideration and careful review of the severe winter storm impacting travel conditions across the nation, I, along with Leadership Conference Chairman Bishop Charles McClelland and the General Board, have decided to reschedule the 2026 Leadership Conference out of caution and deep concern for the safety and well-being of our church family.

The Church Of God In Christ 2026 Leadership Conference, originally scheduled for January 26-29 in Little Rock, Arkansas, will now take place on:

February 16–19, 2026
Little Rock, Arkansas

Additionally, the Service of Episcopal Consecration and Installation will now be held on Monday, February 16, 2026.

This decision was not made lightly. We recognize the sacrifices many of you make to attend this important gathering. However, the safety of those traveling by air and by car must take precedence. Scripture reminds us that her children demonstrate wisdom, and it is with wisdom, care, and pastoral responsibility that we undertake this step.

Though our dates have changed, our purpose has not. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leadership development, spiritual renewal, and unity as we come together to advance the work God has entrusted to us.

I am grateful for your understanding, your prayers, and your continued faithfulness. We look forward to gathering safely in February for what I believe will be a powerful and meaningful Leadership Conference.

To our local members and residents in the Little Rock area, please stay warm, and remain attentive to local weather advisories. Please take these important steps by preparing your household with essential supplies, reaching out to elderly members and those who may need help, and staying off the roads as conditions worsen. To our church family across the nation, thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and prayers.

May the Lord keep you, cover you, and guide your travels until we meet again.

With love and pastoral care,

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop John Drew Sheard
Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

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