Pastor Carleton D. Leonard

Pastor Carleton D. Leonard

Pastor Carleton D. Leonard is a dynamic Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, and Singer with decades of ministry experience marked by powerful expository preaching, deep theological insight, and practical application. As Senior Pastor of Next Level COGIC in Oakley, California, he is committed to discipling believers and advancing the Kingdom of God. He studied at Shiloh Bible College and specialized in Hebrew and Greek at Charles Mason Theological Seminary. He serves under the extraordinary leadership of First Assistant Presiding Bishop J. W Macklin. in the NorCal Metropolitan Jurisdiction, where he is Vice President and instructor of the Department of Evangelism’s “Fill the House” initiative. Regionally, he serves as Vice President of the West Coast Region for the COGIC International Department of Evangelism, equipping churches with spiritual development and strategic evangelism under President Renee Winston.

Pastor Leonard is also the founder of Fishes and Loaves, a community outreach ministry that has faithfully served local neighborhoods for over 32 years by providing food, clothing, and essential supplies. Beyond the pulpit, he is an accomplished gospel songwriter and playwright, with impactful works such as Tell Hell I’m Not Coming and There’s a Knock at the Door. He was honored by Contra Costa County for his mental health advocacy through music, and he continues to lead powerful teaching series including Get In the Flow and A Lit Church. Married for over 38 years to Evangelist Laleta M. Leonard, their ministry partnership reflects a deep commitment to Christ and the Church. Whether preaching, teaching, or creating worship, Pastor Leonard ministers with clarity, compassion, and conviction—always pointing souls to Christ and empowering the Church to fulfill its mission.