Bishop Milton R. Hawkins
Bishop Milton R. Hawkins is a dynamic, inspirational, innovative leader who serves with grace, integrity, and compassion. Continuing the legacy of service to the community and body of Christ as his late predecessors; grandfather, Bishop W.A. Patterson, and uncle, Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson, who has over 35 years of flourishing pastoral ministry. As Senior Pastor of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, he successfully manages the multi-million-dollar complex and is celebrating over 18 years of faithful service.
Bishop Hawkins served the church as Adjutant-Apostolic to Presiding Bishop G. E. Patterson, General Board’s National Overseer Adjutant, Remuneration Committee’s Chairman, Auxiliary Bishops’ Chairman and Advisory Board member of AIM and Men’s Conference, Superintendent, and Executive Administrative Assistant. The Board of Bishops noted his wisdom and expertise and elected Bishop Hawkins to Vice-Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and he has continued to manage cases ecclesiastically, doctrinally, and constitutionally.
During the Church of God in Christ Leadership Conference on January 13, 2025, Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard appointed Bishop Hawkins to the Episcopal assignment of Jurisdictional Prelate of Guatemala Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Subsequently, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for the Board of Bishops by the Chairman, Bishop Donald Murray.
Under Bishop Hawkins’ tenure, Temple of Deliverance donated over $ 250,000 for natural disaster relief efforts and over $400,000 in scholarships to assist students in their educational pursuit. Bishop Hawkins and Lady Catherine Crawford Hawkins have been married for over thirty-six years and are godly proud of their son, Joshua Nathanael Hawkins, who is an exceptional leader and Harvard graduate.
Through decades of service, Bishop Milton R. Hawkins has demonstrated wisdom, balance, and a Christ-centered approach to leadership and represents a trusted voice for integrity and righteousness.
Michael C. D. Jones, a fourth-generation servant in the Church of God in Christ, embodies the call to preach and serve with faithfulness, scholarship, and vision. He stands as pastor, scholar, entrepreneur, and advocate for the underserved, carrying forward a legacy of ministry devoted to both church and community.
A trailblazer in leadership, Superintendent Jones made history as the youngest in over fifty years in the Mid-South to be appointed simultaneously as pastor and superintendent when he founded Evangel Church of God in Christ and the C. H. Mason Memorial District. His administrative and visionary gifts have been recognized at every level of the church. For over twenty-five years, he served as a National Adjutant, fourteen years as Adjutant Overseer, and thirteen years as Adjutant Overseer of the Board of Bishops Induction Chamber, overseeing logistics and preparation for episcopal consecrations. For twelve years, he was Adjutant Overseer for Memphis Operations, directly engaged in executive transportation for the Presidium. He also served with the Screening Committee of the General Assembly.
A trusted leader within the Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Superintendent Jones was unanimously appointed Chair of the Centennial Celebration, marking one hundred years of jurisdictional history. He continues to serve as Executive Board Member, Chair of the Leadership Conference, and Director of Education and Ministry.
His academic record is distinguished: graduating cum laude from Morehouse College, earning highest honors from Florida State University College of Law, and pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Theology and Community Engagement at Hampton University.
Married over twenty years to Evangelist Missionary Kedra Wilkins Jones, he is the proud father of Jalen, Micaiah, and Ian-Michael, and joyful grandfather of Seven Rashaan.
Superintendent Jones’ ministry reflects both heritage and innovation, rooted in generations of faith, bridging church and community, and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction and compassion.
