BISHOP EMMITT LOUIS NEVELS, SR.

Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels, Sr. is a distinguished ministerial product of the Church of God in Christ whose life has been marked by faithfulness, evangelism, pastoral leadership, and service to God’s people.

After coming to faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, he acknowledged the call of God to ministry. He began his journey toward leadership through obedience, consecration, prayer, and dedicated study of the Word of God. He graduated from Rayen High School in 1952 and pursued studies in Accounting and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University. Following studies at International Seminary, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. He also honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1952–1955, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

His pastoral ministry and extraordinary love for people have earned him tremendous respect throughout the church and community. Evangelism has been a hallmark of his ministry for more than four decades. His godly lifestyle, devotion to holiness, and commitment to the “old path” have inspired generations of believers. Remarkably, even beyond 90 years of age, he continues preaching in evangelistic street services, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to reaching souls for Christ.

A gifted preacher, teacher, pastor, and evangelist, he pastors Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ in Youngstown, Ohio, and New Beginning Church of God in Christ in Kent, Ohio. He formerly served as Superintendent of the Youngstown District and as an Administrative Assistant under the late Bishop Warren Elijah Miller.

His ministry influence extended nationally through his service as President of Region #8 of the International Department of Evangelism, covering Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. He also served alongside the leadership of the National Department of Evangelism and has served on the Resolution Committee at the Church of God in Christ National Headquarters.

In January 2011, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. appointed Bishop Nevels as Prelate of the Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

His lifetime of ministry and community service has received numerous distinctions, including the prestigious Black Diamond Legacy Award, an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry, and recognition from the City of Youngstown, Ohio, which named “Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels Avenue” in his honor. In 2024, the Church of God in Christ Board of Bishops presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bishop Nevels is happily married to Mother Lucille Nevels, a devoted woman of God who has faithfully labored in ministry for more than 48 years. She serves as Senior Church Mother and President of the Prayer and Bible Band. Together, Bishop and Mother Nevels have been blessed with a beautiful blended family of eight children, twenty-two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren while continuing to exemplify a legacy of faith, family, holiness, evangelism, and devoted service to God.