BISHOP DON SHELBY, JR.

Bishop Don William Shelby, Jr. is a third-generation member of the Church of God in Christ whose life and ministry reflect faith, perseverance, scholarship, visionary leadership, and divine purpose.Licensed as a minister in 1983 and ordained an Elder in 1988, Bishop Shelby founded Burning Bush International Ministries Church of God in Christ in 1991. As Senior Pastor, he leads a vibrant ministry serving the Washtenaw and Wayne County communities through hunger-relief initiatives, childcare, community outreach, and practical support for individuals and families in need.

In February 2016, Bishop Shelby founded the Kingdom United Fellowship of Churches, now known as the Michigan Southwest Fifth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. In November of that year, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Church of God in Christ, Inc. As Jurisdictional Prelate, he provides spiritual oversight, administrative direction, and pastoral leadership.

Bishop Shelby serves on the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, including its Judiciary Board, Education and Training Commission, and Site Planning Committee. He is also a member of the General Assembly’s Ten-Year Strategic Planning Committee, the National Men’s Ministry, and the Bishop’s Advisory Board for the Men Perfecting Men Ministry. Additionally, he serves as Vice President of the Washtenaw and Jackson Counties COGIC Ministerial Alliance.

A scholar and educator, Bishop Shelby holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Pentecostal Theological Seminary, in collaboration with Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary. He was among the first scholars to receive the degree through this partnership and also holds an honorary doctoral degree from Bethel College. His commitment to theological education is further demonstrated through his service as an instructor and member of the Education and Training Commission. In 2023, Bishop Shelby received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his distinguished service to the Church and his enduring contributions to the community.

His ministry is strengthened by a testimony of divine preservation. In 1986, Bishop Shelby was struck by a drunk driver and temporarily paralyzed, facing a grave prognosis. Through the grace and healing power of God, his life was preserved, and his recovery became a lasting testimony of faith, courage, and purpose. Family and marriage remain central to Bishop Shelby’s life. He is the devoted husband of Evangelist Bonita Andrea Shelby and the proud father of five children, who comprise the nationally acclaimed gospel group The Shelby Five. Respected for his integrity, wisdom, scholarship, and servant leadership, Bishop Don William Shelby, Jr. continues to make a meaningful impact nationally and internationally through
preaching, pastoral ministry, ecclesiastical leadership, Christian education, community engagement, and family ministry.