The first pastors’ meeting of the Global United Fellowship (GUF) was held last week at the Embassy Suites in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Presiding Bishop Neil C. Ellis passionately outlined the overall mission, specific ministerial touchstones, organisational structure and key appointments of the fellowship – which in only eight months has amassed more than 300 churches globally.

“This is a fellowship, not a denomination,” Bishop Ellis said. “Therefore, we are not maximising all that can be done to build and uphold the kingdom of God here on earth.”

Global United Fellowship is inclusive of pastors and parent church ministries of any
denomination that desires to move forward the spiritual mandates of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

At the meeting Bishop Ellis announced GUF’s assistant presiding bishops; Bishop Joby Brady (The Potter’s House of North Dallas); Bishop Sheldon McCarter (Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church; Winston Salem, North Carolina); Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr. (Bethel Baptist Institutional Church; Jacksonville, Florida), and Bishop Designate Dr. Carolyn Showell.

In addition to being appointed Bishop Designate, Dr. Showell will oversee operational structure.

Three additional bishopric candidates were announced; Bishop Designate Dr. John E. Guns (St. Paul Church; Jacksonville, Florida) who will assume responsibility for Christian education; Bishop Designate Dr. William H. Murphy Senior (Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church; Detroit, Michigan) who will serve as the Father of the Fellowship and Chairman of the Shepherds Care Unit; and Bishop Designate Dr. James R. Woodson II (St. James Home of Fresh Start; Greensboro, North Carolina) who will serve as executive secretary.

Other key appointments announced during the meeting included Dr. Juanita Bynum (Global Ambassador of Prayer) and Bishop Hezekiah Walker (Bishop of Music, Worship and The Arts); as well as GUF’s executive board and spiritual advisors, which include Bishop Rudolph McKissick Senior (special assistant to the presiding bishop); Bishop Kenneth Ulmer (apostolic aide to the presiding bishop) and Dr. Jackie McCullough (spiritual advisor).

“As the Fellowship begins to shape its leadership, nearly 80 officers were named over the two-day period,” Bishop Ellis said.

“Further announcements of additional officers are forthcoming. “The fact that I waited eight months before announcing the leadership team is indicative of the fact that a lot of prayer and concentration have gone into the selections. I am totally satisfied that we have been able, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to pull together an initial team that not only has ability but has credibility. I believe this team will serve to help get the fellowship off to a strong start as we move towards following the mandate that has been given to us to unite, equip, enhance, resurrect and build.”