Bishop John C. McClurkin Sr. is a remarkable spiritual leader with a rich history of service and dedication. Born as the seventh of twelve children to Mr. Jesse and the late District Missionary Jessie McClurkin in Charlotte, NC, Bishop McClurkin’s journey has been marked by faith, commitment, and compassion. His marriage to the late Missionary Janice McClurkin spanned 51 years, until the Lord called her home. He was then blessed to find continued companionship with Missionary Shelia Wooten McClurkin. He is the proud parent of three adult children and a doting grandparent to eight, Bishop McClurkin also serves as a protective spiritual father to many. In 1962, an encounter with the late Supt. E.C. Cannon changed the course of Bishop McClurkin’s life. While sitting in a Chinaberry tree outside the church, he was caught laughing at the saints. Through Supt. Cannon’s preaching and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Bishop McClurkin accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. His calling to preach the gospel came in January 1970, leading to a period of service as a national evangelist from 1970 to 1975. In April 1975, he was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and appointed Pastor of Greater Faith Chapel COGIC by the late Bishop L.B. Davenport. His leadership extended beyond the pastorate, to numerous jurisdictional positions under both the late Bishop LB Davenport & Bishop LeRoy Jackson Woolard. In 2016, Bishop Woolard recommended Bishop McClurkin for consecration to the office of Bishop, a recommendation that was affirmed by the Presiding Prelate Emeritus, Bishop Charles E. Blake. In 2020 during open heart surgery, the surgical team lost him twice, but by the mercy and grace of God, he was brought back to his family & church family. As a result, Bishop McClurkin is now more determined than ever to live for Christ and complete his God-given assignment. Indeed, Bishop McClurkin’s unwavering commitment to his God-given assignment makes him a remarkable servant of the Lord. His covenant partnership with God and the people of God reflects a deep sense of purpose and devotion. He is described as a man of integrity, courage, principle, compassion, wisdom, vision, and mission. Above all he is a man who loves the Lord with all his heart.