About The Fourth Episcopal Diocese

The Fourth Episcopal Diocese of the Beth-El Churches of Christ, Inc. is led by Diocesan Bishop, James Bryant Smith, Ph.D. Bishop Smith was appointed Diocesan Bishop of the fourth region of the reformation during the annual Holy Convocation in October 2021 by Presiding Bishop, Richard J. Pender, Sr. In addition to leading the Diocese, Bishop Smith serves in ministry as senior Pastor of EMMANUEL Worship & Deliverance Center alongside his wife, Bishop Cheryl R. Smith, D.Min., who serves as Co-pastor.

Our Mission

The major focus of the diocese is to align with the vision of Beth-El Churches of Christ Presiding
Prelate. We endeavor to frame Diocese IV to strengthen the ministries within the See. Our efforts will target assessing each person’s purpose, call, and strength. After assessments are complete, we will place and guide each person within the See in the appropriate area of their passion and conviction.

“Solomon, the wisest man who lived, writes, in Proverbs 27:17 that “Iron Sharpeneth Iron” and we believe it to be
so. It is our mission to help facilitate the needs of Pastors and their ministries. It is our desire and objective to
enhance pastors, leadership teams, and ministries as a whole. We just want to help you become “Better” and so
we have adopted the slogan, “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good”, the Lord being our help.”

Bishop Richard J. Pender, Sr., Presiding Prelate

Our Mission

Our Leaders

Deacon Andre Brooks

Men's Minitry

Elder David Tisdale

Protocol

Elder Morgan Frazier- Eley

Women's Ministry

Deacon Lisa Turnage, MSW.

Finance

Elder Heidi Ivey, MBA.

Leadership Academy

Pastor Ayeisha Mathis, MA.

Youth and Young Adult's

Elder Travon Baxter, MS.

Administration

Community of Practices

Community of Practices involve a group of likeminded individuals who share similar common interest. Diocese Four has initiated four community of practices in that are geared toward educating and training leaders in ministry.

The Four community of practices are as follows:

Youth & Young Adult-

Instructor: Pastor Ayeisha Mathis

Focus: Includes individuals under the age of 21. The goal and intention for this group is to create a sense of familiarity with one another and build healthy relationships with their fellow brothers and sister in Christ.

Virtual Gatherings for community building
Webinar/ Panel discussions
Social media engagement
Quarterly virtual gatherings.

The Prophetic-

Instructor: Elder Heidi Ivey

A 12 month program to prepare prophetic people (aspiring as well as those who recognize their prophetic gifting) for ministry and provide a safe place for practical application and training ground for activation of the prophetic gift.

Prophetic intercession
History of the prophet
The lifestyle of the prophet
Understating your prophetic mantle
Marketplace vs church prophet.

Elders & Deacons-

Instructors: Bishops James and Cheryl Smith

The caring congregation ministry and implementation of the roles of elders and deacons in ministry. Pastors cannot care for an entire church, and most laypersons do not have the training to do so. The caring congregation ministry is a model for person-to-person care that has proven to work in small and large churches across the U.S.

Development of the church-

Instructors: Pastors Brandon Marshall & Kenneth Eley

How to develop spiritually- personal and relational growth w/ God as a whole

The difference between male and female sprituality and how we worship in our everyday lives both in and outside of the church
Stewardship/Finance
The emotional attachment to music ministry
Entrepreneurship