Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative Inaugural Cohort Gathers at West Middlesex

The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative (BCCC) launched its inaugural cohort with a powerful gathering at the historic West Middlesex Camp Meeting. Centered on the theme “Sacred Work in Sacred Places,” the event marked a milestone in cultivating leadership and community resilience within rural and small-town Black churches.

Fifty people attended the gathering, including the ten members of the first cohort, who are committed to strengthening the spiritual, cultural, and communal foundations of their congregations. The day featured a rich panel discussion with Rev. Charles Johnson of Cedar Avenue Church of God, Sharon, PA; Rev. Tiffany Holden of Redeemed Sanctuary, Sharon, PA; and Rev. Dr. Lora Adams-King of New Life Family Worship Center, Franklin, PA.

Additionally, Rev. Carron Odokara, Regional Pastor for Western PA ministries, served as the plenary speaker. Alongside presentations from cohort members, who shared stories of ministry innovation, community impact, and faithful perseverance in often overlooked contexts.

The inaugural cohort members for 2025 are:

The Brockington Church of God, Pastor Patricia Kirkland in Timmonsville, SC

Cove Road Church of God, Minister Katrina Thompson in Lafayette, GA

Evening Light Church of God, Pastor Trevor Cropp in Graniteville, SC

First Church of God, Pastor Jerome Pearson in Lenoir, NC

First Church of God in Madison, IL with Elder Athisha King

Lee Street First Church of God in Darlington, SC with Pastor Robbie Shortt

Pine Avenue Church of God in Anniston, AL with Dr. Angela Martin

Pittsboro Church of God in Pittsboro, NC with Bishop Ophelia Livingston

Third Street Church of God in Greensboro, AL with Pastor Kervin Jones

Wabash Church of God in Dublin, GA with Pastor Reginald May.  

“This work is both timely and timeless,” one participant reflected. “It honors the sacred labor of our foreparents while equipping us to reimagine the future of ministry in our communities.”

The event not only celebrated the collaborative’s launch but also invited attendees into authentic dialogue about the challenges and possibilities of Black church leadership in the 21st century. With the cohort now underway, the Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative continues its mission of nurturing pastors and congregations doing transformative work in sacred places across the nation.

By: Rev. Felecia Pearson Smith, Grant Facilitator