Faculty, Staff & Accreditation

Dr. Anbec DeShield-Mayes earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Health Care from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.  Dr. DeShield-Mayes is an Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholar, which provided her with a full-tuition and study abroad scholarship through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She graduated with a double major in Chemistry and African Studies.

During her undergraduate years, she co-founded the UNC-CH Chapter of the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association. She studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa, and completed two dental mission trips to Mexico and Moldova Projects and began working in both private and non-profit sectors in dentistry.

Dr. DeShield-Mayes is the CEO and Founder of Best Smile Dental, a family dentistry practice which she opened in 2015. She was President of the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS) 3rd District from 2018-2020, which led dentists in 13 counties of North Carolina and considers it an honor to serve in organized dentistry for our state.

She has been an adjunct faculty of UNC-School of Dentistry (UNC-SOD) and enjoys mentoring students and new graduates from both UNC-SOD and East Carolina School of Dental Medicine.  She is an active member of the Greensboro Medical Society, American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, and Old North State Dental Society. She is also an active member of her church, Evangel Fellowship, COGIC.

Aside from dedicating her life to Jesus Christ, Dr. DeShield-Mayes considers the best decision she ever made was marrying the love of her life, Kendrick, and being a mother to her beautiful daughter, Zuri.  Dr. DeShield-Mayes is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She hopes to help restore the health care infrastructure of her parent’s native land of Liberia, West Africa through global dentistry outreach. She has 5 siblings and grew up in a home that taught values of love, education, and selflessness as necessities to life’s pursuit of fulfilling purpose.

Kellie D. Foust attend North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ.

Missionary Foust is the owner and operator of Hannah & CO. Event Planning and Hannah’s Charm School for young ladies in middle and high school.

For 10 years, Kellie was employed by American Express. There she held numerous positions including  Customer Care Professional, Service Recovery Team Leader, and New Hire Trainer. In 2013, Kellie became a full-time employee at Evangel Fellowship as the Receptionist and later became the Administrative Assistant and Director of Processes.

Elder Tony Artis earned a Master of Science in Industrial Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University. He was the NASA Award Recipient for being an outstanding graduate student. He has over 15 years of experience in Supply Chain.

Tony is a graduate of the Bishop C. E. Anderson Elder School in 2008 and is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ. Over the years, Elder Artis has served in numerous roles in ministry including Teacher, Head Adjutant, Site Director for Positive Direction for Youth and Family (PDY&F), Assistant in Ministries Building, Malachi House Assistant & Teacher, Connect/Small Group Leader, School of Disciples Teacher, Pastoral Care Assistant, Financial Dept. Assistant, Marriage Encounter Assistant & Teacher, and Coordinator for the Men’s Encounter, just to name a few.

Elder Artis currently serves the ministry under Superintendent Otis Lockett Jr, and previously served Pastor Joshua Lockett at Triad Christian Center. Elder Artis has received numerous awards in the ministry, including Servant of the Year & Teacher of the year. He was awarded the 1st and only Man of the Year by the late Bishop Otis Lockett Sr. in 2009.

Elder Artis has a ministerial focus on the “Deliverance of Men” toward which he commits to teaching and ministering to the men of Malachi House II every Monday and Wednesday night. Further, he ministers’ Christ Freedom through the Men’s Encounter, and has reached well over a thousand men and counting.

Michael Lewis Sr. is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is the Executive Director of Pastoral Care and Trustee of

Evangel Word Ministries Inc., and a board member of Guilford County Jail. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ.

Elder Lewis has been a member of the Evangel Fellowship Church for over 36 years. He has served in ministry under the leadership of the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr., and now under the leadership of Pastor Otis Lockett Jr. He has held many leadership positions including Trustee, teacher, in-reach, and outreach director.

Elder Lewis has a compassionate spirit and enjoys teaching and mentoring young men. He believes people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Just as Jesus did, we must demonstrate our love in word and deed.

Elder Lewis has a passion for the people of God especially winning and discipling souls. Although he has served in many leadership positions and numerous boards, much of his time is now dedicated to the pastoral care of the flock. He has remained faithful to the great commission; to teach and disciple all nations.

Mildred Johnson studied at the University of New Orleans and Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. She received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information System. She is a passionate teacher. She served for 10 years as an Adjunct Instructor for Delgado Community College Continuing Education Department and Workforce Development Training Initiatives (WIA) and Employment Agencies including U.S. Department of Labor. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary with the Church of God in Christ.

Missionary Johnson, a native of New Orleans, LA., is a teacher, psalmist, intercessor/watchman, wife of 34 yrs., mother of 2 sons, and grandmother of 4. She acknowledged God’s call on her life in 1996 to the 5-Fold Ministry as Evangelist /Teacher at the Garden of Prayer Ministries, COGIC -New Orleans, LA.  She was active in the Ministry Guild, Women’s Department, Church Administrator, Worship Leader and used her vocal gift to minister locally, nationally, and internationally. As a worshipper in the Music Ministry, doors open to travel abroad with the Sounds of Unity Gospel Singers, ministering to souls in Norway, Denmark, Paris and 13 other cities in France.

Missionary Johnson has held numerous roles in the ministry including teacher in the School of Prayer, and Servant-Leader in the Prayer Ministry as an Intercessor/Watchman, where she renders service to the BOLD District and Jurisdictional level of NC 2^nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. She is also a graduate of Evangel Fellowship School of Disciple and the School of Prayer.

Dr. Mary Dowdell earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration from Northcentral University. She is a graduate of Hampton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and earned a Master of Science in Public Administration from Strayer University.

Dr. Dowdell is a published author with her most recent book “Brick to Brick: The Building of a Black Family in America, published in 2020. She is the founder of Life Success by Dowdell, a training and consulting company.

Dr. Dowdell is a retired public and private child welfare administrator, serving in Richmond Virginia, Newport News Virginia, Tampa Florida, and retiring from Guilford County Social Services. She became Executive Director of Neighbor to Family Child Placement Services after retirement from social services and served in Greensboro and Atlanta Georgia until her retirement.

Dr. Dowdell also served as a member of Northcentral University Student Advisory Council from 2019 to 2022; member of America Society for Public Administration, 2017-Present; Student member – of American Planning Association, 2017-Present; Northcentral University Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, 2018-Present.

She has held numerous roles in the community, including Reviewer, Building Stronger Neighborhoods Grant Review Committee, Greensboro N, 2007; Current Board Member, Mary’s House Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Greensboro/High Point NC. 2006-2019. Commissioner, Greensboro Coliseum Commission, Greensboro NC, 2007-2013.  Currently, she is the finance director for the McLean Family Scholarship Group.

Dr. Mary Dowdell is a member of Evangel Fellowship Church and is credentialed as an evangelist missionary under the Churches of God in Christ.

Michelle A. Lewis is a Certified Medical Executive (CMPE) through The American College of Medical Practice Executives. She attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C.A&T) and the University of Phoenix in Healthcare administration. She is the District Missionary for the BOLD (Bishop Otis Lockett District) in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She serves as the Chief Executive Officer for a healthcare organization in Guilford County which serves marginalized populations. She serves on local non-profit boards and is a promoter and teacher of health equity.

District Missionary Michelle Lewis is a servant leader, mentor, professional woman, and community advocate. Michelle’s unique hands-on approach teaching style is comprised of a mixture of practical application, personal experience, and mentoring while promoting sound biblical doctrine. She is an activist for understanding, wisdom, and knowledge, and encourages students/participants to apply lessons learned to their daily life. Line upon line, and precept upon precept, Michelle uses repetition as one of the brain muscle techniques to train students and mentees.

She also holds credentials as a Licensed Evangelist with the Church of God in Christ and serves on various Jurisdictional Women’s Department committees. She has been a faithful member and leader of the Evangel Fellowship Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr., and now the leadership of Pastor Otis Lockett, Jr. for over thirty-six (36) years. She also serves as the assistant to First Lady Barbara T. Lockett in the Women’s Department and has made her mark training and mentoring women of all ages professionally and spiritually.

District Missionary Lewis’ life ambition and goal are to exemplify God’s glory on the earth while training and educating next generation leaders. She does this through education and discipleship. Michelle states “The word of God is a mystery waiting to be revealed to all who desire to learn of its secret yet simplistic truths.”

Dr. Merlyn A. Griffiths is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Her award-winning research has been published in leading academic journals including the Psychology and Marketing,  Circulation – American Heart Association, Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, Journal of Service Research, Journal of Product and Brand Management, Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Social Work and Public Health, Journal of Customer Behavior, Journal of Research for Consumers, and Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing. She has also published in the Wall Street Journal. She co-authored the textbook “Mastering the Art: An Entrepreneurial Guide to a Profit-Driven Marketing Plan” published by Kendall Hunt Publishers.

Dr. Griffiths is a sought-after speaker and presenter including engagements with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA),  Brunel University in Uxbridge, West London, United Kingdom, University of California, Irvine, and Allen University in South Carolina, among others.

She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Journal of Service Research paper of the year; Teacher of the Year at UNCG, Southern Management Association Most Innovative Session Award; Association for Consumer Research Conference Best Film award; The Jane K. Fenyo Best Research Paper at the Academy of Marketing Science.

Dr. Griffiths has been featured on several media networks including BBC and MSNBC. She is a graduate of the University of California-Irvine (Ph.D.), Bentley University (MBA) and Boston University (BS).

Dr. Griffiths is a dedicated and engaged member of Evangel Word Ministries since 2009. She has served in numerous roles including School of Prayer teacher, Armor Bearer to Lady Lockett, Prayer Ministry, and Evangel Bible College development and strategic planning team.

Edward Brown is a graduate of Evangel Bible College, having obtained an AAS in Biblical Studies. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ.

Elder Brown currently works at North Carolina Works Career Center as a Career Advisor. In addition to his work as a Career Advisor, Elder Brown has taught for three semesters at Evangel Bible College under the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr. He currently teaches in the School of Prophets for Evangel Felowship, under the leadership of Superintendent Otis Lockett, Jr. As a member of Evangel Fellowship for many years, Elder Brown has held numerous roles, contributing to the building of the ministry and discipling those who are drawn to Christ.

Revondia Spinks, is a graduate of Liberty University with a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Chaplaincy. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary with the Church of God in Christ.

Missionary Spinks has learned so much about caring for God’s people through both degrees.  Her ultimate goal is Pastoral Counseling and eventually to open her very own practice.  In her spare time, she doddles in the travel business as a travel agent.  Her prayer is that she will be able to travel to adventurous places and international countries, like Dubai. One of her favorite hobbies is reading with specific interest mainly in spiritual, motivational, and inspirational topics.

Constance Myles Speight earned a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology & Development, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory. She is a strategic, highly skilled professional with 30 plus years of experience in leadership development. Over the years, she has held numerous roles with responsibilities including, leading, and developing others, onboarding, designing, and delivering customized leadership programs, performance consulting, and coaching. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ.

Missionary Speight’s proven ability to have open and honest communication allows her to connect and build cooperative relationships with all levels of the workforce. She has the innate ability to identify potential challenges and collaborate to create solutions that drive process improvements in an environment that fosters trust. As a continuous learner herself, Constance has worked in various roles throughout her career. She is known as a Master Facilitator.

Ernest Howard is a Fellow from the J.F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, in National and international Security. He received a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Central State University. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ.

Elder Howard served in the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for 30 yrs. and the Department of Homeland Security for 7 years, retiring in 2009. He was a Certified Trauma Team Member from 1993to 2009.

Ernest Howard is a published author of the novel “CrissCross” which was released in 2020.

Elder Howard is a member of Evangel Fellowship Word Ministries, C.O.G.I.C., where he served under the leadership of his spiritual father, the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr, and is presently serving under Supt. Otis Lockett, Jr. He has been a member of Evangel since moving to Greensboro, NC, in 2002. He has been involved with ministry in several areas: Men’s Encounter Guide and Instructor; Asst. Chief of Security (Evangel); Instructor in The Journey; Chief of Security for the North Carolina 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of C.O.G.I.C.; member of the Leadership Team in KISS (marriage) Ministry, member of C.O.G.I.C. National Security Task Force; member of the Evangel Men’s Executive Board; and a Member of the National Adjutancy Corps. He and his wife, Missionary Yvonne Howard are the coordinators of the Marriage Encounter which was established in 2011.

Elder Howard’s mission is that he must share of his life experiences with others and the value of such. Thus, he does so at every opportunity.

Dr. Chuck Williamson serves as Dean of the School of Public Service and Administration at Anderson University, South Carolina. He served the citizens of Guilford County for 30 years in the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, retiring at the rank of Major in June 2018. Dr. Williamson is also a contributing faculty member at Walden University in the School of Public Policy and Administration. Dr. Williamson has over 20 years of higher education instructional experience teaching public administration and public policy, criminal justice, and organizational change leadership courses at the university level. Dr. Williamson’s research interests include organizational and individual leadership development, organizational change, and organizational culture change. Dr. Williamson serves dissertation committees as chair, qualitative methodologist, and content Expert.  Dr. Williamson is passionate about helping students reach their academic and professional goals.

Pastor Richard E. McDonald earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Regent University, Master of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Wake Forest University. He is a proud alumnus of Wake Forest, and a native of South Carolina, raised in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Pastor Richard E. McDonald is currently the Male Mentoring Coordinator at Fayetteville Technical Community College where he directs the Y.E.S. (You + Effort = Success) Mentoring Initiative for male and female students. In addition, he is a liaison partner with the STEM Department at Fayetteville State University for the ASPiRE Initiative, matching minority male students to STEM program majors and careers. Pastor McDonald is also an Adjunct Instructor at Central Technical Community College, teaching Psychology, Religion, and Information Literacy courses.

Having received the call of God to preach the Gospel at an early age, Pastor McDonald cleaves close to the foot of the altar for the Hand of God to direct in the way that he should go. In 1996, Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr. confirmed the call of God on his life and gave him his first opportunity to speak before a congregation at a Youth Day service at Emmanuel Fellowship COGIC in Siler City, North Carolina.

He was ordained as an Elder in the Churches of God in Christ in July 2008. Pastor McDonald served faithful at his local church before receiving the pastoral mantle.  He served as Armor Bearer to the Late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr., former President of the Singles Department; has served as a Youth Leader, Prayer Mobilization Leader, Care Team Leader, Service Coordinator as well as putting his hands to assist in whatever needs to be done for the “excellence” of the ministry.

Pastor McDonald is the pastor of Bethel Christian Center Church COGIC in Florence, South Carolina; a thriving ministry that seeks to see the Kingdom of God established in this region and surrounding areas. Pastor McDonald continues to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise as he sets his attention to finish the course that has been set before him.

Avery Williamson Sr. earned both Master’s and undergraduate degrees from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) and has worked in the telecommunications industry for the past 21 years. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ.

Elder Williamson is a member of Evangel Fellowship COGIC  for 36 years. As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ in addition to serving as an Elder, he is involved in the Prayer Ministry, instructor in the School of Prayer, School of Prophets, and Small Group Coach/Leader. He is married to his wife of 35 years LaShawn Williamson with 5 children and 5 grandchildren.

Anthony Banks Sr. earned an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Family Bible College in Baltimore, MD. In addition, he obtained numerous certificates in Counseling, C-Core Mentoring among others. His professional expertise is in the area of Logistics Management. Having served in numerous roles in this profession, he retired from Gilbarco Inc., after 41 years.

Anthony is a retired veteran. He served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and rendered services during the Dessert Storm Conflict and the Vietnam War. He currently serves as a Deacon at Evangel Fellowship Church for over 30 years, and the Jail Outreach Ministry for over 15 years. Over the past 10 years, he has served as a leader of Evangel’s Prayer Team with his late wife, Missionary Imelda Banks.

Anthony aspires to help others to improve their lives in the area of education, and to see them grow and mature into productive citizens. He is the father of two wonderful children and grandfather to 4 grandchildren.

Barbara T. Lockett earned a Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Science in English Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C.A&T). She was a High School English Teacher for 17 years before becoming a full-time staff member of the Evangel Fellowship Word Ministries C.O.G.I.C.

Lady Barbara Lockett oversees the Women’s Ministry at three churches – Evangel Fellowship, Zion Place Ministries and Triad Christian Center. She served as District Missionary for the Greater Piedmont District of the Churches of God in Christ of North Carolina Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction for 20 years (1993-2013). In 2004, she founded Women in Ministry International (WIM), a thriving ministry that brings together women from various churches and denominations for the purpose of enriching lives through prayer, the Word, and fellowship. In 2014, Lady Lockett was appointed by Bishop Stenneth E. Powell, Sr. to the position of Assistant State Supervisor of The Women’s Department of North Carolina Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

Lady Barbara T. Lockett is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina where she assisted her husband, the late Bishop Otis Lockett, Sr., and now assists her sons, Superintendent Otis Lockett, Jr., and Pastor Joshua Lockett in ministry at the Evangel Fellowship, Triad Christian Center of High Point, and Zion Place Ministries.

Calvin S. Miller earned an M.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C.A&T). He achieved professional licensure in Public Education at the Middle and High School levels. He is an Adjunct Instructor, Educator, and Chemist with over 30 years of experience as an educator at the college, high school, and elementary levels, often teaching at all three levels in a given year.

Elder Miller is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ. He served for 10 years as a teacher for Evangel Fellowship Youth Church. From his earlier years as a graduate student, he enjoyed playing a pivotal role in the personal growth of college students.

Elder Miller strives to enrich the lives of his students by being the change agent that causes them to evolve into educated thinkers, all for the glory of God.

William Barlow earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C.A&T). He has also received numerous certificates including from The Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC. He is a Professional Engineer who has worked over 25 years in higher education providing solutions, that assist the university community with expanding its academic, social and recreation horizon.

He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ and has served faithfully for over 30 years at Evangel Fellowship Church.

William has worked with teams both as the leader and team member whose goal is to ensure ideas are heard, understood and studied to determine it’s feasible, practical and economical for design and construction.  William has also successfully communicated with designers and contractors as the lead person responsible for over $500M of renovation and new construction projects.

Elder Barlow’s has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and declares that Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to him. Elder Barlow is married and has three adult children and two grandchildren.

Keith Cooper, II earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (N.C. A&T). He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ and has been the Youth Pastor of Evangel Fellowship Word Ministries for 7 years.

Before going into full time ministry, Elder Cooper worked for Food Lion in various capacities of leadership. In addition to pastoring, he is a business owner, mentor, board member of Take it To the Next Level Scholarship Foundation and Executive Director of the active non-profit Positive Direction for Youth & Families, Inc. Through PDY&F, Inc.

Elder Cooper is married to the love of his life Jacqueline Cooper. He has dedicated this season of his life to helping students and families cultivate an everyday biblical experience through a relationship with Jesus.

Yvonne Howard attended Cuyahoga Community College with a focus on Administrative Sciences. She is a graduate of Crown Business School and a graduate of Evangel Fellowship Church School of Leaders. She has held numerous roles and positions including Tutor for Dekalb County Learning Disability for Elementary Students and Manager of Evangel Church bookstore. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ.

Missionary Howard is a member of Evangel Fellowship Word Ministries and served under the leadership of the late Bishop Otis Lockett Sr; presently serving under Supt. Otis Lockett Jr and First Lady Barbara Lockett. She serves in ministry in several capacities: Volunteer Staff Member; Encounter Guide; Armor Bearer for First Lady Lockett; Co-Leader of the KISS Ministry; member of the Women’s Board, and Women in Ministry (WIM) Board under the leadership of First Lady Lockett.

Missionary Howard enjoys working in the Department of Administration for the Bible College.

Demetra M. Oliver is a Project Manager with skills and expertise in identifying problems, enabling strategies, and completing projects successfully for major businesses.  With more than 30 years of experience in serving and managing in the health insurance industry, this New Jersey native moved to North Carolina where her roles as a Customer Service Supervisor and Revenue Cycle Manager paved her way to an exciting career. She is the Owner of “All Things Made LLC” of Greensboro, NC.  This business allows her to share her passion for crafting and baking.

She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary with the Church of God in Christ. Missionary Oliver serves as a volunteer in the ministry of Evangel Fellowship.  She serves faithfully in the Music Ministry, service coordinator and with committees that focus on resources for the homeless.

Demetrius Worley Berry earned a Juris Doctorate in 1997 from the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, summa cum laude, from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina in 1994. She is a native of Lumberton, North Carolina.

 In 2013, Attorney Berry was rated AV Preeminent for legal ability and general ethical standards through Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings. She is currently a member of Brotherton Ford Berry & Weaver, PLLC in Greensboro, North Carolina where she focuses her practice in the areas of workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and general liability.

Attorney Berry handles all phases of civil litigation in the state and federal court systems and litigates matters before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. She is also certified as a mediator by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct superior court mediations. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Greensboro Bar Association and North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys.

Attorney Berry actively serves in her local church, Evangel Fellowship Church of God in Christ, as a youth director of Evangel Kidz, and also as a service coordinator.