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About Us
Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ
Nevels Temple Church of God In Christ (COGIC), (owned and operated under Bright Star Church of God in Christ), located at 939 Elm Street in Youngstown, Ohio, is a historically significant and spiritually vibrant congregation. The church was founded in 1974 by Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels, Sr., who has served as a dedicated pastor and leader for decades.
In 1977, the church relocated to its current building, which was originally constructed as a Jewish temple in the 1960s. Situated in Youngstown's historic Wick Park District, the church has served as a beacon of faith and community support for nearly 50 years.
Nevels Temple COGIC has played a major role in various community events and collaborations. Additionally, Bishop Nevels' service extends beyond Youngstown, founding New Beginnings Church in Kent, Ohio in 1990 and serving in leadership roles for the Church of God in Christ on a state and international level.
Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels, Sr.
Pastor & Founder
Bishop Emmitt Louis Nevels, Sr. is a saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled ministerial product of the Church of God in Christ with over 50 years of dedicated service and apostolic leadership. He has served with Godly integrity as Jurisdictional Prelate of the Ohio West Jurisdiction since 2011 and pastors two churches: Nevels Temple COGIC in Youngstown, OH, and New Beginnings COGIC in Kent, OH.
He began his trek towards leadership in the church through obedience, consecration, and devout formal study of the Word of God. He studied Accounting and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University, holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from International Seminary and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Ministry. He is also an astute entrepreneur and former Sergeant in the United States Army.
Bishop Nevels’ love of God’s people has helped drive his passion for ministry and community engagement. He has received numerous commendations in recognition of his long history of serving the community, including the Black Diamond Legacy Award and the civic distinction of having a roadway named in his honor. Evangelism has been Bishop Nevels’ hallmark for more than four decades. He is the President of the Region #8 (KY, OH, WV) Tri-State Evangelistic Department and serves with the Director of the National Department of Evangelism. He is a member of the National COGIC Resolution Committee, former Superintendent of the Youngstown District and a former Administrative Assistant under the late Bishop Warren Elijah Miller.
Bishop Nevels is now married to Mother Lucille Nevels, and God has blessed them with eight children from their former marriages: Emmitt Jr., Warren, Derrick and Angela, as well as national Gospel recording artists Debra, Veneice, Gail and April, who perform as The Nevels Sisters. Bishop and First Lady Nevels are also the grandparents of twenty-two grandchildren.
Elder Nahum Graham
Assistant Pastor
Elder Nahum J. Graham Sr. is a product of saved parents and sincere church rearing. Having the blessing of being born to saved parents, Elder Graham has been trained in church work; Living by the scripture “whatsoever your hands find to do, do it heartily as unto the Lord” Col. 3:23. He is a son of the Late Deacon Spencer Graham and Mother Juanita Graham, faithful members of the Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ. One of twelve children, two girls and ten boys.
In December of 2006, the Lord got the attention of Elder Graham and saved him. Elder Nahum has allowed the Lord to lead him in the path of Holiness, Faithfulness and Obedience. Elder Graham has learned to have a true Heartfelt Love for God and God’s people. He also has had the honor of being trained under the tutelage, of an anointed servant of God, Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels Sr. and through the leading of the Lord and encouragement of his Pastor, Elder Graham has served as the President of his local YPWW since approximately 2010.
He was formally appointed District Aim Chairman, Currently Serves as Ohio West Elder’s Council Secretary, and works on his Local Pastoral Anniversary committee. The Lord Blessed Elder Graham to coordinate and Present Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels Sr. with an Honorary Street naming in October of 2021. He was a former member of the Voices of Evangelism, Usher board, Sunshine band, and Youth Choir. In 2013 Elder Graham Graduated with an Associate degree in Paralegal studies From Everest University, and is currently looking to pursue a bachelor’s in theology at the Ohio West Theological Seminary.
He is the Husband of a Lovely Women of God, Laura Joyce Graham, affectionately known as Joy. The Proud Father of eight beautiful
children, Malachi, Na’Ariyah, Naomi, Nahum Jr., Hezekiah, Hannah, Isabella, and Noah. The Lord has also blessed him to start two successful LLC’s: Graham & Associates Property Preservation LLC and Value Cutz and Landscaping LLC. In March of 2023, Bishop Nevels Appointed Elder Graham as the Assistant Pastor of Nevels Temple Church of God In Christ.
Deacon Leonard D. Cain, Sr.
Usher Board President
"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of
my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." – Psalm 84:10
Deacon Leonard D. Cain Sr., born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and raised in New Rochelle, New York, was the youngest of four children of Josephine Cain-York, a devoted single mother. Growing up with three brothers and one sister, he was deeply shaped by his family’s love and faith. After graduating from New Rochelle High School in 1966, he and his identical twin brother, Leon, were confronted with the U.S. Army draft. Military regulations allowed only one sibling per household to be drafted, and Leon, the elder by six minutes, was chosen. Unwilling to let his brother serve alone, he enlisted voluntarily, committing to a three-year term
rather than the draft’s two years.
From 1969 to 1970, he served in Vietnam, attaining the rank of SP-5. During this time, the prayers of his faithful mother and grandmother surrounded him, offering divine protection amidst the challenges of war. In May 1971, another life-changing moment occurred when he was asked to pick up his sister-in-law’s cousin at LaGuardia Airport. That introduction led to a deep connection, and they began a love story that has spanned over 53 years. Later that year, he and his wife moved to Youngstown, Ohio, to be closer to her family. Together, they were blessed with five children, all thriving through God’s grace.
In May 1982, his spiritual journey reached a turning point. Attending Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, he heard the anointed preaching of Pastor Elder Emmitt Nevels Sr. and gave his life to Jesus Christ. The following year, he and his family officially joined Nevels Temple, where he began serving in the Usher Department under Mother Odessa Harris. Mentored by Deacons Theodore Williams and T. Dorsey, he was inspired to expand his service to the International Usher Department in 1991. Under the leadership of Brother Willie Cook, Mother Dorothy Holmes, and Deacon Connie Sawyers, he embraced his calling to serve God’s people.
In 1990, Pastor Nevels consecrated him as President of the Nevels Temple Usher Department, a role he has held faithfully for over three decades. In 1996, he was appointed as a Trustee by Pastor Nevels, and the following year, he became President of the Ohio Central Jurisdiction Usher Department under Bishop Warren Miller. In 1999, he experienced a profound spiritual
renewal when God refilled him with the Holy Ghost, deepening his commitment to ministry.
As the Ohio West Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ was established in 2011 under Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels Sr., his faithful service continued. In January 2014, he was consecrated as a Deacon, affirming his dedication to God’s work and His people. Deacon Cain remains a devoted servant of God, a steadfast leader in his church and community, and a loving husband
and father.
Through decades of unwavering service, Deacon Cain has exemplified humility, love, and faithfulness, living out the spirit of Psalm 84:10. His journey stands as a testament to the blessings of faith, family, and a life dedicated to serving in the house of the Lord.
Deacon Benjamin Lane
Youth Director
Benjamin Lane was raised in Nevels Temple Church of God In Christ, where he developed a deep love for God and the church community. In 2021, the Lord saved him, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in his faith. He is currently seeking the Holy Ghost as God continues to work on him, refining and preparing him for His purpose.
Appointed as a Deacon, Benjamin faithfully serves in multiple capacities at Nevels Temple. He sings as a tenor in the church choir, using his voice to glorify God and inspire others in worship. As the Head of the Youth department and a Sunday School Teacher, he is passionate about guiding the youth in understanding God’s Word and living out their faith. His creative and approachable teaching style helps students connect with the Gospel in meaningful ways.
Benjamin is happily married to his wife, Tracy, and together they are proud parents of four wonderful children: Charlie, Amelia, Benjamin, and Aliyah. His family serves as a constant source of joy and inspiration in his life and ministry.
Benjamin holds a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications with a minor in Marketing from Youngstown State University and an Associate degree in Teacher Education from Eastern Gateway Community College. His educational background reflects his commitment to communication, education, and service, which he integrates seamlessly into his ministry.
In addition to his church roles, Benjamin is a children’s book author. He is currently working on a book titled "Have You Heard the Good News?" The story follows an African American boy traveling the world to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Written with young readers in mind, the book is designed to introduce the message of salvation in an engaging and accessible way. Benjamin’s passion for storytelling and ministry come together in this project, which he hopes will inspire children to embrace and share the Good News of Christ.