Get to know our family of directors and associates from across all of our ministries.
Executive Director / Leadership Development And Discipleship
Director / Center For Biblical Leadership
Bishop Jeffery A. Davis serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Development and Discipleship for the Church of God of Prophecy and is a member of the Corporate Board of Directors. He has served as state bishop of North Carolina and California. Prior to becoming state bishop, he pastored in California for 17 years. For 25 years he worked full time in the multicultural, multi-ethnic communities of Los Angeles, California for the Pacific Asian Consortium of Employment as a Teacher, Parent Education Coordinator, and Family Literacy Director. Bishop Davis is a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts degree in Religion. He is married to Terry, and they have a daughter, Ja'Nae, a son, Jeffery II and daughter in law, Melissa.
Director / Accredited Ministries Development /
President / Spirit and Life Seminary
Dr. Michael Hernandez serves as the Director of Accredited Ministry Development- the division of higher education for the International Offices of the Church of God of Prophecy.
In this role, he coordinates the higher education initiatives of the church, partnering with institutions to provide educational opportunities for ministers of the Church of God of Prophecy worldwide. He also serves as the Director of Spirit and Life Seminary, a new institution of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Dr. Hernandez was appointed as the Director of Accredited Ministry Development in 2018. Immediately after his appointment, he was tasked with meeting the requirements for the Church of God of Prophecy to establish a new institution of higher learning focused on ministerial preparation and theological studies. On November 7, 2019, Spirit and Life Seminary was authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to operate and provide the Certificate in Ministry and Theological Studies. Spirit and Life Seminary is currently in process of seeking certification from the Association for Hispanic Theological Education.
Dr. Hernandez previously served as the World Language Coordinator, managing the translation of the White Wing Messenger, Sunday School material, and the publications and correspondence of the International Offices. He also served on the Assembly Task Force, coordinating the simultaneous interpretation of the International Assembly in Spanish, French, and Russian.
Prior to working at the International offices, Dr. Hernandez was the director for a mental health center with locations in Cleveland and Athens, TN that provided therapy, case management, and medication management services to children, teenagers, and adults. He has experience working in inpatient mental health, substance abuse, and geriatric units, as well as intensive outpatient mental health and substance abuse units, and providing inhome therapy services and counseling in church settings.
Dr. Hernandez is an ordained bishop, a state-licensed and national certified counselor, and has served the body of Christ on staff as a worship leader and associate pastor. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, a Master of Science
in Mental Health Counseling from Lee University, a Master of Divinity from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Dr. Hernandez was raised in a pastoral home. His parents were called to plant Spanishspeaking and English-speaking churches in California and Hawaii. This experience contributed to his passion for the church and to bless families through the ministry of counseling. He enjoys teaching, reading, and playing guitar. His wife Kara is also trained as a counselor and is an elementary school teacher. They are members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.
Training Specialist / International Children’s Ministries
At the age of fourteen, Joy said, “Yes!” to God’s call to serve and minister to kids. Since then, she has actively served in churches, camps, and various ministry environments both locally and internationally. Joy is the Associate Pastor of Children at her local church, Spring Place Church. While at Spring Place, she has had the opportunity to remodel and build a children’s ministry that is a safe and sacred place for kids to attend. She believes with her whole heart that children are indeed a blessing from God and that they are mighty arrows being released into the world (Psalm 127).
In July of 2016, Joy completed her Master of Arts degree in Ministry Studies from Lee University. Currently, she also serves part-time at the International Offices as the Training Specialist for International Children’s Ministries. She is most passionate about helping children and adults see the value of theology in ministry to kids. Joy’s idea of fun includes traveling, reading, working out, and laughing with the people she loves.
Director / Youth Ministries International
Kirk Rising serves as International Youth Director for the Church of God of Prophecy. In his 28- year ministry, he has served as state youth director of Hawaii and North Carolina. He has served as youth pastor and as missionary to the countries of Germany and French Polynesia (Tahiti) in the South Pacific.
Kirk studied business administration at the University of South Carolina. His business career includes owner of High Rise Sports and serving as head coach of the French Polynesia, Olympic Qualifying basketball program in Tahiti.
Instructor / Center For Biblical Leadership
Elias T. Rodriguez was born March 12, 1958, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the second of seven children of Bishop Tulio and Adela Rodriguez. In 1973, Bishop Tulio was appointed as national overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy in Peru, South America. Fifteen-year-old Elias accompanied the family to Lima. He served in ministry alongside his father for three years while finishing high school. In 1976, he returned to the Dominican Republic to continue his university studies and in 1984 graduated from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo with a Doctor of Dentistry degree. He practiced in that field until 1993 when he immigrated to New York where he gained permanent residency status in 1998 and became a naturalized US Citizen in 2003.
While Elias was in Peru (1975), he sensed his call into pastoral ministry. In 1995, he was appointed to a pastorate in Calhoun, Georgia, where he served for 15 years. It was while in this pastorate that he was assigned an additional responsibility, that of overseer for the South East Hispanic Region, one of the three main administrative divisions of the Church’s work in the United States.
He served in this position from 2007 to 2010 when he was appointed to the Leadership Development and Discipleship Center for Biblical Leadership (CBL) as a member of the CBL Faculty (CBL Instructor).
Elias’ academic preparation includes a Doctor of Dentistry degree from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1984, a Master of Divinity degree from Church of God Theological Seminary (now Pentecostal Theological Seminary) in 2007 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2014. Elias has traveled and taught extensively throughout Latin America, Western Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, North America, and Africa. He served as a member of the Church’s Assembly Committee for Biblical Doctrine and Polity from 2006 to 2018.
When not directly engaged in his teaching and writing ministry, Elias enjoys being outdoors and reading. He married the former Maria E. Vargas in 1983. They have three children: Laramie (wife, Melissa) who has given Elias and Maria their first grandchildren, Abisai and Isaac and Elyssa; another son, Mederic (wife Cinthya), and daughter, Genevieve (husband Chris Simmons). Dr. Rodriguez and his wife live in Calhoun, Georgia.
Registrar and Student Services Coordinator / Spirit and Life Seminary
Debbie served as an academic advisor, music instructor, and music department chairperson at Tomlinson College from 1987 to 1992. She then taught music in Bradley County Schools for 6 years before marrying her husband Dennis and moving to Huntsville, Alabama, where she served as an academic advisor at Calhoun Community College.
Debbie later moved to metro-Atlanta where she taught music and special education students in Gwinnett County Public Schools for nearly 20 years. She loves to play piano and has enjoyed working with several church choirs on her journey back to Cleveland, Tennessee. She is very excited to serve in a new role as registrar and student services coordinator at Spirit and Life Seminary.
AS in Music, Tomlinson College
BME (Bachelors in Music Education), Lee University
MS in Music, Radford University
Project Coordinator / International Children’s Ministries
Leslie Green began ministering at her local church and summer youth camps before she was 12 years old. Since then, God has blessed her with opportunities to minister as a children’s ministry director and youth ministry coordinator as well as serving in various roles in camping ministry, conventions and ministry training in North America. She’s also travelled internationally on mission teams and as a trainer for children’s ministry conferences.
Leslie is thrilled to work alongside a few of the most passionate leaders in children’s ministry. She currently serves as children’s pastor at Keith Street Ministries in Cleveland, Tennessee. Her heart is full as she watches the children grow in their relationship with Christ and knowledge of His Word.
Executive Administrative Assistant / Leadership Development And Discipleship
At 22, a year after Alejandra became a Christian, she felt God calling her to pursue theological studies. In response to this call, she transferred from Texas A&M International University to Lee University in Cleveland, TN, to follow God’s vision for her.
Alejandra earned a B. A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Lee University and an M. A in Theological Ethics from the same Institution. In 2019, she received the Zeno C. Tharp award, which is given annually to the Lee University senior who shows the greatest promise of making a significant contribution to the Church.
Alejandra has served as the translator and editor of several publications, including the quarterly newsletter El Camino produced by His Fullness Ministries and the Ministerial Development Department at Lee University. She worked at Lee University’s School of Religion as a teaching and research assistant for Christian ethics courses and at Lee University’s Squires library during her graduate education.
In the past, Alejandra has been involved in several ministries such as Bridge Ministries, Hunger Rescue, and Church at the Park in Laredo, Texas. Alejandra loves to participate in the local church. She functions as a mentor at NCCOG Collegiate Group and as a music minister at New Covenant Church of God. Alejandra is also a member of the Society of Pentecostal Studies, the Latin American Theological Fraternity (FTL), and Theta Alpha Kappa National Honors Society.
She has a passion for education, the practice of hospitality toward immigrant communities, and peace and reconciliation studies. Alejandra also served as a Church of God missionary in the Balkans after completing her undergraduate degree and has remained in partnership with that field since.
Alejandra has been married to Steven Hodge since January of 2022.
Admissions and Marketing Manager
Carimet lives in Cleveland, TN, but she grew up in the Dominican Republic. She is the youngest of four kids and is bilingual. She has been a part of the Church of God of Prophecy her entire life and is a member of the Spanish COGOP in Cleveland. She serves as the Assistant Youth Director for her church and as the drummer for the church worship team. Carimet is currently majoring in social work with the hope of helping her community. She enjoys soccer, music, and serving others. Her goal in this position is to grow in the knowledge of God and help others do the same.
Accredited Ministries Development / Spirit And Life Seminary
Albert Murza is Endorsement Liaison for Accredited Ministry Development & Academic Dean for Spirit & Life Seminary. Albert grew up in Moscow, Russia, and is the oldest of five siblings. Albert’s father is the national overseer of Russia for the Church of God of Prophecy. At the age of 16, his mother passed away from cancer. He reports that it was a tough time for his family, but “it made us stronger, and we became even closer”.
He attended European Theological Seminary in Kniebis, Germany where he majored in Church Ministry with an emphasis in Christian Education and a minor in Counseling. During his time in Germany, he met his wife Kristen and they were married in 2016. After getting married, they moved to Cleveland, TN where they became members of Peerless Road Church. Albert has been serving in local church youth ministries since the age of 17. At this time, they are the memeber of Hickory Valley COGOP in Chattanooga, TN.
Albert and Kristen graduated from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary where Albert pursued a Master of Divinity degree. Albert likes to watch movies, build Legos and travel with his wife Kristen.
Certificate, Church Ministry, European Theological Seminary, 2017
M.Div., Pentecostal Theological Seminary, 2022
Ed.S. in Higher Education Administration, Liberty University, In Progress
Project Manager / Leadership Development And Discipleship
At the age of 15 years old, Antonio Orona was called by God at a teen camp into ministry. Serving in multiple areas helped him realized that he had a passionate heart for people Antonio desire is to help others know who Jesus is and so that they can be committed to living a life with Him.
Antonio has a B.S degree from California State University of Los Angeles in Fire Protection Administration and a Master degree in Leadership and Community Development from California Baptist University. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN.
He has had the privilege to serve as the Youth Pastor at the COGOP Riverside Church in Riverside, CA from 2014 to 2019. He has helped served the youth ministry in the state of California from various areas such as teaching, preaching, and serving as a camp counselor at teen camps for 6 years. Currently he is pursuing his minister license with the Church of God of Prophecy.
He is married to his lovely wife Lilly Orona and together they have a one year old son named Isaiah Orona.
Currently Antonio is a project manager for the Leadership Development and Discipleship department, managing and organizing various projects in different platforms. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Tri-Community Fire Department in Ooltewah, TN.
Business Office Manager / Accredited Ministries Development / Spirit & Life Seminary
Jacob currently serves as the Business Office Manager for Spirit & Life Seminary and the Department of Accredited Ministry Development.
Jacob graduated in 2018 from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, with a B.S. in Music Business. Jacob returned to Lee University in the fall of 2018 to attain his master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), graduating in 2020. He used this time to increase his musical versatility and excellence, studying classical/jazz/commercial/worship piano, commercial and jazz bass, vocal and instrumental accompaniment, and commercial arranging/recording/production. Before graduation, Jacob was elected as a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business in recognition of his high educational attainment.
In 2018, Jacob had the opportunity to complete an internship with the Michael W. Smith Management Group. Immediately following the completion of the position, he worked for LifeCare Centers of America as an Audio Engineering Assistant until December 2018. Jacob began working in the Communications Department at the COGOP International Offices in January 2019. He served as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Communications, Web Developer, and Project Manager between 2019-2023 before transitioning to SLS/AMD into his current role.
Jacob has had the opportunity to serve as a lead pianist for Peerless Road COGOP since 2012. Following his calling for music and worship, he accepted the Music and Media Director position for PRC in July 2022. Jacob is married to Julie Coleman, who coordinates worship for the Children’s Ministry at PRC. They consider it a blessing to work together as a team and serve in those capacities.
Director of Library Services / Accredited Ministry Development
Mrs. Brewer serves as Director of Library Services for the Spirit and Life Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee. In addition, she serves as Director of Library Services for the Chattanooga College: Medical, Dental, & Technical Careers. Her career spans over 30 years and includes the roles of faculty member, instructor, consultant, director of technical services library division, assistant director, director of library services at three colleges (located in Cleveland, TN; Charlotte, N.C.; & Chattanooga, TN), head of circulation department, Interlibrary loan librarian, reference librarian, original cataloger, resource room coordinator, branch manager of rural county public library, community development librarian and branch services librarian.
Mrs. Brewer received her Bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1985) with a major in Psychology and minor in Library; her Master’s degree from University of Tennessee at Knoxville (1988) in Library Science; and her 6th Year Specialist degree from the Florida State University (2006) in Library and Information Studies.
She has held membership in numerous local, state and national organizations including Optimist Club; Kiwanis; Civitan; Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc.; the Dade County (Georgia) Chamber of Commerce, board of directors and ambassador; the Walker County (Georgia) Chamber of Commerce member and Leadership Institute graduate; American Library Association; Association of College and Research Libraries; Tennessee Library Association; Tenn-Share; Chattanooga Area Library Association; Georgia Library Association, Georgia OCLC/SOLINET Users Group, Public Library Association, Family Connections, Adult Literacy committees in Dade County (Georgia) and Walker County (Georgia). She served as volunteer librarian for the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park – CHCH Library from August 2011 to June 2018.
Mrs. Brewer has written several successful grants for the Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers, Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Cherokee Regional Library System in La Fayette, Georgia. The grants were awarded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund HEERF I, HEERF II, HEERF III – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, American Library Association/National Endowment for the Humanities Big Read; Joshua’s Law Grant (Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety); Mini-Grants to Support Summer Reading Club Programs; Lois Lenski Covey Foundation; Millennium Project for Public Libraries We the People Bookshelf (NEH), Awarded 2003 Walker County Alliance for Literacy / Certified Literate Community Program grant to purchase Accelerated Reader materials for three public libraries.
Mrs. Brewer attributes her success to her Christian faith, life-long learning, mentors, motivation, drive, and vision of a desired path. She recognizes that prayer and support from family and friends make anything possible.
Mrs. Brewer is married to Ray N. Brewer of Chattanooga, Tennessee and is primary caregiver to her mother Martha Cassidy.
Specialist in Library and Information Science, from Florida State University in 2006
M.S in Library Science, from University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1988
B.S. in Psychology, from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1985
