I’ve often said that I was raised in church. Some of my earliest memories are of worship services, Sunday School, and learning God’s Word. That foundation shaped my life long before I fully understood the calling God had on me.

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  At the age of 11, during a youth revival at Prayer Tabernacle COGIC led by Elder Eric “Bishop” Taylor, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. A little afterward at the age of 14, I was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Those moments became the foundation of a lifelong journey of faith and service.

When I was 16 years old, while attending LIFE Church under the leadership of my spiritual father, Pastor Anthony Starks, I received God’s unmistakable call to preach the Gospel. From that moment, I knew ministry was not simply something I would do, but the purpose for which God had created me.

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  After graduating from high school, I attended Kuyper College, where I studied Youth Ministry and Business Administration. Although I did not complete my degree, my time there strengthened my understanding of ministry and leadership while preparing me for the work God had ahead.

Upon returning home, I began a career in professional truck driving, a profession I have faithfully served in for more than twelve years. While my vocation has been in transportation, my passion has always remained ministry. Throughout every season, I have continued to preach, teach, disciple, and serve wherever God has opened a door.

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  On December 17, 2015, I married the love of my life, Clarisse Erby, now Clarisse Reed. Together we have been blessed with two wonderful children, Cailsey Reed and our son, Davontae Jr., affectionately known as “Brother Jr.” My family is one of God’s greatest blessings and a constant reminder that ministry begins at home.

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  As the Lord began to reveal His call for me to pastor, I sought spiritual guidance and leadership development under Bishop Don W. Shelby Jr. Sitting under his tutelage allowed me to grow beyond preaching into the disciplines of structured leadership, biblical administration, and the pursuit of holiness. His investment in my life helped shape my understanding that effective ministry requires both spiritual anointing and faithful stewardship.

Through God’s grace and the confidence of my leaders, I was appointed Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent for the Michigan Southwest Fifth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. Serving in this capacity has given me the opportunity to encourage leaders, strengthen Christian education, and help equip believers to grow deeper in God’s Word.

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  Today, my heart remains committed to preaching Jesus Christ, making disciples, and serving the local church. Every season of my life, from being a church kid to answering the call to preach, from truck driver to ministry leader, has been preparation for the assignment God has placed on my life.

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  That journey ultimately gave birth to the vision for SHINE Church.

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  SHINE Church exists to illuminate God’s light in a dark world by preaching the Gospel, making disciples, and serving people with excellence. My prayer is that every message I preach, every leader I develop, and every person I encounter will be drawn closer to Christ and empowered to shine His light wherever He sends them.