Bishop Timothy J. Clarke is the visionary leader and Senior
Pastor of First Church of God - Anderson in Columbus, Ohio. Under
his dynamic and prophetic leadership, First Church has become a
spiritual beacon at the local and national level.
Bishop Clarke was called to the ministry in January, 1974 and
served as Associate Minister at First Church of God, in his
hometown of Far Rockaway, New York, under his mentor, the late Dr.
James E. Cray. Bishop Clarke began his pastorate at York Avenue
Church of God (Warren, OH) in November, 1977; faithfully serving
that congregation for four years.
In February, 1982, he was called to the Senior Pastorate of
First Church of God (Columbus, OH). He was consecrated to the
office of Bishop in September, 2001. In addition to his commitment
and anointing as a pastor, Bishop Clarke willfully serves the Body
of Christ as an evangelist and teacher. Bishop Clarke has received
several honors and degrees for his service to the church and to the
community at large which include: Master in Ministry, (Southern
California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctor of Divinity
(Mid-America Bible College, Oklahoma City, OK); Doctor of Law,
(Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctor
of Humanities, (Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH) and
Morehouse College Board of Preachers Inductee.
He has served on the boards of various community and political
organizations: State of Ohio Victims of Crime Advisory Board,
Columbus Urban League Board of Directors, United Way of Franklin
County, Inter-racial Leadership Council, Clergy Leadership Task
Force, Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance, President &
CEO - New Beginnings Christian Community Revitalization
Corporation.
Bishop Clarke has maintained a fellowship with the National
Association of the Church of God (NACOG) serving in several
leadership capacities including: President of the National
Inspirational Youth Convention (NIYC); Chairman and Vice-Chairman
of the General Assembly; President, Vice-President and Presiding
Elder of the NACOG.
The author of seven books, Bishop Clarke ministers to our heart
and encourages our soul through: "Signs of His Coming", "Help for
Those Who Hurt", "Bring Back the Glory", "Daughter Don't Miss Your
Season", "Living in the Blessed Place", "Making the Most of Your
Time" and "Celebrating the Family: Lessons from the Book of
Ruth".
Bishop Clarke and his lovely wife, Lady Clytemnestra Lawson
Clarke of Teaneck, NJ are the parents of two adult daughters.