Founder Bishop Jesse Egenti Michael
Every journey has a beginning. This is his . . . . .
He doesn’t talk much. But, when he does, you will discover that what Bishop Jesse Egenti Michael has to say is well worth hearing.
MINISTRY Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and presently residing in Miami, Florida (USA), Bishop Jesse Egenti Michael was ordained into ministry at the age of 21 by the Royal Priesthood of Nigeria in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. After pastoring several years, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop in 2002 by the Royal College of Bishops in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. His multifaceted ministry experience includes church planting in Nigeria, as well as preaching and teaching at conferences in Nigeria and abroad in countries including Ghana and the United Arab Emirates. Bishop Egenti Michael is noted for his prophetic ministry, inspirational preaching and teaching, unique biblical insights and delivery of practical biblical solutions for today’s problems.
CHIEFTAINCY In an interesting dichotomy contrasting his ministry call, Bishop Egenti Michael is an African Chief in three autonomous communities in Nigeria, including his hometown, Mbieri. In 2013 he became the Ebekwo-dike I of Adim Royal Dynasty in Akpodim Ezinihitte Mbaise Imo State, a chieftaincy title he earned in recognition of his contribution to social and human advancement. As an African Chief, Bishop Egenti Michael is a custodian of the culture and traditions of the African community he serves. When asked whether his Chieftaincy and activities as a traditional ruler are contrary to his Calling, Bishop Egenti Michael says, “ The Royal Fathers and the Chiefs need Jesus too! “
As a man of God, he represents and presents the truth of the Gospel to every man. As a Chief, he is able to incorporate Christ centered principles in the decisions and values espoused by traditional African rulers.
In I Corinthians 9:21-23, the Living Bible translation, the Apostle Paul explained the dichotomy this way:
“When with the unbeliever I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always
do what is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence and help them
too. When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it
all and don’t say they are foolish. The result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes,
whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him
about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I
myself receive when I see them come to Christ.”
Known for his ability to relate to people from all walks of life, Bishop Egenti Michael has used this ability to forge comradery between those in conflict and has been able to successfully settle tribal and land disputes in the African community. Having a deep love and respect for his African heritage, the English speaking Bishop Egenti Michael also speaks the three major Nigerian languages, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba and is affectionately known as “The African Bishop”.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Bishop Jesse Egenti Michael has a diploma in Theology from Trinity College of Ministerial Arts in Abia State, Nigeria; a B.A. in Theology and an M.A in Christian Education from University College of Christian Missions. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from University College of Christian Missions and an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration from Crown Scientific Seminary in Nigeria. Bishop Egenti Michael is an Honorary Professor of Sacred Literature at the National Association of Christian Universities and Colleges.