Ministers

Dr. O.J. Shabazz
Evangelist
Minister to the Harlem Church of Christ

Dr. O.J. Shabazz was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and is married to Ronnie (Hampton) Shabazz. They have seven children: four boys and three girls; they also have three grandchildren. (Two children have preceded them in death.)

Dr. Shabazz is currently the evangelist to the Harlem Church of Christ in New York City, New York, where he has served for the past six years. He is recognized as a National Evangelist to the Churches of Christ, having preached the gospel in thirty-eight states and three foreign nations. Over the years, he has become widely known in our brotherhood as being a church builder, sharp administrator and a biblical exegete. To date, he has served three congregations of the Churches of Christ in his ministry. For twelve years he served as minister to the Boulevard Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee, where the Church grew from 125 active members to 750 active members in eight years. As minister to the Eastside Church of Christ (where he served for six years), the congregation grew from 80 active members to 230 active members in five years.

Dr. Shabazz holds several academic degrees from a number of various schools across the nation, which include two bachelor degrees (one in Biblical Studies and one in Christian Education), a Masters in Theology, and a Doctorate in Divinity.

To contact Dr. Shabazz, click on his name (highlighted in blue) to submit an e-mail.

Dr. R.C. Wells
Evangelist
Minister Emeritus to the Harlem Church of Christ

Dr. R.C. Wells, International Evangelist and Minister Emeritus of the church of Christ in Harlem, New York City, considers himself supremely and sincerely blessed by God to have been granted the privilege of experiencing and fulfilling his life long dreams: first, of being an Evangelist of Jesus, the Christ: a Gospel preacher; and second, of traveling around the world. (Both have been granted through God permitting Dr. Wells to become a Gospel preacher.)

Dr. R. C. Wells began his ministerial preaching career as an adolescent at the age of ten at his home town congregation, the Eighth Street church of Christ, in Waco, Texas. Dr. Wells has been extremely blessed by being associated with “the church,” the church of Christ, practically all of his life, becoming a member at the age of nine. His mother, Nora Mae Fisher Wells, grandparents, and almost all of his relatives on his mother’s side, were and still are members of “the church.” Having grown up in “the church,” Dr. R.C. Wells listened to and was exposed to the great Gospel preachers of the twentieth century, both locally and nationally. Through his association with these preachers, he gained inspiration and encouragement, but most specifically, by Dr. R. N. Hogan of Los Angeles, California, as he held an evangelistic tent meeting in and for his local congregation and area in and around Waco, Texas, where Dr. Wells grew up. Dr. Wells still treasures the blessings he enjoyed for having been the reader for Dr. W. N. Hogan during his preteen and teenage years. With Dr. Hogan as his mentor and Evangelist role model, Wells always promised Hogan that he would become a preacher just like him (An impossibility of course–however a man’s reach must exceed his grasp), or at least a preacher to the best of his ability.

Dr. R. C. Wells is an educational product of the Waco Public School segregated system, having attended South Waco Public School and A. J. Moore where he was a member of the National Honor Society of American Schools. In his ninth year of school, he was privileged to become a student at the Nashville Christian Institute in Nashville, Tennessee under the unique and special tutelage of the renowned Dr. Marshall Keeble, then President of the unprecedented African American Christian School. Unfortunately, Dr. Wells was not privileged to graduate from Nashville Christian Institute: he returned home due to illness in order to give much needed support to his mother and to assist his family. He thereby graduated from A. J. High School in Waco, Texas.

Dr. R.C. Wells’ advanced educational dossier consists of many schools of matriculation, in religion and theology. He holds six advanced academic degrees: AA; BRE; BTH; MRE; MTH and THD from the following schools:

• Southwestern Christian College
• Midwestern Theological Seminary
• Temple Theological Seminary

In addition to these, he holds three honorary DD degrees.

Additionally, he has studied law at the Paralegal Institute, the Blackstone School of Law, and the Atlanta Law School and did an apprenticeship with the firm of Hill and Hill in Harlem, New York City, New York.

Dr. Wells passed the New York Real Estate Examination and received a New York Real Estate License and also became a New York City Notary Public.

Dr. R. C. Wells is the founder, President and CEO of the Christian Bible Institute in New York City, which was originally created to assist local persons interested in and committed to preaching the Gospel of Christ, in becoming faithful teachers in local congregations, in becoming successful personal workers, or in improving their scriptural Knowledge of God’s Word so as to be “Strong in the Lord:” sharing, living and growing in God’s grace.
Dr. R.C. Wells is “set for the defense of the Gospel of Christ.” He has consistently and repeatedly in his teaching, preaching and writing, made it irrefutably clear that he is not “ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:” he is willing to say it; he is willing to preach it; he is willing to write it; he is willing to publicly debate it; willing to suffer for it; and willing, if need be, to die for it.

Dr. Wells has successfully engaged in public religious debates against opponents of the Gospel of Christ with:

• The representatives of the Jesus Only religious movement.
• The representatives of the Seventh Day Adventist religious movement.
• The representatives of the Pentecostalism religious movement.
• The representatives of the Black Nationalism movement.
• The representatives of the “Faith Only” religious movement.
• The representatives of the “One Cup” religious movement.

Several of these debates are still available on audio and/or video tape.

Dr. R. C. Wells has served local congregations in Okmulgee, Okalahoma, Pontiac, Michigan, and in New York City, New York, where he currently serves as Minister Emeritus and chairman of missions, domestic and foreign. He is currently the radio speaker for all radio ministries, domestic and foreign for the Harlem church of Christ, which currently sponsors a World Wide Radio Weekly Ministry.

During his ministerial servanthood with the church of Christ in Harlem, New York City, New York, foreign missionary works have been established in Africa, India and locally in New York State.

A new sanctuary for worship was constructed in 1984, with a current a value of over two million dollars.

Dr. R. C. Wells has done substitute teaching in the public school systems of Oklahoma and Michigan and has served as a college professor at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas and Northeastern Christian College in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Dr. R. C. Wells annually conducts evangelistic Gospel Meetings locally, nationally and internationally. He has traveled twice around the world, preaching in 43 states of the United States of America; eighteen nations of the world on five continents.

His evangelistic outreach efforts have allowed him to participate in international crusades and campaigns in Liberia, West Africa; Canada; Nassau and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands; Madras, India; St. Lucia, Tortola; St. Vincent, Dominica and Grenada in the West Indies, and nationally, in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Massachusetts and literally dozens of other cities in the United States.

Dr. R. C. Wells has a continuing religious literature ministry. As a tenured author, he has written multiple tracts, various types of classroom materials and is the author of eight books, the majority of which are still in print. They are:

• And Ye Shall know The Truth
• I Shall Not Be Moved
• Preacher, I have a question
• Somebody Ought To Say Amen
• Are You Worshipping God In Vain?
• Shall Make You Free
• I’m Different Because
• Corruptive Contrary Winds: Human-isms

Dr. R. C. Wells currently serves as:

• President and CEO of “Say Amen Multiple Ministries”
• Member of the Board of Directors of Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas
• President of the National Alumni Association of Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas
  Vice President of Liberia For God Foundation
• Founder, President and CEO of The Minister’s Memorial Historical Preservation, Pictorial Gallery/Stars Of The Faith.

Bro. Wells has been married to Dorothy (Carpenter) Wells for 53 years. They are the parents of 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

To contact Dr. Wells, click on his name (highlighted in blue) to submit an e-mail.

LEADERSHIP IN TRAINING

These men are servants who have been delegated responsibilities by the local Evangelist to carry out specific duties in order that the works of the congregation have good structure and organization. The brethren selected as ministers of servants over these ministries, along with the Evangelist, are responsible for the daily respective ministries. Please find below a short, yet comprehensive, detail of the basis of duties of these ministries.

Bro. Major Little: Deacon in Training over Communication
The Deacon in Training of Communication has the basic responsibility of working with the Evangelist in heading all security-wired systems, sound and video systems, equipment selection, setup, service and day-to-day operation. He is the congregation’s primary contact person when a concern arises relating to the Church’s security-wired system; and, the primary contact person when sound and/or video is needed during any and all services and programs held on the Church’s premises. He is also responsible for recommending the selection and training of other members of the congregation to help execute this work.

Bro. Joseph Thomas: Elder in Training over Church Retention

We have a responsibility to God and one another to encourage the Saints.  Oftentimes, members of the body of Christ have events happen that preclude them from being present in worship, or they allow themselves to become discouraged or distracted by the cares of life.  The Elder in Training over Church Retention reaches out to the saints who have fallen away and/or not been present in worship over a period of time.  He also visits the sick, encouraging them and meeting their spiritual needs.  He serves as a liason to our located minister, keeping his abreast of the goings-on of the saints.  The Elder in Training over Church Retention also assists with the organization of repast meals or other church duties related to meeting the needs of the mourning. 

Bro. Raphael Sepulveda: Deacon in Training over Education
From its beginning, the church of Christ has been an institution of learning and indoctrination. In a number of passages of Scripture, the Holy Spirit instructs us to be people of spiritual learning. In an attempt to aid people in attaining a better knowledge of God, structured Bible classes have been implemented in our congregation. The Deacon in Training over Education bears the responsibility of working with the Evangelist to structure, organize and implement Bible classes for all ages. He also bears the task of training and utilizing members of the congregation for the purpose of teaching classes of all ages. In addition, there may be a number of other vehicles incorporated into the education department, all for the purpose of training in the Bible. All concerns relating to Bible classes and its structure should be first directed to the Deacon in Training over Education.

Bro. Raphael Hendrickson: Elder in Training over Evangelism
The Church of Christ in Harlem will continue to engage in a number of efforts to expand the boarders of the Kingdom. These and kindred efforts fall under the umbrella of Evangelism. The Elder in Training over Evangelism works in connection the Evangelist to oversee all congregational efforts designed to Evangelize. It is the responsibility of the Elder in Training over Evangelism to develop, structure and implement ministries that enhance the evangelistic efforts of our congregation as a whole. All concerns relative to Evangelism should first be directed to the minister of this work. To contact Bro. Raphael Hendrickson, click on his name (highlighted in blue) to submit an e-mail.

Bro. Donald Ballard, Deacon in Training over Public Relations
We are not an island unto ourselves, and the Deacon in Training over Public Relations ensures that the presence and actions of our local congregation are made known to both our immediate community and sister congregations. The Deacon in Training over Public Relations mobilizes the members of his committee to track the congregation’s weekly attendance and make note when it appears a member has fallen by the wayside so that we may contact and encourage as one contends for the faith. The Deacon in Training over Public Relations coordinates mass mailings and e-communications regarding event attendance, community outreach, visitor contacts, upcoming church events. The Public Relations ministry also handles the upkeep of our website, promotional materials for events and works diligently with the Northeastern Lectureship Committee each year to make sure our annual event is a success. The Deacon in Training over Public Relations also works diligently with visiting ministers for gospel meetings to coordinate their travel plans, accommodations, and to answer any questions they may need in order for them to deliver the word of God without distraction or complication. Any “word” you hear about the events at the Harlem Church of Christ is due to the hard work of the Deacon in Training over Public Relations and the Public Relations committee. To contact Bro. Donald Ballard, click on his name (highlighted in blue) to submit an e-mail.

Bro. Ezekiel Richard, Deacon in Training over Youth
While every age group of the local Church is important, we deem it expedient to give special attention to our growing youth population. The Deacon in Training over Youth works in conjunction with the Evangelist to develop, enhance and implement a full-blown youth ministry with focus on the Church of tomorrow. The Deacon in Training over Youth communicates with sister congregations hosting youth events and activities so that the Harlem church can appear and support their labors to edify young people. All matters relating to our youth population are to be directed to the Deacon in Training over Youth.

Bro. Raphael Sepulveda, Deacon in Training over Worship
The apostle Paul instructs the church in Corinth to do “all things decently and in order.” (I Cor. 14:40) We uphold this standard when it comes to our worship services, and the Deacon in Training over Worship organizes the members selected to participate in the order of worship. The Deacon in Training over Worship also ensures that newer members of the body of Christ receive training on the order of service so that they can participate in the distribution of the Lord’s Supper and the collection of the saints.

Bro. Earl Washington, Deacon in Training over Music
We are instructed to sing “psalms and hymn and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in [our] heart to the Lord.” (Eph 5:19) Not only do we glorify God by the uplifting of our voices, but we encourage and edify one another, teaching through song. Our Deacon in Training over Music leads the congregation in song each Lord’s day, encouraging them to sing with the spirit, and to have confidence that God is delighted when we lift our voices in His name. The Deacon in Training over Worship also leads some of the congregations smaller a capella song groups, instructing them in new songs for church events far and wide. The Deacon in Training over Worship is also in the process of organizing song rehearsals for the congregation so that we may learn new songs of praise and worship. To contact Bro. Earl Washington, click on his name (highlighted in blue) to submit an e-mail.

Bro. Fred Ido, Deacon In Training over Building and Grounds

We have a responsibility to God and ourselves to keep our building in acceptable condition. Bro. Fred Ido, the Deacon in Training over Buildings and Grounds, is responsible for working with the Evangelist in the maintenance, upkeep and development of the property owned by the Church of Christ in Harlem. All matters relating to the opening, closing, cleaning, repairing, remodeling and overall upkeep of our building, should first be directed to the Deacon in Training over Buildings and Grounds.  If you are interested in assisting with the upkeep and regular maintaining of the church facility, speak to Bro. Fred Ido.  All are welcome to exercise their stewardship in this ministry. 

STAFF

Toni Welbon, Church Administrator

Toni Welbon serves the Harlem Church of Christ as Executive Office Director, her last promoted title.  She has served the HCOC for many years as she started assisting with the duties required in the church office along with the late Sister Jeanette Walker in 1965.  She has continued assisting  Dr. R. C. Wells as the minister and now Minister Emeritus of the Harlem church and Dr. O. J.  Shabazz as the ministering evangelist to the Harlem church to this day.  Her duties include but are not limited to: updating the Membership Biographicals, processing  all Baptismal Certificates, publishing the weekly Enlightener and monthly calendar of events, scheduling personal appointments for Dr. Shabazz, all mail notification to the Northeast churches of Christ regarding activities (Gospel Meetings, Seminars, Lectureships, etc) at our local church.  She also volunteers as the Pure Profit Project Coordinator for the Metropolitan Workers for Christian Education to raise funds for Christian Education at Southwestern Christian College.