Meet Our Leaders

Senior Pastor

Apostle Willie K. Mitchell

Willie K. Mitchell was born and raised in Syracuse, NY and attended SCSD. After graduating high school, Willie went on to proudly serve his country as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps (1979-1982) and a Drill Sergeant for the U.S. Army Reserves (1982-1985).

He continued working hard after military service. Willie was employed by Syracuse University (1982), Upstate University as a Supervising Cook (1984-1989), and for Hutchings Psychiatric Center as a Mental Hygiene Therapist Aide (1989-2009). He also pursued higher education by attending Bryant & Stratton in Syracuse for Business Management and Onondaga Community College for Human services. Willie eventually earned a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministry from the Bible Centre of Syracuse and is currently enrolled at Andersonville Baptist Seminary to obtain a master's degree in Christian Counseling.

As a community activist, he has served on several local community boards including:

Dr Martin L King Jr Commission on nonviolence
Syracuse Model Neighborhood,
a founding board member and as the Vice president of the Syracuse chapter National Action Network,
a found board member of the Syracuse Chapter of the Million Man March Booster club
currently serving as a trustee board member at OnTech Charter High School

In the midst of work and family life, Willie K. Mitchell, became a born-again Christian while attending Bright Chapel AME Church under the leadership of the late & great Pastor Elois Everhart (1996). He served there in many capacities and received his license to preach in 1997. Years later, in 2003, Willie accepted the call to pastor. He was ordained and installed as the Pastor of the Bethesda Pentecostal Church (2003-2007). Then the Lord God led the ministry to become Christ Cultivating Community Church and Willie was ordained Apostle by The Late Doctor (Apostle) Michael Brinkley, Lighthouse Ministry North Carolina (2007).

Apostle Willie K. Mitchell continues to diligently serve his family, community, the church and God's people. He has seven adult children, a host of grandchildren and one great grandson. He loves to travel and wants to continue to do so according to God's plan for him.

Pastor

Nakisha Graves

Nakisha, was born and raised in the city of Syracuse and also attended SCSD. She recently graduated Cum Laude from Keuka College with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her passion for youth led her to obtain her degree, after working with the youth in her community for more than seventeen years.

Nakisha, is a woman that loves God, his people, and her family. Her ministerial work first began with the C4 Dance Ministry then she was appointed Youth Pastor. Now she leads the Women's Ministry and is helping to cultivate women and children to live their best life in God.

Nakisha is currently working on obtaining a Master's degree in social work and is raising her beautiful daughters. She believes that we should love God; love ourselves; and love others.