Meet Our Leaders

Senior Pastor

Apostle Willie K. Mitchell

Apostle Willie K. Mitchell, founder and Senior Pastor of Christ Cultivating Community Church (C4), was born and raised in Syracuse, New York.

He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer (1979–1982) and later as a Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves (1982–1985). After his military service, he worked at Syracuse University, Upstate University Hospital, and Hutchings Psychiatric Center, where he served for two decades as a Mental Hygiene Therapist Aide.

His commitment to growth led him to pursue Business Management at Bryant & Stratton and Human Services at Onondaga Community College. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry from the Bible Centre of Syracuse and is currently completing a Master’s in Christian Counseling at Andersonville Baptist Seminary.

Apostle Mitchell is also a dedicated community servant. He has served on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission on Nonviolence, Syracuse Model Neighborhood, and as Vice President of the Syracuse Chapter of the National Action Network. He is a founding member of the Million Man March Booster Club and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at OnTech Charter High School.

He gave his life to Christ in 1996 under the leadership of the late Pastor Elois Everhart at Bright Chapel AME Church. Licensed to preach in 1997, he was later ordained and served as Pastor of Bethesda Pentecostal Church (2003–2007). In 2007, under the covering of the late Apostle Michael Brinkley, he was ordained Apostle and launched C4, where he continues to lead with vision and compassion.

Apostle Mitchell is a proud father of seven adult children, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He is passionate about family, travel, and most of all, walking in alignment with God's call on his life.

Pastor

Nakisha Graves

Nakisha Graves was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, and is a proud graduate of the Syracuse City School District. After more than seventeen years of serving youth in her community, she followed her passion and earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, graduating Cum Laude from Keuka College.

Nakisha has since completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) and is actively working toward clinical licensure to further expand her impact through counseling and mental health advocacy.

A woman who deeply loves God, His people, and her family, Nakisha began her ministry work at C4 through the Dance Ministry. She later answered the call to become Youth Pastor and now serves as the leader of the Women’s Ministry, where she empowers women and children to grow in faith, purpose, and identity.

Nakisha is also a devoted mother, raising her beautiful daughters while continuing her journey of service. She lives by the principle:
Love God. Love yourself. Love others.