Church Leadership
We believe in strong leadership and have a commitment to developing leaders. Currently Evangel is governed by a seven member Elder Board, and on a daily basis is managed by a group of highly dynamic, and creative members of clergy and non-clergy staff.
Chris Brooks is the senior pastor of Evangel Ministries, a thriving 1600-member church in the heart of Detroit. He also serves as campus dean of Moody Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Mich. A popular Detroit radio host since 2005, Chris is author of Kingdom Dreaming and Urban Apologetics. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Finance, completed his MA in Christian Apologetics at Biola University, and graduated from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.
Christopher is the founder of the Detroit Bible Institute, a seminary preparatory institution targeting inner city Christians. He and his wife Yodit are the proud parents of Christopher, Zewditu, Cameron, Judah and Sophia they live near Detroit, Michigan.
George & Shirley Bogle
Founding Pastor
George W. Bogle is the Founding Pastor of Evangel Ministries. Having served as a Christian leader in the Detroit area for nearly 60 years, he and Shirley have overseen the spiritual development of four congregations which produced many Christian leaders including the current Senior Pastor, Chris Brooks.
Pastor Bogle has been honored with the Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council, in recognition of his years of faithful service to the residents of Detroit; Michigan Senate and House of Representatives Joint Resolution #306 to reflect “the high esteem in which he is held by the Michigan legislature;” and two Mayoral Proclamations.
Pastor Bogle has been married to Shirley for over 50 years. They have four grown children, and a host of grand and great-grand children.
For more from Pastor George W. Bogle visit www.pastorbogle.com
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Richard Michael & Sherry Bonner
Worship & Arts Pastor
Here at Evangel Ministries, Pastor Richard Bonner serves a dual role as Pastor of Worship and Media Director.
As Pastor of Worship, he leads our congregation in glorious praise and worship to our Lord. He also oversees the worship arts ministry which includes our choirs, praise team, dance, banner, band, and drama teams living up to the department’s vision, that being to minister our gifts in the spirit of excellence.
As Media Director, he oversees the team that is responsible for “Sharing Our Worship and Word Experience with the World”, a statement which well captures the team's vision. Taking full advantage of the latest media technology, the team produces high-quality ministry products and services, offering them both locally and abroad.
A pastor after God’s own heart, Pastor Bonner truly enjoys serving in both of these roles, roles requiring lots of time, energy, and prayer. He is most grateful to have the support of his loving wife, Minister Sherry Bonner, who serves alongside him within the worship department. Together, they are blessed with two children, Angela and Richard, and four grandchildren.
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Flynn & Rhonda Smith
Associate Pastor
For many years Flynn A. Smith has taught bible study and Sunday school at church, and he led a home bible study for more than three years. In October, 2007 he was ordained Pastor of Christian Education at Evangel Ministries. In 2003 he became a licensed minister and has preached many messages that challenge believers to live holy lives. With vivid illustrations, he makes the seemingly abstract become very tangible and understandable.
He currently serves as Director of the Detroit Bible Institute and teaches there as well. In 2005 Flynn began Living the Word Ministries to distribute his teachings on a wider scale. Not only is he a bible teacher, he is also a secular teacher in Southfield Public Schools. He holds a Bachelors of Science in geography from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in the teaching of mathematics from the University of Detroit Mercy. He is happily married to Rhonda J. Smith. They reside in Detroit with their sons, Joshua, Nathaniel and Justus.
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Aaron & Trina Richardson
Associate Pastor
Aaron Richardson currently serves as the Director of the Masters Men Men's Ministry. He is also the Executive Director of the EMERG CDC, an organization seeking to meet the needs of residents of central Detroit.
Aaron has been married to Trina for over 15 years they have 2 young sons.
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Leslie & Dorothy Smith
Associate Pastor
Pastor Leslie Smith has served as clergy for over 30 years. In addition to Evangel, he has served as Associate Pastor/Minister with Little Rock Baptist Church, Detroit MI, and Strictly Biblical Bible Teaching Ministries, Detroit MI, as well as, the Senior Pastor of The Community Church of Christ also in Detroit MI.
Pastor Les is a graduate of the St. Matthew School of Divinity, the Dale Carnegie Institute, and the Detroit Bible Institute.
He has been married to Dorothy Smith for over 35 years, they have 3 sons and a daughter.