Bishop Melvin L. Austin

Bishop Melvin L. Austin is a visionary, who follows God’s lead. He is an inspirational leader and anointed preacher. He is a man of vision with a purpose and a plan from God. He is a high-powered, energetic pastor, who motivates many to release their God given potential. Bishop Austin is an inspiration to everyone from the youngest child to the senior adult. His arms are open to all, without respect.

Bishop Austin is a native of Norfolk, VA. He was born June 10, 1946. After graduating from high school, he served faithfully in the United States Airforce, and received an honorable discharge. His career continued as a United States Government worker for over 32 years.

Bishop Austin’s spiritual journey began when he committed his life to Christ under the witness of Crusade for Christ Ministries. He received tutelage in the foundations and principles of the Church of God in Christ from Bishop L. E. Willis II. After faithfully serving under his pastor, God promoted him to Pastor. He has been pastoring the New Bethel Cathedral Ministries since 1983. Under his leadership the New Bethel Cathedral ministry has expanded, acquiring three edifices.

Bishop Austin takes care to lead a growing church, constantly training to make the ministry better. This care has not only expanded the immediate ministry, but several have been sent out to pastor, interim pastor, and other leaders have emerged and are able to carry on in the church according to the structure and activities of the Church of God in Christ. Many carry out duties and operate on all levels of our church.

Bishop Austin is also an astute businessman, who holds a Bachelor of Pastoral Ministry Degree from the C. H Mason Theological Seminary, Bachelor of Theology Degree, Master of Divinity Degree and Doctor of Divinity Degree from Norfolk Theological Seminary and College. He was the Director of the former NBC Summer School and instituted the NBC Tutoring Ministry which served the local church and community.

He is the former CEO of Extended Love Residential Care Inc. He currently serves as CEO of Heaven’s Special Child Ministry. He currently serves as Administrator of the Eastern Region, under the leadership of the Bishop L E Willis II, former prelate of the Virginia Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Austin is a family man. He was married to the late State Supervisor Claudine T. Austin for 42 years. They worked together, as a team in marriage and in ministry. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Chandra and Courtney, son-in-law, Ikego and three precious grandchildren, Cordell, London, and Shiloh, who take a very active part in the ministry as well.

God said in His word that He would bless us with pastors after His heart, who would feed his people. We are truly blessed to have such a one as Bishop Austin. God has ordained him to step up to the plate, refuse mediocrity in ministry at any level, and lift up the name of Jesus. He is focused on the vision that God has given to him-SOULS. His vision is yet to lead souls to Christ, nourish them in the Word of God, clothe, feed, heal, bridge the generation gap, promote the family, and expand God’s Kingdom. Bishop Austin has continued the church to be a launching pad for ministers, missionaries, and deacons to preach the Gospel of Christ, and keep the mission of Christ foremost in the NBC Ministries, delivering God’s people by the power of Jesus Christ!

Bishop Austin is a man of character, integrity, and wisdom. He constantly “Builds and Strengthens Our Community” Through The Power Of Unity and Prayer. He sponsors Prayer Vigils, Supports Community Activities, and supports School Projects that enhance the lives of our children and adults.

Bishop Austin was recommended to be an auxiliary bishop by Bishop Charles E. Blake in 2019, but due to the pandemic, he was not consecrated to the office of auxiliary bishop until June 23, 2021 by the newly appointed Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle John Drew Sheard.

Bishop Melvin L. Austin stands on Christ the solid rock. Through his leadership, not only has this ministry unfolded, but it has and is constantly expanding. Bishop Austin gives all the Glory to God for the great things He has done in his life.