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CONSCIOUS: Bishop Wilton Powell

NATIONAL OVERSEER of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) Bishop Wilton Powell is one of the UK’s most influential and socially conscious black church leaders.

He has received an OBE from the Queen for his community work – he was a founder member of Nehemiah Housing, which is the biggest social project started by a UK black Pentecostal church – and has supported numerous social action projects initiated by the COGOP, including educational charity Black Boys Can and RAFFA International Development Agency.

Bishop Powell is adamant churches should meet social needs. He said: “It is my opinion that the Gospel is holistic and touches all aspects of human life. From this vantage point the projects that are developed reflect this holistic aspect of life and new aspects of church.”

Bishop Powell was appointed National Overseer in 2000. It is work he enjoys, particularly as he’s helping put Christianity back in the public arena.

One of the things he has done is demonstrate church unity by forging strong links with the heads of the two largest black denomination here in the UK, Bishop Eric Brown, of the New Testament Church of God and Rev Agu Irwuku of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Bishop Powell believes united leadership is important. “It will give a powerful and unified voice that will influence the moral and spiritual direction of this country,” he says. “There are legislations, which will have far reaching consequences in the way our members project their faith in this society. It is important that our members see their leaders standing firm in our beliefs at this crucial time.”

It’s no surprise Bishop Powell became a church leader. He was born in Jamaica to committed Christians, and came to England during the latter part of his childhood. His father, Joseph N Powell, was a prominent COGOP minister, who led a congregation in Harlesden, north London, for many years.

His dad had a major impact on his life. “My father was a deeply spiritual man and had a great appetite for learning’” Bishop Powell says. “He was a motivator, who inspired all who were around him to achieve at the highest levels.

“If I have taken anything from his life, it is the idea that spirituality requires a searching mind, with self-discipline, to achieve one’s objectives.”

Leading a large denomination comes with its challenges, but Bishop Powell is up to it and has big plans for COGOP.

“I would like to build a vibrant church, reaching all segments of our society with confident leaders who are visionaries, equipped and empowered to reach beyond the narrow boundaries that society has prescribed for our faith,” he says.

Published: 14 June 2010
Issue: 1427

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