Instructor
Dr. Michael A. Stevens, Sr.
Senior Ministry Consultant and Course Instructor at Udemy
About me
Educational Experience:
Doctor of Ministry with Honors, (2012)
Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
Masters of Practical Theology with Honors, (2009)
Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
Bachelor of Science in Political Science, (1992)
North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC
Professional Experience:
Founding and Senior Pastor, City Church Northlake, Charlotte, NC (1994 to present). City Church-Northlake is an innovative church with a very comprehensive vision—To Love God, Love Each Other, and Serve the World. City Church-Northlake offers diverse and cutting-edge ministries in the greater Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas affecting thousands of lives through effective evangelism, Christian education and community empowerment.
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK (2019-2021). As Adjunct Assistant Professor, responsibilities included teaching the course(s) pursuant to and in accordance with Oral Roberts University. Duties also encompassed utilizing best principal efforts including the use of a syllabus prepared for the course(s) that were being taught as well as use of textbooks, workbooks, etc., as selected by Oral Roberts University. Responsibilities involved maintaining of course records for all students and submit final grades for each student.
Ecumenical Fellowship Overseer, Cosmopolitan Fellowship of Churches International (CFCI) (2022 to present). CFCI is an ecumenical fellowship of churches and ministries that provides committed covenant, leadership covering and fellowship connection. CFCI exists to afford practical, yet proven resources to churches and ministry leaders with sound and strategic church growth principles.
African-American National Outreach Director, Christians United for Israel (CUFI), San Antonio, Texas (2008 to 2016). As African-American National Outreach Director, duties included leading and teaching various pro-Israel seminars and workshops nationwide, advancing the relationship between the Christian and Jewish communities, fostering a stronger coalition of support and advocacy.
Professional Affiliations:
Ordained Minister and District Superintendent in the Church of God in Christ (1994 to present)
Assistant Dean of Leadership Institute for National Pastors and Elders Council for Church of God in Christ (2012–2020)
Executive Board of the General Council of Pastors and Elders of the Church of God in Christ (2000 to 2015)
Publications:
Published Books
We Too Stand: A Call for the African-American Church to Support the Jewish State (Frontline Publishing, 2013)
No More Excuses: Creating a Culture in the Church That Reaches African-American Men (Creation House, 2008)
Straight Up: The Church’s Official Response to the Epidemic of Down Low Living. (Creation House, 2006)
Manuscripts in Progress
Holy Spirit Now! Understanding the Holy Spirit for Your Life Today (projected publication in 2025)
Articles and Op-Eds
The Appalling Silence of the Black Church During Israel’s Time of War (2023)
New Christian Zionists: Strengthening African-American and Israeli Relationships (2013)
Hallelujah and Happy Hanukkah, The Torch Magazine (2012)
Christian Backers of Israel Reach Out to Blacks: AIPAC Also Looks for More Support Among African-Americans, Forward (2011)
Israel's backers step up efforts to win African-American support, CNN (2011)
No More Closet Christianity, Somebody Say Amen Column, Charisma Magazine (2007)
4 Contributions of Today’s Black Church, Charisma Magazine (2007)
Teaching Philosophy
The ultimate objective of my unique teaching philosophy is to comprehensively incorporate the adult student’s critical thinking with his/her feelings to produce an effective application of responsibility—all in an environment conducive for maximum success and significance. My personal pursuit and professional quest is to academically synthesize the student’s learning experience with the values of Spirit-led influence through simplistic and practical application.
Experienced Classroom Facilitator and Organizer
Organizer and Key Facilitator for City Church Leadership Institute Seminars. Charlotte, NC (2024)
Academic Adjunct Assistant Professor for Graduate Master’s Course—Spirit Empowered Leadership (LCHM 108), Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2021-2021)
Academic Adjunct Assistant Professor for Graduate Master’s Course—Spirit Empowered Ministry (GMCM 510), Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2019, 2020, 2021)
Academic Adjunct Assistant Professor for Graduate Master’s Course—Intro to Pastoral Care (GMCM 673), Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2019, 2020)
Ministry Ethics 101: The Ministry Leader in Community: A Robust Dialogue about the Roles of the Leader in Church and Community, International Holy Convocation for Church of God in Christ, St. Louis, MO (2019)
Facilitated an 8-week seminar course based on the book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver. Charlotte, NC (2017)
Organizer and Academic Facilitator of 8-week Leadership Seminar based on the book Leadership Pain by Dr. Sam Chand. Charlotte, NC (2016)
Co-Chair and Facilitator of the National Pastors and Elders Council Leadership Institute for the Church of God in Christ. Memphis, TN (2012 to 2016)
Community Organizer and Town Hall Panelist for Crime Prevention and Youth Intervention. Charlotte, NC (2016)
Organizer and Facilitator of 10-week seminar “Comparisons of Black Wealth” based on the book, Jewish Phenomenon by Stephen Silbiger. Charlotte, NC (2015)
Organizer and Workshop Facilitator for Crisis Response and Community Involvement for Urban Initiatives. St. Louis, MO (2015)
Co-Academic Facilitator and Panelist for “Discussion on Israeli and African-American Advocacy for Israel” for Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Corporation (CJCUC). Jerusalem, Israel (2013 and 2014)
Town Hall Panelist for National Pastors and Elders Conference. Chicago, Illinois (2013)
Pro-Israel Presentation and Lecture in Jewish Synagogue. Naples, FL (2013)
Organizer and Facilitator for University City Church Men’s Retreat. Asheville, NC (2011 and 2012)
Guest Speaker and Workshop Presenter for Urban Men’s Conference. Los Angeles, CA (2011)
Community Service and Organizations
Chief Organizer and Community Leader for Media Press Conference for Local Clergy Against Teen Violence and Police Injustices (2017)
Chief Organizer for Media Press Conference for Local Clergy Against “House Bill 2” for North Carolina State Legislation (2016)
Chief Organizer of Church of God in Christ Millennial and Young Adult Leadership Tour to Israel with Ethiopian Absorption Center Outreach Efforts (2015)
Awards and Recognitions
Keynote Speaker for Samaritan’s Feet Champions of Hope Weekend. Naples, FL (2018)
Guest Speaker on Michael Baisden Nationally Syndicated Talk Show (2011, 2012)
Guest Panelist at the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Orlando, FL (2009)
Guest Speaker on Tony Brown Show Nationally Syndicated Television Show Public Broadcasting Show (2007)
Public Invocation for President George W. Bush. Charlotte, NC (2006)
Main Speaker for Charisma Book Expo, Georgia International Convention Center. College Park, GA (2006)
Nominated for 2006 “9 Who Cares” Award-WSOC TV Channel 9. Charlotte, NC (2006)
Keynote Speaker, Metrolina Chapter of Black Social Workers Conference. Charlotte, NC (2005)
"30 Emerging Voices: Who will lead the church in the next decade?" Charisma Magazine, August Edition (2005)
· Interviewed by national media and syndicated shows such as Fox News, CNN, TBN, CBN’s 700 Club, Word Channel, Harvest Show and CW affiliate KTLA in Los Angeles, CA.