Our Pastor | mtolive1

Pastor Arnold C. Sheard was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 14, 1951, to the late Superintendant, Administrative Assistant Willie E. Sheard and the late Beatrice L. Sheard. He is the second child of eight, and has three sisters and four brothers.

He began a law enforcement career with the Detroit Police Department in 1973 through 1981, and continued his public service in law enforcement as a way of life. Pastor Sheard served with Harper Grace Hospital, in their Security Police Department; Highland Park Police Department; Oakland University Public Safety Department; Sinai-Grace Hospital Security Police Department, and finally, back to the City of Detroit in the Office of the Chief Investigator. He retired in 2010 as the Chief Investigator for the Board of Police Commissioners. He currently serves with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department as a Lieutenant in Security Operations.

God blessed him to earn two Associate Degrees one in General Studies, and the other in Applied Science from Wayne County Community College District; a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.

In October 1983 Pastor Sheard united in holy matrimony to Stephanie Marie Gilliard. Though they had no natural children they have helped to raise nieces and nephews and a host of other children.

Since 1985 he has served in the Church Of God In Christ as a minister, Elder and Pastor. In 1990 while under the leadership of Pastor Walter L. Bushell, Pastor of Liberty Memorial Church Of God In Christ, Pontiac, Michigan he was ordained an Elder by Bishop P.A. Brooks. After the death of his cherished mother, Beatrice L. Sheard, Pastor Sheard moved back to his home city of Detroit, and there served under the leadership of Bishop John H. Sheard, Pastor of the Greater Mitchell Temple, Church Of God In Christ until Bishop Sheard assigned him to assist his father, Superintendent, Administrative Assistant Willie E. Sheard, Pastor of Mt. Olive Church Of God In Christ, Ypsilanti, Michigan. During this service he was also appointed to the office of Chief Adjutant for Bishop J.H. Sheard and Adjutant Overseer for the Board of Bishops of the Church Of God In Christ International.

In March of 2011, after the death of Pastor Willie B. Jackson, Jr., he was assigned by Bishop J.H. Sheard, to the duty of watch-care over the Redeem Church Of God In Christ, in Detroit, Michigan. In September of that same year, appointed to serve as the Interim Pastor, and subsequently appointed as Pastor.

In November of 2014 it was his joy to have been asked to serve by Bishop Sheard, as the Pastor and chief servant of the Mt. Olive Church Of God In Christ (which has been at this location for more than one hundred years), and to follow in the footsteps of his late father. Standing upon his shoulders is a lofty perch, but with the help of God, we will rebuild the wall!

Personal Statement

"I believe that life is an experience that all are afforded by God, and to waste time, in this life is a sinful waste of what He has given us. I don’t believe in wasting what He has given me, and so, I work in the best way I can to be fruitful."

"I realize further, that a great opportunity lies before us, and we must seize the moment to make a difference in the vineyard in which we planted, and in the community in which we are lodged. The world is searching for leadership and mentoring for our youth. Our community is looking for an inheritance which may be found in God’s arms. We are up to bat, so let’s knock one out of the park for Jesus!"