About Us

The youngest child born to the late Sister Lachelle and the late Brother William Whitaker, Pastor Whitaker is gifted with wisdom beyond his years. Having acknowledged the calling on his life, he faithfully served the latethe late Superintendent Golden C. Ferguson, his spiritual father and the founder of Missionary Temple Church of God in Christ. It was during those formative years with Superintendent Ferguson that his spiritual growth and leadership were nurtured. He acknowledged the call on life and became an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ. The late Bishop John H. Sheard, Jurisdictional Prelate of Michigan Southwest First recognized his commitment to God and appointed him Pastor of Fenkell Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ. 

There he served, along with his wife, Lady Latoya for over 13 years. During that time, he became the Superintendent of District #9, the youngest Executive Board Member and Chairperson of Superintendents for Michigan Southwest First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. 

In 2020, the Pastor and Head Deacon of Missionary Temple Church of God in Christ were called to Glory. Not one to leave his spiritual family vulnerable, Pastor Whitaker consulted God and informed the membership of his desire to return home church. 

October 16, 2020, Superintendent LaVell M. Whitaker was appointed by the late Bishop John H. Sheard to lead Missionary Temple Church of God in Christ and the Ferguson Memorial District. Since his appointment, the church has continued to thrive and undergone building renovations without incurring additional debt. The annual outreach effort where all services are held in the parking lot for one summer month to evangelize, feed and clothe the community. 

Currently, he serves as Administrative Assistant to Bishop Ethan B. Sheard in the Michigan Southwest Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Most recently, Pastor Whitaker was elevated to Chief of Security for the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ. 

Pastor Whitaker is married to the love of his life Lady Latoya. Celebrating 25 years of marriage together they are parents to Jim and Lavelle Jr. as well as grandparents. 

Retired 2010 from the Detroit Police Department after 16 years of service, Pastor Whitaker continues to demonstrate his commitment to build God’s kingdom because “It’s an honor to be on the Lord’s program!”