New Birth Church of God In Christ

OUR PASTOR

 

 

 

Levell Baldridge was born August 29, 1960 in East St. Louis, MO. His parents, mother Lewis Jean Baldridge and father, Levi Leak. In 1968 at the age of eight years old, Levell moved to Detroit, MI with his three siblings and mother.  Levell attended and completed his education in the Detroit Public School system, he was better known as Reverend Gym Shoes by his peers. He has always been passionate about God.

 

As a young boy in 1970, playing in the neighborhood on Kercheval Ave., he peeked in the door of Evangel C.O.G.I.C.  and was arrested by the Holy Spirit. In 1971 Levell was baptized at Evengel C.O.G.I.C. at the age of eleven. While growing up in the Church of God In Christ he learned the importance of a sound doctrine and being involved in his church. Levell credits his mentors Mother Freedonia Charles, Mother Madgerine Cyars, Deacon Charles, Mother Foster, Mother Clara Baylis, Mother Queen E Reed, Elder David Cyars and of his Pastor (Dad) James A. Smith Jr.During his work in the ministry he became a Junior Deacon then elevated to Deacon. Levell was a leader for the Boys League while he ministered to the young men. Then from 1986 to 2007 he received his calling to the ministry role and was elevated to Minister by Pastor Superintendent James A. Smith Jr. Pastor Smith saw a young man ready to trailblaze God's Word throughout the communities.  Under the tutelage of ministry leaders, Levell grasped essential values and moral concepts to help him become a better individual and future leader. In the Fall of 2008, Pastor James A. Smith Jr. saw a young man ready to step out and be an effective leader, so Levell was elevated to Elder Levell Baldridge.While under training he attended Detroit College of Business under the life long studies for Business for his job as a Car Salesman for Ford Motor Co. He also received a Certificate from All Saints Bible College in Memphis, TN for completion of Biblical Studies.