Introducing our 2026 GOTS speakers

Apostle
Garfield Curlin
Senior UX Designer, TELIL
Apostle Garfield Curlin is a native of Cadiz, Kentucky. Through the life and prayers of his mother (Rachel Sellers) and the merciful hand of God, Apostle Curlin was saved at the age of 21. He joined the Community Church of Deliverance in Michigan City, Indiana where he served faithfully in the ministry under aleadership of his pastor, the late Elder Edward Carnes. While attending Community Church, Apostle Curlin was dedicated to prayer and was actively involved in prison and street ministries. Apostle Curlin returned to Kentucky and after conducting a city-wide crusade, he began his Pastorate as the founder of All Nations House of Prayer in 1985. The church started with a meager following, but moving from faith to faith and glory to glory, the ministry now operates a state-of-the-art edifice with a growing congregation and progressive vision. God has called Apostle Curlin to operate in the five-fold ministry as Teacher, Pastor, Evangelist, Prophet and Apostle. In 2004, Apostle Curlin established Light of the World International Fellowship Ministries and currently serves as the Presiding Prelate. He is also the Founder and CEO of Garfield Curlin Ministries, an organization that conducts crusades Nationally and Internationally. Through his teaching, preaching, and praying, many lives are changed and souls are won for the Kingdom of God. Apostle Curlin gives all of the glory to God for the great things He has done in his life. He also acknowledges the elders who influenced his life and ministry, such as the late Elder John Brascom, the late Dr. Theresa Martin, the late Mother Estella Boyd, the late Dr. Jesse Stacks Sr. and his brother, the late Dr. Donald Curlin. Apostle Curlin received his doctoral degree from North Carolina College of Theology in Wilmington, North Carolina. Apostle Curlin seeks to empower others through many faucets to include his book, "Dealing with Disappointment". He is married to the Elect Lady, Mary Curlin, the proud father of Latiya Kirby-Curlin and David Curlin, and an even prouder grandfather of Cadence and David Jr

Overseer
Evan D. Risher
Artist, Action Items LTD
Evan D. Risher is an innovative leader and inspiring communicator who is deeply passionate about making a difference in both ministry and the marketplace. As the visionary founder of Ramp Church Texas–Fort Worth, with an affiliated campus in Los Angeles, he also holds a Master of Theology degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. As an author, entrepreneur, songwriter, and pastor, Evan’s journey is rooted in faith. His mission is to reach as many people as possible with the love and Gospel message of Jesus Christ, while also equipping others to walk in their God given purpose. Above all, he values being known as Lashala’s husband and takes pride in being the father of Contessa, Kaelyn, and Everson.

Bishop
Michael A. Blue
Creative Director, HERO PAS
Michael A. Blue was born in North Carolina and was reared from infancy in Sellers, South Carolina. He graduated from Francis Marion University. B. A. in English (1985). In 1986 he became an English instructor at the Marion High School. He served as an award winning educator for twenty-five (25) years. After attending The Greater Highway Church of Christ, Latta, SC. and The New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Sellers, SC, where he served the church in many capacities, Bishop Blue joined the Born Again Church of Jesus Christ (Bishop John W. Barber) – 1977, where he served the local church as musician, Sunday school teacher, and youth president. He preached his first official sermon and was licensed in July of 1980, and was ordained an Elder in August of 1987. He served the Born Again Church in various state and national functions. Bishop Blue aught high school English from 1986 through 2011. In 1988, Began a Black History Month choir at Marion High School. He developed choir into an elective credit-earning course renamed the Marion High School Gospel Chorus. Bishop Blue received many honors in his chosen field including Being named MHS Teacher of the Year 2002-2003, and Being named Marion District One Teacher of The Year 2003-2004. In 1990, he founded the Chosen Generation Community Youth Choir creating an outlet for youth to participate in a holistic artistic expression and allowing God to so mark them so that many of them are leaders in the Kingdom even to this day. On June 8, 1991, the Elder Blue, was joined in holy matrimony to the former Malinda J. Tarte of Camden, NJ. To this union two children — Michala and Michael II (a.k.a. “B.J.”) — have been added. In August of that year, he began to teach a Bible study in the home of a co-worker’s relative. This Bible study was destined to evolve into a local church. In February of 1992, Elder and Sister Blue became the founding pastors of The Door of Hope Christian Church having received special inspiration from Revelation 3:8, “Behold, I have set before thee an open door…” Consecrated to the bishopric in December of 1997, he served as an assistant diocesan and a diocesan from 1997 until 2000 and as Presiding Prelate of the Christian Covenant Fellowship of Ministries (CCFM), from its establishment in December of 2000 until the present.

Pastor
Nathaniel L.Green
Creative Director, HERO PAS
Superintendent Nathaniel Green, An inspiration to all generations, Superintendent Nathaniel L. Green is a servant leader dedicated to the practical and spiritual development of men, women, and youth around the world. His passion for worship and the Word of God has created a ministry of transformation to those who are in pursuit of truth. In 2015, Pastor Green was appointed as the Pastor of Grace Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Dallas, TX, as well as the Superintendent of the Grace Fellowship District of the Texas Northeast Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, led by Bishop Nelson J. Gatlin. After years of impactful servitude and faithful leadership as Vice President of the International Youth Department (IYD) of the Church of God in Christ, Pastor Green was elevated in 2021 to the seat of President of the International Youth Department, serving under the leadership of Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Pastor Green was raised in the fear and the admonition of the Lord by his mother Lady Naomi G. Ward. He also carries a rich legacy established by his grandparents, the late Bishop Samuel L. and Vivian F. Green, Jr. He is blissfully married to Lady Kennisha L. Green, who serves faithfully with him in life and in ministry. They are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Nathaniel Jr. and Karis. He is the evidence of transformation and an international advocate for discipleship, determined to bring men, women, and children of all backgrounds to Jesus Christ.
