Archbishop Dr. Jean V. Wilson is a native of Mt. Vernon, New York, born the sixth of nine children to the late Matthew and Victoria Middleton. She is the devoted mother of Bishop Cynthia W. Ushry and the proud grandmother of two grandsons, Sheldon Body Jr. and Matthew A. Ushry. She also delights in her two great-granddaughters, Rayna Aaliyah Body and Brooklyn Shelia Body.Archbishop Jean began her academic journey at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, where she earned a B.S. degree in Business Education. She later received her Master of Divinity in the Psychology of Pastoral Care from Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA (1992). In 2002, she earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, with a specialization in The Minister as Spiritual Director.Her ministry began in 1966 within the Fire Baptized Holiness Church (FBH). She served faithfully as Pastor of New Solomon Temple FBH in Atlanta from 1981 to 1991. She then transitioned to the United Methodist Church, where she pastored in multiple capacities from 1991 to 1998. In June 1998, she became the Senior Pastor of Asbury Mt. Olive UMC in Topeka, Kansas, serving until 2002. That same year, she broke barriers as the first African American Associate Pastor of the 5,400-member St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana-a historically majority-Caucasian congregation. In 2005, she was appointed Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where she served until her retirement in June 2010.In 2011, Archbishop Jean joined Light of the World Christian Tabernacle, where she was consecrated as Bishop. In 2015, she founded Cornerstone Fellowship International in Atlanta, Georgia-a fellowship created to provide covering for churches and para-ministries in need of spiritual oversight, mentorship, and apostolic guidance. She is also the visionary behind Grace Institute, a powerful training and ordination ministry that equips, affirms, and launches leaders in the five-fold ministry.Committed to soul-winning and spiritual healing, Archbishop Jean hosts The Fellowship every fourth Sunday-a service centered on salvation, healing, and deliverance. Her ministry extends globally. Since 2018, she has ordained, consecrated, and affirmed approximately 152 individuals in the United States and abroad, including regions throughout Africa-particularly Kenya-and Pakistan.On November 5, 2022, Archbishop Jean V. Wilson was consecrated to the sacred office of Archbishop in Decatur, Georgia.With a heart for God's people and a mantle for leadership, Archbishop Dr. Jean V. Wilson continues to raise up and release Kingdom leaders who are equipped to serve, heal, and disciple across generations and nations.
