Meet The Instructors

Dr. Nancy Jones

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Dr. Nancy Jones is a seasoned preacher, teacher, pastor, author, and Kingdom leader with over 44 years of ministry experience. As Chancellor of the Dr. Nance Ministries Biblical & Ministry Institute, she is committed to equipping, empowering, and educating believers through sound biblical teaching and practical ministry preparation.

Dr. Jones is the Pastor and Founder of New Life Ministries, Founder of Dr. Nance Ministries LLC, and Founder of Homeland Ministry International. Her ministry has been devoted to developing leaders, strengthening believers, and helping individuals discover and confidently walk in their God-given calling.

As a trusted voice in the Body of Christ, Dr. Jones brings decades of preaching, teaching, leadership, and hands-on ministry experience into the classroom. Her passion is to impart what God has entrusted to her to the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

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“Equipping, Empowering & Educating Kingdom Leaders.”

Bishop Timothy Griffin

Bishop Timothy Wayne Griffin, II is the Senior Pastor of Saint Paul Sounds of Praise in Newark, New Jersey. Called to the ministry from the tender age of 7, he is no novice to the pulpit and public ministry. He Pastored the City of Victory Sounds of Praise in Sylvania, Georgia for 10 years until he was asked to serve at the Matrix (Mother Church) of the Sounds Of Praise. He was consecrated to the Bishopric in May of 2015. He is the youngest Bishop consecrated in the History Of The Sounds Of praise. 

He was Educated at Toccoa Falls College and is currently enrolled at Ashford University majoring in Business administration. 

He serves The Sounds of Praise Kingdom Fellowship Ministries, Inc. under the leadership of Apostle Allen H. & The Honorable Janice Simmons. He has served in a number of capacities within the national church. He currently serves as the Adjutant General as he is the Bishop of Protocol, The Chair of the Board Of Directors, and The Chair for the national planning committee.

He serves as an advisor on several non-profit and philanthropic boards. He is an author, Psalmist, and gifted orator. He travels internationally preaching the Gospel.

He is known throughout the Body of Christ for his kinsmenship to the sons of Issachar because he knows and understands the times. He has a keen prophetic eye and discernment of the times.

Dr. Darrell Ravenell

Soulful, passionate, and expressive are words often used to describe Dr. Da’rrell Ravenell. He is an accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, ordained minister, educator, author, and motivational speaker who has shared his gifts throughout the United States and Europe.

Dr. Ravenell serves as Worship & Arts Pastor at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, where he leads a choir of more than 100 voices. He has also served as an advisor and director of the One Accord Gospel Choir at Charleston Southern University, helping it grow from seven to more than 90 members.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ravenell has performed with renowned jazz and gospel artists, including Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Shirley Caesar, Marvin Sapp, and Dorinda Clark-Cole. His musical projects include Intimacy, Passion, and Breathe. He is also the author of Changing the Thinking of the Thinker. Through music, ministry, and mentorship, Dr. Ravenell continues to inspire and empower others.

Dr. Shawneya Ellis

Dr. Shawneya Ellis is a visionary strategist, inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women to move from pain to power, healing to wholeness, and purpose to fulfillment.

She is the author of several notable works, including Memoirs of an Overcomer, Hungry for Healing, Mogul in the Making, and Be Your Own Beautiful. Through Shawneya Ellis Publishing, she provides editing, publishing, and ghostwriting services to emerging and independent authors. She is also an accomplished producer, playwright, and director whose creative work has included numerous stage productions, conferences, and special events.

Dr. Ellis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling, a Master’s in Leadership, and a Doctorate earned in 2022. She is also a Certified Chaplain and Trauma-Informed Awareness Trainer for the State of Delaware.

As the visionary founder of The Healing Center, a nonprofit organization providing compassionate and transformative support to survivors of sexual assault and the community, Dr. Ellis remains committed to promoting healing, wellness, empowerment, and restoration. Her life and work reflect her belief that today’s trials can become tomorrow’s testimonies.

Apostle, Dr. Ira Roach

Dr. Ira Roach III is a seasoned faith leader, leadership strategist, author, certified speaker, coach, mentor, and community advocate with more than 30 years of ministry experience. His life and ministry are dedicated to helping individuals grow spiritually, personally, and professionally while discovering and fulfilling their God-given purpose.

Throughout his years of ministry and leadership, Dr. Roach has equipped individuals in the areas of leadership development, personal growth, faith, entrepreneurship, mentoring, second-chance success, and building healthy relationships with God and others. Through teaching, speaking engagements, leadership resources, digital platforms, and community initiatives, he continues to encourage others to lead with purpose, integrity, wisdom, and faith.

As an instructor with the Biblical & Ministry Institute, Dr. Roach brings decades of ministry and leadership experience into the classroom, providing students with practical and biblical principles for effective leadership. His passion is to develop strong Kingdom leaders who are prepared to serve with excellence, influence their communities, and make a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God.

Dr. Dionne C.Smith, LPC

Dr. Dionne Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), Co-Pastor, educator, and mental health professional with more than 15 years of behavioral health experience.

A third-generation preacher and leader, Dr. Smith has devoted her life to ministry, counseling, teaching, mentoring, and empowering others toward emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. She earned her Doctorate in Biblical Psychology from Hope Bible College and brings together her experience in faith, psychology, counseling, and personal development.

Dr. Smith serves alongside her husband, Bishop Michael L. Smith, as Co-Pastor of New Covenant Christian Center and Jericho International Ministries in Louisiana. Her passion is helping individuals experience healing, develop healthy coping skills, overcome barriers, and pursue lives of purpose, wholeness, and spiritual growth.

Dr. Tonya Pierce

Dr. Tonya R. Pierce is a native Delawarean and graduate of Wilmington University’s Doctor of Education program in Innovation and Leadership. With more than 22 years of experience as an educator, she currently serves as a district-level administrator.

As an educational leader, Dr. Pierce is committed to preventing educator burnout, strengthening leadership capacity, and helping youth and young adults reach their fullest potential. She is also an influential voice who inspires others to pursue their purpose with passion and intentionality.

In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Pierce is an ordained elder with more than 18 years of experience serving ministry leaders. She has served as Chief Adjutant, supporting bishops and other leaders within the College of Bishops.

Dr. Jemine Wayman CNM, DON

Dr. Jemine Wayman, a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is an accomplished healthcare professional with more than 28 years of experience in the medical field. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Public Health and Nursing, a master’s degree in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing degree. She is also a registered nurse and Certified Nurse-Midwife.

As a health educator, Dr. Wayman has served in various leadership capacities, helping individuals understand the importance of maintaining good health and adopting healthier lifestyles. She is also an ordained Elder who faithfully serves in ministry and is actively involved in community service. Her extensive knowledge, professional experience, ministry leadership, and passion for wellness make her a valuable asset to the Biblical Ministry Institute.

Dr, Isaiah Felder

Dr. Isaiah M. Kilgo-Felder is an accomplished pastor, leader, educator, mentor, and Kingdom servant committed to equipping others through faith, biblical education, and leadership development. A native of Seaford, Delaware, his personal journey of overcoming early academic challenges has shaped his passion for growth, education, and service.

With more than 15 years of ministry experience, Dr. Kilgo-Felder has served in various capacities of ministry, developing a strong foundation in leadership, teaching, mentorship, and service. He currently serves as Pastor of City of Refuge in Milford, Delaware, where he continues his commitment to strengthening believers and advancing the Kingdom of God.

As an instructor with the Biblical & Ministry Institute, Dr. Kilgo-Felder brings his experience as an educator, pastor, and mentor into the classroom to encourage students in their personal, spiritual, and ministry development. His passion is to equip believers with the biblical knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to serve effectively and fulfill their God-given purpose.

Dr. Kilgo-Felder is also a devoted husband and father who values faith, family, ministry, and community.