Bishop Charles H. McClelland, Arts '74
A Person for Others AwardHelen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
A Person for Others Award
Bishop Charles H. McClelland, Arts '74
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
This is Bishop Charles McClelland's favorite quote from his favorite book. His actions would tell you that even if he didn't.
This native Tennessean learned about Jesus from his mother, who was his role model for being Christ-like. She no doubt watches his life's work from above with great pride.
After being the only one of nine siblings to attend college, earning his bachelor's degree in sociology at Marquette, Charles allowed the Lord to direct his path. He is pastor of Milwaukee's Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ and founder/president of the Word of Hope Ministries Inc., which offers hope and help through the Word of Hope Family Resource and Technology Center. From substance abuse support programming and youth mentoring to job training and placement and individual and family counseling, Charles is a "servant leader," ministering to the holistic needs of his congregation.
In 2008, Charles received the title and responsibility of bishop for the Wisconsin Northwest Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. He says the role is a "privilege and honor" because it calls him to follow the model Jesus provided in a new way, assisting other pastors in their efforts to meet the needs of their congregations.
For Charles, it's all part of his path — and his faith — "trusting God to fulfill His purpose and plan for my life."
Having role models in the church and community has helped shape the course of his life. In turn, Charles is a role model for us all.
Fun facts about Charles
Someone (past or present) he’d like to have dinner with: President Obama
