Music Department

Elder Stenneth Powell, Jr.

Elder Stenneth Powell, Jr.

President

 Elder Stenneth Powell Jr. has dedicated his life to serving under the leadership of Bishop Stenneth Powell since January 2004. He has played a vital role in the North Carolina Second Jurisdiction’s music department since the entrance of Abundant Life Cathedral into this jurisdiction.

Throughout his tenure, he has worked alongside esteemed leaders, including Bishop C.E. Anderson, Bishop Otis Lockett, Senior Bishop Jerry Wayne Macklin, and currently, Bishop Stenneth Powell. As Minister of Music at Abundant Life Cathedral, Elder Powell has overseen numerous projects, events, and services, showcasing his commitment to fostering a vibrant musical ministry.

His dedication extends beyond the local church, as he has faithfully provided musical assistance to his national church whenever called upon. Elder Powell’s passion for ministry is rooted in a lifelong commitment to serving God. He understands the importance of availability in fulfilling his calling and has been instrumental in expanding the music department at his local church from a single choir to multiple ensembles.

In addition to his ministry, Elder Stenneth Powell Jr. is a loving husband and father. He cherishes his relationship with his lovely wife, Tiffany Nicole Powell and is proud of his daughter, Ayanna Powell, who is currently pursuing her college education. A man of faith, Elder Powell is dedicated to serving God in every capacity, embodying the spirit of service in all aspects of his life.

Minister Justyz Gibson

Minister Justyz Gibson

Vice-President

Minister Justyz Gibson is a dedicated servant of God, committed to using his gifts to impact the Kingdom. He is an active member of Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC, where he faithfully serves under the leadership of Bishop Stenneth Powell Sr. Minister Gibson contributes to multiple areas of ministry, including the Music Department, Social Media Team, and Media & AV Sound Team. With a deep passion for worship and music, he serves as both a musician (drummer) and choir director, helping to cultivate an atmosphere of praise that uplifts and inspires. He also serves as the Vice President and Youth Liaison for the NC 2nd Jurisdiction Music Department, working to bridge generations through worship and musical excellence. Minister Gibson believes in the power of equipping young people to serve God while they are in their youth, living out the charge found in Ecclesiastes 12:1—“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” This conviction led him to establish Generation Now Inc., a kingdom-focused youth ministry dedicated to empowering and equipping young people to walk boldly in their faith and purpose. Through Generation Now, he also serves as a conference host and worship night host, creating transformative experiences that bring believers together in unity and pursuit of God’s presence. Minister Justyz Gibson remains committed to his calling, striving to lead with excellence, faithfulness, and a heart for the next generation.

Kylese Hamond

Kylese Hamond

Vice-President

Kylese Hammond is a dedicated, purpose-driven professional in customer/client services, digital marketing, brand strategy, and management. Known for her innovative approach and keen understanding of executive leadership, Kylese has successfully spearheaded several marketing and business development projects for many years. Born and raised in Michigan, Kylese began her professional journey as an executive assistant at a Fortune 500 company. She later decided to move to Charlotte, NC to be closer to her family and to further her professional pursuits in administration.

Fueled by her passion for creativity, Kylese finds joy in singing, exploring new destinations through travel, and immersing herself in the wisdom found within the pages of books. Committed to making a meaningful impact, Kylese prioritizes inspiring others to pursue their aspirations and break through barriers, embodying the essence of true leadership and empowerment. Her proven people-oriented skills to develop and promote positive outcomes has strategically prepared her to be a part of the Split Second family!

Missionary Robin Henderson

Missionary Robin Henderson

Vice-President

A native of Louisville, KY, Robin Henderson believes that the world must hear the “Good News” with power and conviction. She’s been proclaiming the Savior in song for over 50 years, and knows she’s been anointed and appointed by God for such a time as this.

Lady Henderson has been highlighted on four Gospel Music Workshop of America albums.  She was blessed to win the 2006 McDonald’s Gospel Fest Northwest Female Soloist Award as well as ITM’s 2009 Gospel Soloist Female and 2011 Gospel Female and Female Soloist of the Year. Her personal projects include: Lord, I Come, In Hymn I Sing, My Heart’s Song, and The Disciples’ Hymns, and she will begin working her fifth project in February 2023.

She was honored as a WA State Gospel Legend in May 2016, and as a Pacific Northwest Gospel Great in September 2017. From 2014-17, Ms. Henderson participated in Gospel Christmas, singing with the Oregon Symphony and the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus in Portland, OR. She was one of several recording artists featured on the 20th anniversary of Gospel Christmas live recording, leading “Sacrifice of Praise”, in December 2017.  

Under the direction of Paul Caldwell, in April 2018, she sang with the Seattle Women’s Chorus at McCaw Hall – Seattle, and with the Seattle Men’s Chorus at Benaroya Hall in June 2019 & March 2022.  Life Center Church in Tacoma WA graciously included her in their production of “The Christmas Train” as a featured soloist in December 2021 under the direction of Dr. Kenton Lee. 

In America – coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, Cuba and Nairobi Kenya, she has shared her music.

She’s been blessed to open for and/or share the stage with many gospel and secular artists, including: Rev. James Cleveland, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Crystal Aiken, Dorinda Clark Cole, Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, Zacardi Cortez, Maranda Curtis, Nikki Potts, JJ Hairston, Patti LaBelle, and Tobey Mac, Vickie Winans, Yvette Williams, Jekalynn Carr, LaShun Pace, Chrystal Rucker and Shawn Bigby.

She served in the US Navy from June 1982 to April 1985. In 1983, while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, she met her husband, then SGT Ernest L Henderson, USMC. He retired as Master SGT in 1999.  They know the importance of God being firmly at the head of their relationship. God has given them 41 years to love one another. Their union has produced a legacy of seven awesome children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Evg. Henderson accepted her call to the preaching ministry in 2003, was licensed in December 2004, and ordained in March 2012. She established Robin Henderson Ministries in 2008. She is an active member of Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC, Raleigh, NC, under the leadership of Bishop Stenneth E. Powell, Sr. She also serves as a Vice-President of the North Carolina 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction’s Music Division, led by President Elder Stenneth E. Powell, Jr., and under the leadership of Prelate Bishop Stenneth E. Powell, Sr.

Lady Henderson has been highlighted in several stage plays/musicals: “Working”,  “The Big Payoff”, “Remember Me, Lord”, “Love Me Right” and “Shoutin’ On Credit”.  

 She loves spending time with her family (particularly her grandchildren), reading, watching movies, cooking, lemon/cherry candy, and shoes. Her favorite scripture 1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Sheena Saraita Dukes

Sheena Saraita Dukes

Vice-President

Sheena Saraita Dukes was born in Baltimore, MD and is the youngest of five. Raised most of her life in Columbia, SC she calls Columbia her home. Her spiritual rearing was cultivated at then 9558 Two Notch Rd. Family Worship Center Church of God in Christ where her Godfather the late great Bishop Derrick W.D. Hutchins Sr, taught and preached the word of God.

She developed a passion for singing and worshiping at the early age of three years old and has been doing it ever since.

She is the proud wife of Minister Jonathan Dukes, and the bonus mom to Aiyana and Kameron Dukes.

Sheena prides herself in being a Cavalier, graduating from Richland Northeast Highschool where she participated in the marching band, as a flag girl, chorus, and the gospel choir. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Marketing and Management from the Art Institute of Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science in Health services with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from ECPI University. She currently serves as the Legislative Coordinator for the Richland County Legislative Delegation and Veterans Affairs Office, Columbia, S.C.

Ministerially, Sheena serves Perfecting Faith Church in Blythewood, SC, under the leadership of Pastor, Superintendent Dr. Warren D. Robinson. Her roles within the church include serving as the youth choir director, member of the praise team, and a part of the Women’s Department “Fun” committee.

Inspired by the words of Apostle Paul in Romans 12, in its entirety, Sheena wholeheartedly believes every word of the text and lives it daily with the help of the Lord.

Sheena states her mission is “to share the love of Jesus Christ and win souls for the Kingdom of God through servitude and in alignment with the vision of my leader; to ensure the vision is carried out in excellence”.

COGIC International Music Department President

Dr. Myron Williams

Dr. Myron Williams

President

COGIC International Music Department Vice-President

Evangelist Kierra Sheard-Kelly

Evangelist Kierra Sheard-Kelly

Vice-President

Singer | Song Writer | Actress | Activist

Just how mesmerizing is Kierra Sheard’s voice? Captivating enough to shut down a noisy audience until you can hear a pin drop.

Case in point: Sheard’s recent Grammy Week performance at BET’s annual Music Matters showcase. Those lucky enough to be in the audience were treated to a brief but powerful set that included a song about insecurities, both physical and emotional in her latest single, “Flaws,” as well as a goose bump-raising cover of the Mary J. Blige classic “No More Drama.” That colorful versatility provides the creative blueprint for Sheard’s contemporary urban inspirational sound.

“It’s about singing an inspiring song that everyone can listen to,” explains Sheard, “especially those people who may never step foot in a church. It’s about R&B/hip-hop and gospel beats mixed with Coldplay and other pop/rock sounds—but always with a positive message.”

Sheard delivers that and more on her Stellar Award-nominated fifth album, Graceland (Karew Records), which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s and iTunes’ Gospel Albums charts. Leading off with the exuberant pop-infused single “2nd Win,” the set is now spinning off its second single, the ballad “Flaws,” which provides an introspective about life’s insecurities.

“I know I try to claim that I’m flawless then I look in the mirror,” says Sheard, who confesses to an ongoing battle with weight. “But you have to get to the place where you’re content with what God has given you and not go by what society says is beautiful. That’s why I love and am excited about ‘Flaws’: any human being can relate to that message.”

To help further craft her signature sound, Sheard collaborated for the first time with Grammy Award-winning pop songwriter Diane Warren (Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion) on “Flaws.” She also teamed with rising songwriter/producer Harmony Samuels (Ariana Grande, Fantasia, Michelle Williams) on the ballad “Save Me.” Rounding out Sheard’s suite of collaborators: her longtime producer/brother J. Drew (“2nd Win”) and songwriters Justin Jones, Justin Brooks and Lakisha Barnes. Additional standout selections range from the folky, guitar-driven mid-tempo title track to the rap-accented anthem “Moving Forward.”

Triggering what is arguably her best and most versatile work to date, Graceland brims with self-introspection and lessons learned as a fearless Sheard bares her soul and shares a revelatory journey that anyone can personally embrace. Her versatility, however, stretches beyond music.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in psychology from Wayne State University, Sheard is currently working on a master’s degree in clinical psychology. A budding entrepreneur as well, she started her own clothing line June 20, 2015 entitled Eleven60 (www.myeleven60.com).

A self-professed “people person,” Sheard fervently believes in giving back. She’s the founder of BRL (Bold! Right! Life!), a national organization with 15 local chapters dedicated to youth empowerment (www.boldrightlife.org). 

Being able to “express myself and inspire others is an amazing, fun thing,” says Sheard of her various ventures. “But at the same time, I’m always trying to make it bigger and better.”

Sheard’s quest began when she launched her professional solo career in 2004. Gifted with a mezzo-soprano range soaring from angelic riffs to deep lows, Sheard is a next-generation member of pioneering inspirational group, the multi-Grammy Award winning, Clark Sisters. Its members include the singer’s three aunts and her mother, Karen Clark Sheard. Singing in her pastor father’s church from the age of six, Sheard later appeared on two songs from her mother’s Grammy-nominated 1997 solo debut, Finally Karen. One song, “The Will of God,” earned the then nine-year-old a Stellar Award for Best Children’s Performance.

After honing her skills as a backing vocalist for her mother and the Clark Sisters, Sheard came into her own. The 30-year-old Detroit native gained notoriety out of the box with her 2004 debut album I Owe You. That was followed by 2006’s This Is Me. The Grammy Award-nominated sophomore set bowed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart. Two years later came Bold Right Life and then 2011’s Free, her first album on the Sheard family’s Karew Records. Hit singles include “You Don’t Know,” “Why Me” and “God in Me.

“Fans have told me they want message-oriented music they can listen to without feeling they have to be at a revival,” says Sheard of her work on Graceland. “Quality, fun music with an inspirational message that you can play at home, in a shop or bang in your car with the windows down … that’s my calling.”

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