Biographical Snapshot

Bishop Clarence Kelby Heath was elected the 64th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church on June 29, 2022, during the 40th General Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Georgia native and former Army officer, he currently serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, covering Alabama and Florida.

Current Roles & Leadership

• Presiding Prelate: Fifth Episcopal District, CME Church (assigned 2022).

• Alumni Leadership: President of the Phillips School of Theology Alumni Association.

• Community Mentor: Former mentor for the Urban League and little league basketball coach.

Ecclesiastical Career

• Episcopacy: Elected while serving as pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME in Fort Worth, Texas.

• Pastoral Journey: Has led a wide array of congregations across the Southeast, including:
  Carter Metropolitan CME (Fort Worth, TX: 2014–2022)
  Greenwood CME (Memphis, TN: 2011–2014)
  Central Metropolitan CME (Jacksonville, FL: 2008–2011)
  Thirgood Memorial CME (Birmingham, AL: 2004–2008)
  Bethel CME (Sarasota, FL: 1996–2004)
  Jones Tabernacle CME (Macon, GA: 1994–1996)

• Ordination: Responded to the call at Paine College; ordained Deacon and Elder by Bishop Othal H. Lakey in the Georgia Annual Conference.

Education & Military Service

• Military Background: Commissioned Army Officer (Senior R.O.T.C.); served in the Army National Guard and Reserves; reached the rank of First Lieutenant.

• B.B.A. in Management: Augusta University.

• Masters of Divinity & M.A. in Christian Education: Phillips School of Theology at the ITC.

• Doctorate of Theology: International Theological Seminary (Focus on Christian Leadership and Guardianship).

• Advanced Studies: Postgraduate work in Psychology and Counseling (University of Sarasota) and a Doctor of Ministry (Lancaster Theological Seminary, 2023).

Historical Service & Contributions

• Educational Advocacy: Former school teacher who promoted school partnerships and developed summer school programs.

• Civic Engagement: Graduate of the Leadership Fort Worth Class of 2020.

• Full Connection: Admitted into Full Connection in 1995 within the Georgia Annual Conference.

Personal Life

Born on June 16, 1968, to Clarence Melvin and Doris Ragin Heath, he is the oldest of five siblings. He married his college sweetheart, Lakisha Young, in 1994 at Mother Trinity CME. They are the parents of two sons, Cornelius Kelby and Caleb David. Outside of ministry, he enjoys physical fitness, writing, and sports.

Bishop Clarence Kelby Heath

PO. Box 13383, Birmingham AL 35202

205-929-1145

cmec35203@yahoo.com