Pastor Emeritus

Bishop Walter E. Jordan, Sr.

Bishop Walter Earl Jordan was born on June 11, 1940 to Sylvia and Felix Jordan in Mansfield, Ohio. A child prodigy, Bishop Jordan was blessed by God with the gift to play the piano at age three. Beginning at age seven, he traveled extensively as a revival pianist. At the age of nine, Bishop Jordan accepted Christ and joined the St. John Church of God in Christ, under the pastorate of the late Elder John Edward Ward. As an accomplished pianist and organist, Bishop Jordan expressed his love for the Lord and music, serving as church musician. He later answered his call to Word Ministry, joining the ministerial staff. Bishop Jordan received his early education through the Public Schools of Mansfield. He continued his studies at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, Ohio State University in Mansfield, Ohio and the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. Bishop Jordan married Ms. Shirley Ann Ralls on September 12, 1964. They are the proud parents of Nikki Darlene (Christopher) Thorpe, Addi Louise, Walter Earl II (Andreanna), and Sylvia Caprice. They are wonderfully blessed with two granddaughters, Christin Nikole and Tilo Shirlee, and three grandsons, Nikolas Christopher, Christopher Neal and Alec Walter.

In 1965, Bishop Jordan was appointed Pastor of the Greater St. John Church of God in Christ. Bishop Jordan served as a true and humble Shepherd, providing and sustaining ministries that meet the multifaceted needs of men, women and children. Sister Shirley Jordan is an inspirational and diligent servant in the ministry. In August of 1992, the church dedicated a new "mortgage free" multimillion dollar sanctuary under his leadership. Debt free renovations of the old sanctuary resulted in the completion of an educational wing and commercial quality kitchen facilities in the fellowship hall. Bishop Jordan's unique and powerful presentation of the gospel has helped to edify the body of Christ. After 40 years of faithful service, Bishop Walter Jordan entered into retirement from pastoral service on May 30, 2004. His legacy continues at Greater St. John under the current leadership of his son, Dr. Walter Jordan II.

Bishop Jordan was consecrated as Jurisdictional Prelate of the Ohio First North First jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ on October 21, 2000. Vision and anointing are the hallmarks of his ministry in serving the Jurisdiction. During his tenure, Bishop Jordan served honorably and with distinction as Jurisdictional Prelate. He is described by others as a gracious, innovative and progressive Man of God. Under his leadership, the Jurisdiction has grown to a collective of 115 congregations representing large and small, urban and rural churches, throughout the State of Ohio. “Reclaiming the Ministry of Community” was the Jurisdictional theme for the first year of Bishop Jordan’s administration. Every level of ministry was challenged to reach out beyond our congregations to impact the community. As reflected in the Ohio North mission statement, the Jurisdiction has worked to edify the body of Christ on every level by “Encouraging individuals, equipping local churches and their leaders, and enhancing districts.” The Bishop exercised visionary gifts by developing an infrastructure from which to supply benefits, expertise and technical support to local churches in all areas.

On March 29, 2008, Bishop Jordan entered into retirement to focus on his health and recovery after a period of illness. Following his tenure, the Ohio North Jurisdiction is committed to carry on his strong legacy of vision and excellence in ministry.