OUR STORY

The Interdenominational Ministers' Conference (IMC) of Greater Harrisburg was founded in the late 50’s by a group of Ministers lead by Reverend Franklin L. Henley. In addition to the need for fellowship among the brotherhood, the group of ministers also wanted to impact the city of Harrisburg in a positive way and provide leadership for issues confronting the community. A guiding mission statement was drafted to define the group’s purpose:

“In as much as the equality of humankind, justice, emancipation and liberation from oppression are real and moral issues which merit the full attention of any and every proponent of the Christian faith, there necessitates the existence of an organization of concerned clergy dedicated to initiating, supporting, and upholding sound and sincere efforts toward the achievement of full human dignity as well as promoting every opportunity for the realization of all of humanity's potential toward constructive productivity under God.”

The IMC provides a spiritual foundation for the Greater Harrisburg area by conducting an annual City-wide Revival. Guest preachers, a citywide choir, and guest musical talents all combine for an extraordinary, spiritual experience in the Lord. An annual Lenten series of services was started in 2018 which follows the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday weekend celebration.

The IMC has been instrumental in holding government officials accountable to the needs of the community. In 2008, the IMC collaborated to start the MLK Leadership Development Institute “to prepare and empower individuals committed to exercising creative leadership to improve conditions in the greater Harrisburg community."

In the Dauphin County prison system, the IMC worked to develop the Chaplaincy as well as financially supported the establishment of a Chapel in the Harrisburg Hospital. Thousands of dollars in Scholarships have been given by the IMC to students going to and those enrolled in college.

Currently with approximately 50 clergy members, the Interdenominational Minister’s Conference of Greater Harrisburg continues to do the work of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Greater Harrisburg area.

President of IMC

President

John Doe

Past Presidents

Reverend

Clyde W. Roach

Served from 1978 - 1990

12 years

Reverend

William M. Gray

Served from 1990 - 1992

2 years

Elder

Carl E. Hines

Served from 1966 - 1992

26 years

President

Robert E. Pierce

Served from 1966 - 2000

34 years

Reverend

Dr. W. Braxton Cooley

Served from 2000 - 2004

4 years

Bishop

David M. Screven

Served from 2005 - 2009

Bishop David M. Screven was called to the ministry in 1961. He was ordained as an Elder in 1966. Bishop Screven has been spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for almost 60 years.
In 1976, with the leading of the Lord, Bishop Dewitt A. Burton appointed then, Elder Screven as the pastor of Emanuel Church of God in Christ. In 2011, Elder Screven was consecrated a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ. He has worked on many committees for the national denomination of the Church of God in Christ, and is currently the Chairman of the Screening Committee that screens all candidates for all elected positions. Bishop Screven was instrumental in the development of the Installation of Officers ceremony for newly elected IMC officers. Bishop Screven was appointed to the position of Special Assistant to the Chairman of the General Assembly in which he helps oversee the operation of the legislative body of the national Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Screven has devoted his life to the service of others. He has coined the phrase "It's nice to be nice." Under his leadership, his local church has developed various ministries designed to enrich the total man. He currently is on the Executive Committee of the IMC, providing wisdom and leadership for all the IMC’s endeavors.

Reverend

Dr. Brenda M. Alton

REV. DR. BRENDA ALTON is a respected preacher, prophetic voice, and prayer warrior; best known as a woman of faith and a champion of perseverance. Her teaching motivates individuals, leaders of churches, and businesses to excel and apprehend their best. Her strong compassion for transformation comes through her incredible life’s journey which she contributes as the hands that have molded her into the person she is today.
Traveling throughout the United States and internationally, she has given her life to building leaders, instructing and motivating persons in their gifts and calling. As a community advocate, Brenda is a catalyst for change and a grassroots organizer who models servant leadership.
As a person of faith and an ordained minister: She founded the Kingdom Embassy formerly known as Harambee United Church of Christ (15 years as Senior Pastor), Holistic Hands Community Development Corporation, Teaching Teachers’ Bible Institute, Sweet Love of Jesus Ministries and she was the first female president of the Interdenominational Ministers’ Conference of Greater Harrisburg, served in the Office of the Mayor for the City of Harrisburg, and pursued the Office of Lieutenant Governor, Commonwealth of PA (2014); a contributor for SUAVV Magazine, the Urban Connection, and Woman Connect Magazine.
Currently, she is the CEO of BMA Resources, LLC (consulting business), and the Chief Encouraging Officer of Brenda Alton Ministries (BAM!). As the first in her family to go to college, she is a graduate of Bradford Business School, Virginia Union University, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Kingdom University, and Phoenix University of Theology. Currently, she is the System Manager, Spiritual Care Services, and a certified Chaplain, for UPMC Pinnacle and a candidate for a Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies for Nonprofit and Public Sectors (2021) through Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She sits on numerous boards and has received numerous awards and honors.
She is supported by her loving husband, Thomas Alton, and she treasures her blended family of 7 children, 11 grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Brenda Alton walks in the hope of Jeremiah 29:11, loves God and God’s people, and believes leaving a legacy is more important than becoming a legend.

Apostle

Dr. A. E. Sullivan, Jr.

Apostle Dr. A. E. Sullivan, Jr. was baptized in 1972 and gave his life to the Lord in 1974. He has been in Kingdom Ministry & Christian Service since April 1980 and he is the Founder & Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Victory Outreach Christian Church (VOCC) in Harrisburg, PA., which was established in January 1999.
He is the Founder & Chief Apostle of GTGAN, which has churches & ministries in 60 nations.
Apostle Sullivan has preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in over 150 cities in 32 nations in North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Caribbean and Middle East to different people of various nationalities, religions, denominations, and socio-economic backgrounds. He has been invited to preach in over 100 nations.
Bishop Sullivan spoke and advocated many times at the PA. State Capitol as he fought for the voters, taxpayers, churches, families, minimum wage workers, labor unions, public educators, small business owners, minority contractors, and many other groups across the Commonwealth of PA.
Apostle Sullivan served in numerous capacities, roles and positions over the years including The IMC of Greater Harrisburg: Executive Board Member, 1st Vice President, and President.

Reverend

Dr. Earl L. Harris

OUR STORY

President of IMC

Past Presidents

Served from 1978 - 1990

12 years

Served from 1990 - 1992

2 years

Served from 1966 - 1992

26 years

Served from 1966 - 2000

34 years

Served from 2000 - 2004

4 years

Served from 2005 - 2009

Served from 2015 - 2019