Pastor James L. Bell

Pastor Bell was born to the late Mr. Eddie L. Bell Sr. and Mrs. Pearlie M. Bell on January 21, 1967 in Sikeston, MO. Pastor Bell is the youngest of twelve children. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and retired after 20 years and 15 days of dedicated service. On February 7, 1997 he married Ms. Diane Alexander in Pensacola, FL. He is the father of four children: Jessica, James II, Jasman (deceased), and Kiyana Bell.

Pastor Bell received his call to the gospel ministry on November 21, 1996. He was ordained as an Elder in the Northwest Florida COGIC State workers meeting on March 9, 1999. On October 30, 2004 Pastor Bell asked God to let him retire from the Navy and go full time into the ministry. God answered his prayer request by allowing him to start God’s House of Refuge on Sunday June 4, 2006 and he was selected as the Head Chaplain for the Bayside Care Center in Lexington Park, MD that same year.

Pastor Bell’s unwavering faith in God allowed him to become the founder of the first Church of God in Christ Ministry in St. Mary’s County Maryland and to serve as the first head Chaplain at Bayside Care Center. Pastor Bell currently serves as the Executive Director of the Minister’s Alliance of St. Mary’s County and Vicinity. He is also a member of the Minister’s Alliance of Charles County and Vicinity. Pastor Bell is a minister who strives to work for the entire community.