Superintendent Geoffrey Folkes

My journey into ministry began at a tender age, shaped by the faith and prayers of my mother. Every evening, I knelt beside her as she prayed, planting seeds of faith and dedication in my young heart. My father often recounts how my mother would declare that I was destined to be a minister, a declaration that felt like both a prophecy and a calling.

Throughout my life, God placed me in leadership roles that prepared me for ministry. Whether leading athletic teams or serving as captain of the football team, I learned early the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance. Growing up in the church, I was taught foundational principles in Sunday school. Eventually, I was asked to teach, which became a stepping stone to overseeing the Sunday school department, first at the local level and later nationally.

These early experiences in ministry taught me that leadership is not about a title but about service, obedience, and trust in God’s direction. As I grew in my calling, I was privileged to be mentored by great men of faith, including the Late Bishop R.C. Bell and Superintendent S.E. Reynolds. Their wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to God’s work deeply influenced my journey, and I remain grateful for the invaluable lessons they instilled in me.

A Ministry of Service and Community Impact

As the Pastor of Calvary Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Northumberland Park, Tottenham, since 2011, and having faithfully served as a pastor for over 21 years, I am deeply committed to making a tangible difference in the community. My role as District Superintendent of the North London District has further solidified this commitment, as I work alongside other church leaders to extend God’s love beyond the walls of the church.

Before my tenure in Tottenham, I pastored at COGIC Aston in Birmingham for 7 ½ years, where I also served as District Superintendent. These years provided me with a wealth of experience, teaching me how to shepherd a diverse congregation while balancing ministry, family, and community outreach. Today, I serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, furthering my efforts to support and develop leaders within the COGIC UK community.

I believe ministry should not only transform lives spiritually but also address practical needs. Over the years, our church has provided vital resources, including a local food bank that serves struggling families and a Safe Space initiative for women and girls fleeing domestic abuse.

In addition to my pastoral duties, I have served in various community leadership roles, including as a board member of the Haringey Safer Neighbourhood Board and Haringey Giving, and as a member of the Haringey Multi-Faith Forum, Churches Together Tottenham, and Pray Haringey. Each of these platforms has allowed me to engage with people of different faiths and backgrounds, fostering unity and addressing issues such as crime, poverty, and inequality.

I am also privileged to volunteer with a Christian charity, Pathway, which partners with primary schools in North London. Through this ministry, I share Christian education in assemblies and after-school clubs, planting seeds of faith in the next generation.

Overcoming Challenges in Leadership

Leadership, while deeply rewarding, comes with its fair share of challenges. Over the years, I have faced various obstacles, both in ministry and in community work, that have shaped me and deepened my reliance on God.

One of the most significant challenges in recent years was navigating the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought immense grief and loss to our congregation and community. As a pastor, I had to undertake numerous funerals during this period, sometimes conducting services for multiple members of the same family. It was a heart-wrenching season, as restrictions often prevented traditional mourning practices, leaving families struggling to find closure.

Beyond the personal losses, the pandemic exposed broader challenges within the community, such as isolation, mental health struggles, and financial hardship. Balancing the immediate spiritual needs of the church with the practical needs of individuals required great adaptability and resilience.

Another ongoing challenge is addressing the ever-changing needs of a diverse congregation. As a pastor, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of individuals and families dealing with issues such as unemployment, homelessness, domestic abuse, and addiction. Balancing spiritual guidance with practical support has often required innovative solutions and partnerships with other organizations to meet these pressing needs.

The Role of Family in Ministry

Family has been an indispensable part of my ministry journey. My wife and daughter have stood alongside me, offering prayers, encouragement, and active involvement in the church. Both are talented singers and powerful women of God who play key roles in our worship services and outreach efforts.

During my tenure at COGIC Aston in Birmingham, my family and I made sacrifices, traveling between London and Birmingham to ensure that ministry and family life thrived. These experiences strengthened our bond and deepened our reliance on God.

In my current position, my family continues to be my anchor. Their unwavering support reminds me that ministry is a shared calling, and their prayers sustain me during the challenges of leadership.

A Vision for the Future

The future holds great promise as we witness God’s hand moving in extraordinary ways. Our church has seen souls saved, baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are praying for a mighty revival that will not only transform individual lives but also bring healing to our community in Tottenham and beyond.

Our vision for Tottenham includes expanding our community feeding program and using it as a platform to share the gospel. We are praying for a spiritual transformation across the area, which has been plagued by high crime rates, knife violence, robberies, and drug abuse. We believe God’s power can bring hope and restoration to those who are lost and broken.

Beyond Tottenham, my vision extends to the wider COGIC UK community. I believe we are on the cusp of a national revival, and it is my desire to see the church grow in influence and impact across the United Kingdom. My daughter, Rebecca, is a renowned worship leader in COGIC UK, whose ministry inspires people across the nation. Through her leadership and anointed worship, she has been instrumental in creating an atmosphere where people can encounter God in a personal and transformative way.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of my greatest passions is seeing young people come to Christ and take an active role in ministry. The younger generation is not just the future of the church; they are its present.

At our church, we are blessed to have several young people involved in ministry. To nurture their potential, we have developed plans for mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities for them to lead in worship, outreach, and community projects.

My ultimate desire is to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to share their faith and bring others to Christ. By investing in them, we ensure the continuity and growth of the church for generations to come.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders

To those who feel called to leadership, my advice is simple yet profound: leadership is about servanthood. We are not here to elevate ourselves but to serve God’s people with humility and compassion.

Leaders must have a heart for people and a willingness to engage with the local community. Championing worthy causes, standing for justice, and being visible in the community are essential elements of effective leadership.

Above all, lead by example. Your actions should inspire others to follow Christ. Remember that ministry is not about your strength but about God working through you.