Candidate Credentials
Hampton University 1995
Master of Divinity
Boston University School of Theology 1998
Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2004
Oxford Round Table Participant
Oxford University, Oxford, England
Hundreds of souls brought to Christ
New ministries established:
University of Michigan Campus Outreach, Health and Wellness, “Bridge the Gap” (connecting young families with senior citizens living alone)
Cherokee County Democrats
Community Town Hall Coordinator for Senator Raphael Warnock
Cherokee County Democrats
Founding President
Cherokee County NAACP
Vice-Chair
Credentials Committee
Chair
Credentials Committee
General Conference Commission Member
Dean and Chair of Board of Examiners
Treasurer, Atlanta – North Georgia Annual Conference
A Word from the Candidate
I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In 2024, I was blessed beyond measure to receive 876 votes in my pursuit of the episcopacy—an overwhelming show of love, trust, and belief in the vision God placed in me. And though we fell short, we do not feel defeat—only deep gratitude.
Today, after much prayer, reflection, and encouragement, I am honored to announce that I will once again offer myself as a candidate for Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a candidate, I am still committed to confronting challenges, embracing innovation, and centering our faith.
This journey is not about a title. It is about a testimony.
It is about being FOCUSED on the assignment God has given—
- Focused on building the Church,
- Focused on equipping the people,
- Focused on preserving the legacy and lifting the future.
Focusing Forward to 2028, I again seek your prayers, your trust, and your partnership. Together, with clear vision and unshakable focus, we will press forward toward what God has already prepared.
I am standing on the same promise that brought us this far:
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. (Revelation 3:8)”
In Christ’s Service,
Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr.
#Focused2028
Focus On Jesus
Our focus begins with Jesus. Jesus is the center of everything that we accomplish and must be the focus of all that we do. As we focus on Jesus, He also brings other key areas into focus. These key areas are the platform through which the FOCUSED campaign is based.
Confronting Challenges – Head On
(1) We must be fearless and faithful in addressing our challenges when presented—remaining proactive—not reactive.
(2) We cannot sweep our challenges under the rug in anticipation and expectation our problems will go away.
(3) We must confront challenges such as social justice inequities, challenges with a changing world, as well as challenges within our Zion and throughout the Kingdom of God.
(4) We will remain steadfast as we seek God’s presence and providence in seasons of difficulty.
Embracing Innovation In Problem Solving
(1) The Seven Last Words of the Church are, “We Never Did It That Way Before”.
(2) We must have a willingness to bring every person, ministry, organization, and society to the table to have a healthy dialogue for the direction of our Zion.
(3) We witnessed innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic, churches were able to modify policies and practices in church administration, worship, and fellowship.
Faith Centered
(2) The Bible teaches us that faith is the substance of things hoped for—while being the evidence of things not seen. Our faith reminds us that regardless of what we see before us—God still has so much in store.
(3) We must be focused on our faith in Jesus—as we focus on Jesus—in order to press on and embrace God’s calling for us.
