SHOCKWAVES rippled through the Full Gospel Baptist community yesterday when Bishop Neil C Ellis announced his resignation as the second Presiding Bishop and as a member of the Bishop’s Council of the church’s international community with immediate effect.

After 20 years of service to the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, the Senior Pastor of Mount Tabor said he was satisfied, after “much prayer and reflection” that the Holy Spirit is now leading him to bring this season of his life in the fellowship to a close.

As he expressed his gratitude to God for “guiding his heart, hands, and mind over the past 20 years”, Bishop Ellis said he has transitioned from “role to role” in the fellowship.

In his letter addressed to the International Presiding Bishop Paul Morton, Bishop Ellis recognised the members of the Bishop’s Council for the respect and cooperation extended to him over the years.

“It is left only for me then, to give thanks. Thanks to you for the opportunity to serve and for the support you have given to and confidence you have placed in me over the years. Thanks to the members of the Bishop’s Council, for the respect and cooperation extended to me particularly during the last 11 years while serving as 3rd and 2nd Presiding Bishop. I wish God’s choicest blessings on each of them.

“May God bless you and First Lady Morton during your final years on the frontline of the Fellowship; may He be allowed to guide the hands and the work of the International Presiding Bishop-Elect and may God smile upon the future of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International,” Bishop Ellis wrote.

This decision by Bishop Ellis comes on the heels of a surprise move that shocked the international and local Christian communities, when Bishop Ellis stepped down from his campaign for the leadership of the Fellowship at July’s international conference in Louisville, Kentucky. At that time, Bishop Ellis pulled out of the two-man race for the leadership of the Christian group stating that he wanted “to avoid a possible division within the fellowship.” Bishop Joseph Walker III of Tennessee was eventually chosen as the successor to Bishop Morton who will be stepping down from his role as lead pastor in 2015.

Since his announcement was revealed yesterday, scores of supporters have flooded social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and on religious websites sending messages of love and support to Bishop Ellis. Many persons, through these outlets, offered prayers of support and thanks for his work through the years, with others noting that they had anticipated this move given the outcome of the July conference.

When The Tribune visited Bishop Ellis’ church yesterday, we were informed that he would not be available for comment on this matter at that time. However, it is expected that he might make a statement at some point today.

In his response, Bishop Morton wrote: “This is a loss for us as we are very sorry to see him depart. He has worked faithfully through the years and every promotion he received he fulfilled with excellence. Personally, it saddens me that he’s not remaining until my term ends in 2015 but God knows best. Sometimes we expect things to turn out differently from what God has planned for us but I still believe that our steps are ordered by The Lord!

“The process that God gave to us to elect the next Presiding Bishop, involving the Bishops’ Council (his peers and the leading body of this great fellowship) was fair and honest. This great council of Bishops heard God’s voice through much fasting and prayer. Of course, Bishop Joseph Walker won the majority vote of his peers.

“This does not mean Bishop Ellis was not qualified; he is a great leader but I truly believe for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Joseph Walker is our leader for this next season.

“Full Gospel, God has blessed us with Bishop Walker. He is one of the greatest spiritual and innovative leaders of this generation! When I look at his awesome ministry, which is second to none, and his successful tenure as Bishop of the Senior Pastors’ division (which has grown and developed way beyond my expectations), I’m confident that he will take this great fellowship to the next level. I’m Godly proud to call him our next leader and I am personally excited and am looking forward to serving under him.

“Join me in welcoming Bishop Walker as our next leader. We must keep him in our prayers. Please do not allow the media to turn this season of transition into something negative. With change comes change but there’s no split. God has been faithful to us and I know he will cont inue to do so.

“The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship is and will remain strong, vibrant and impactful to this generation and the generations to come.”