Bishop Nelson Jarvis Gatlin was born in the small town of Logansport LA to the proud parents of Superintendent David Gatlin Jr. and Emma W. Gatlin. He spent the first part of his life in Louisiana, he graduated from Logansport Rosenwald High in 1972. He went on to further his education at Grambling State University from 1972 – 1974. Bishop Nelson Gatlin attended Shreveport Chapter Baptist Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana and was an honors graduate of Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible College Shreveport, Louisiana Chapter.
Elder Gatlin accepted his call to ministry in 1976, shortly after answering the call to ministry, Nelson became the pastor of Keachie COGIC with his father, the late Bishop John W. White and later Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush as overseers. During the 10 years Pastor Gatlin was there, he was able to remodel the church and left a beautiful edifice. Pastor Gatlin was continually placed in leadership positions to help build and grow ministry. Most of is pastoral duties has lead him to small churches such as Ross Temple Church – Atlanta TX, Pleasant Hill Church – Longview, TX and Linden Church – Linden, TX. Although the churches were small the impact and the things God has done was great. Linden Church was by far one of the most challenging assignments given to him by the Late Bishop Frank Smith. They were able to complete a $50,000 renovation and rebuild the Linden church with 3 members and Pastor Gatlin family.
In 1995, He became District Superintendent of the Marshall District. In 1997, Bishop Smith sent him to the Mitchell Chapel COGIC in Sulphur Springs, TX where he currently serves as pastor. Superintendent Gatlin received a vision from the Lord to build, the “Yes We Can” campaign was organized. After much prayer and hard work, in 2003 the groundwork began for the 15,000 sq. ft. building that occupies over 700. In 2006 the sanctuary was no longer just a vision but it had become reality. With the help of less than 80 members it can truly be said, it was the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes. Nestled in the piney woods of east Texas sits a beautiful House of Worship, with state of the art technology, that appraises at 1.2 million dollars. And as the Lord promises in Act 2:47, the Lord is adding to the church daily.
Superintendent Gatlin has held various positions in Texas Northeast Third Jurisdiction, District Superintendent of the Marshall District, Jurisdictional Chief of Staff, Jurisdiction Chaplain, Chief Adjutant to the Bishop and Jurisdiction Financier.
This man of God has an outstanding reputation throughout the Brotherhood and is known for his dynamic preaching of old-fashioned HOLINESS. Many Souls have been saved, healed, and delivered during the course or his ministry. With his help, God has restored and established many other ministries. His motto is: “If I can’t help you, I won’t hurt you.”
In May of 2015 Bishop Gatlin was selected by his peers in the Texas Northeast Third Jurisdiction to be the new leader and appointed Bishop. On November 8, 2015 Bishop Gatlin was consecrated into this office in St. Louis, MO by Chief Apostle Charles Blake.
After the demise of Bishop Frank W. Smith, in of May 2015, Bishop was selected by his peers in the Jurisdiction to become the Jurisdictional Bishop. On November 8, 2015, Bishop was consecrated to the office of Jurisdictional Bishop of Texas Northeast Third. Bishop is an historian; he believes we should remember those who have gone before and remember their legacy. Family is important to Bishop; he is married to Kathern Gatlin and spends time with his grandchildren and adult children.
Elder Gatlin accepted his call to ministry in 1976, shortly after answering the call to ministry, Nelson became the pastor of Keachie COGIC with his father, the late Bishop John W. White and later Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush as overseers. During the 10 years Pastor Gatlin was there, he was able to remodel the church and left a beautiful edifice. Pastor Gatlin was continually placed in leadership positions to help build and grow ministry. Most of is pastoral duties has lead him to small churches such as Ross Temple Church – Atlanta TX, Pleasant Hill Church – Longview, TX and Linden Church – Linden, TX. Although the churches were small the impact and the things God has done was great. Linden Church was by far one of the most challenging assignments given to him by the Late Bishop Frank Smith. They were able to complete a $50,000 renovation and rebuild the Linden church with 3 members and Pastor Gatlin family.
In 1995, He became District Superintendent of the Marshall District. In 1997, Bishop Smith sent him to the Mitchell Chapel COGIC in Sulphur Springs, TX where he currently serves as pastor. Superintendent Gatlin received a vision from the Lord to build, the “Yes We Can” campaign was organized. After much prayer and hard work, in 2003 the groundwork began for the 15,000 sq. ft. building that occupies over 700. In 2006 the sanctuary was no longer just a vision but it had become reality. With the help of less than 80 members it can truly be said, it was the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes. Nestled in the piney woods of east Texas sits a beautiful House of Worship, with state of the art technology, that appraises at 1.2 million dollars. And as the Lord promises in Act 2:47, the Lord is adding to the church daily.
Superintendent Gatlin has held various positions in Texas Northeast Third Jurisdiction, District Superintendent of the Marshall District, Jurisdictional Chief of Staff, Jurisdiction Chaplain, Chief Adjutant to the Bishop and Jurisdiction Financier.
This man of God has an outstanding reputation throughout the Brotherhood and is known for his dynamic preaching of old-fashioned HOLINESS. Many Souls have been saved, healed, and delivered during the course or his ministry. With his help, God has restored and established many other ministries. His motto is: “If I can’t help you, I won’t hurt you.”
In May of 2015 Bishop Gatlin was selected by his peers in the Texas Northeast Third Jurisdiction to be the new leader and appointed Bishop. On November 8, 2015 Bishop Gatlin was consecrated into this office in St. Louis, MO by Chief Apostle Charles Blake.
After the demise of Bishop Frank W. Smith, in of May 2015, Bishop was selected by his peers in the Jurisdiction to become the Jurisdictional Bishop. On November 8, 2015, Bishop was consecrated to the office of Jurisdictional Bishop of Texas Northeast Third. Bishop is an historian; he believes we should remember those who have gone before and remember their legacy. Family is important to Bishop; he is married to Kathern Gatlin and spends time with his grandchildren and adult children.
