Superintendent Larry Bell Sr. is a native of New Orleans, LA. He did not grow up in the Church of God in Christ, but “married” into it– with his father-in-law, Superintendent Robert P. Jones, Jr. being his first example of COGIC ministry for Christ. He gave his life to the Lord and was baptized under Supt. Felton Talley, Sr., pastor, Faith Temple COGIC where he served for 11 years as Sunday School teacher, Minister of Finance and Men’s auxiliary president. Later he united with New Horizons COGIC under the pastorate of Dr. Oliver Haney, Jr. who served as Dean of C. H. Mason Seminary, President of Interdenominational Theological Center, and Bishop of Northern Georgia First.
After appropriate training, Supt. Larry Bell was licensed as a minister and he was subsequently ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by Bishop Oliver J. Haney, Jr. Supt. Bell has learned through experience and education in biblical doctrine. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Education from Beulah Heights Bible College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion from Liberty University and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Supt. Bell is also nationally certified in Pre-Marital and Marital Counseling.
Superintendent Bell served as a member of New Horizons Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Oliver J. Haney Jr. for 11 years where his passion has been teaching the word of God and reaching out to all with the Word of God. At New Horizons Church of God in Christ, Supt. Bell served on the Sunday School Staff and was a passionate and knowledgeable, and wise Sunday School Teacher. He served as head of the Prison Ministry; president of the Men’s auxiliary and as chairman of the jurisdictional AIM Convention for the Northern Georgia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
It was also during his time at New Horizons that Supt. Bell developed a passion for prison ministry, and teaching and preaching the Word to those incarcerated. Supt. Bell and his wife, Dr. Bell developed and taught the first educational course in technology for those men about to reenter a world that that would be totally different than when they started their sentences. Supt. Bell continues to serve as a volunteer chaplain at the Atlanta Transitional Center, Fulton County Jail, and Prison Fellowship Ministries.
In 2011, the Lord called Supt. Bell to found and establish the Living Stone Church of God in Christ. The Lord was with him and miraculously blessing through every step of this journey. Supt. Bell was later appointed as the Superintendent of Atlanta South District of Northern Georgia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He continues to serve faithfully in the office of Superintendent of Greater Zion District, Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Bishop David Allen Hall, Sr. General Board Member – Jurisdictional Prelate.
Supt. Larry Bell is a family man. His wife of 54 years is Supervisor, Dr. Patricia Bell (Rome Italy Jurisdiction). He is the father of three sons: Elder Larry Jr. (Roni), Elder Marc (Ajaryl), Minister Gerren (Mindy) and one daughter, Arianne B. White (Elder Terrell) – that number has grown to 4 daughters, four sons, 7 granddaughters, 5 grandsons and continues to grow.
He holds to and it continues to be his desire that his life follow the model of 1Timothy, 3rd chapter:
Blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, apt to teach: Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.
Some of his favorite encouragements to his congregants:
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” “You will do well if you follow the tenets of the Bible.” “I won’t complain!” “Don’t be weary in well doing: for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not.”