Bishop Michael L. Mitchell

Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District.

My Story

Called to serve, anointed to lead—Bishop Michael L. Mitchell walks in the power of God's hand, building legacy, lifting communities, and answering the call with unwavering faith."

134th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District.

The hand of God has been evident on the life of Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell since he was a young child. Born in Perry, Florida, to the late Reverend Arthur L. Mitchell, Sr. and the late Mrs. Mary L. Mitchell, Michael is the ninth of their fifteen children. Bishop Mitchell is a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. While in high school, he answered the call to the ministry and preached his trial sermon at age 17.

In September 1992, Bishop Mitchell was chosen to succeed the late Bishop Robert V. Webster as pastor of Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served faithfully for 24 years before being elected the 134th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Bishop Mitchell graduated from Wilberforce University in 1982 and received a Master of Divinity Degree from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1986. He received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, in 2012. In recognition of his distinguished ministry and leadership, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a member of the 2025 Class. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Bishop Mitchell and Supervisor Cordelia served faithfully for eight years in the 12th Episcopal District, comprising the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the district was able to liquidate the mortgage of the Episcopal Residence and construct the 12th Episcopal District Headquarters, which also houses Jackson Theological Seminary. He also provided the leadership to liquidate the mortgage of the 12th District Headquarters.

On August 15, 2023, the Bishop M L Mitchell Dormitory on the campus of Shorter College was completed.

Bishop Mitchell and Supervisor Cordelia D. Mitchell have two daughters, Courtney and Channing, and son-in-law, Robert Hodges II. They are the proud grandparents of Robert Hodges III, affectionately known as R3, Campbell Alora Hodges, affectionately known as Cami, and Royce Jaxon Hodges, affectionately known as RJ.

On August 28, 2024, at the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference, Bishop Mitchell was assigned by the Episcopal Committee to the Sixth Episcopal District. Bishop Mitchell and Supervisor Mitchell believe that they have been “Called to Serve this Present Age.” Their ministry is based on the words of Jesus, who declared, “I have not come to be served but rather to serve.”