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OUR LEADERSHIP

Bishop Dr. Paul L. Fortson

Pastor

Bishop Paul L. Fortson is the Senior Pastor and founder of Paradise Church of God In Christ in Forest Park, Georgia. He also serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Barbados & Caribbean Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC), a role he has held for over 25 years. Known for his compassionate pastoral care, dynamic preaching, and commitment to community service, Bishop Fortson is a respected leader both locally and internationally.

A native of Atlanta, Bishop Fortson graduated with honors from George Washington Carver High School and received a Band Scholarship to attend Morris Brown College. He served three years in the United States Army, including two years in Germany as a Pay Specialist. In 1975, he accepted his call to ministry and was ordained as an Elder in 1977. In 1984, following divine guidance, he founded Paradise Church of God In Christ.

Under his leadership, the church has grown significantly and expanded its outreach efforts. In 2003, the Paradise Gymnasium & Cultural Center was opened to serve the community, offering programs aimed at youth development, education, and family support. Bishop Fortson’s vision for the church and its impact on the community has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Bishop Fortson is married to Evangelist Carolyn C. Fortson, and they have two sons: Elder Dr. Paul Quentin Fortson and Elder Mark Kevin Fortson.

In recognition of his contributions to ministry and community service, Bishop Fortson has received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been inducted into the Carver High School Hall of Fame, received the Key to the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and was inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity Board of Preachers in 2018.

Bishop Fortson’s leadership is characterized by a deep love for God and a steadfast commitment to serving His people. His life and ministry continue to inspire and impact countless individuals around the world.

Elder Dr. Paul Q. Fortson

Assistant Pastor

Dr. Fortson is the son of Bishop Dr. Paul L. and Evangelist Carolyn C. Fortson and serves as Assistant Pastor at Paradise Church of God In Christ in Forest Park, Georgia. In addition to his pastoral duties, he serves in various leadership roles within the Barbados & Caribbean Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC), including as a jurisdictional secretary, administrative assistant, and episcopal adjutant.

A fourth-generation member of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC), Dr. Fortson has been connected to ministry throughout his life.

Beyond his ministry and business endeavors, Dr. Fortson is an advocate for social justice and community engagement. He serves as the Social Justice and Community Liaison for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s office, where he works to address issues of equity and justice within the community.

Dr. Fortson’s commitment to service and leadership is further demonstrated through his involvement in various community boards and associations, including the National Black MBA Association and the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity Board of Preachers. He has also had the honor of serving as the Georgia House of Representatives’ “Chaplain of the Day.”

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Fortson continues to impact his community through his multifaceted roles in ministry, business, and civic engagement, embodying a life dedicated to service and empowerment.

Dr. Fortson also serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Paradise Ministries Institutional (PMI), a Christ-centered, community-focused organization based in Forest Park, Georgia. PMI encompasses several entities, including Paradise Church of God In Christ, Paradise Community Development Corporation (PCDC), Paradise Childcare and Development Center, and Paradise Real Estate. In his role, Dr. Fortson oversees the day-to-day operations of these ministries, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission to serve the community and spread the gospel.

Dr. Fortson’s academic achievements include an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Brevard College (1993), a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Theology from Xavier University of Louisiana (1999), a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans (2002), and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the C.H. Mason Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center. His doctoral research focused on social justice and public policy, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue within the church and its communities.