Antioch Temple

Pastor Lionell Shields

 

Elder Lionell Shields was born February 25th in Accomack, Virginia. He entered the United States Air Force in 1969. While serving honorably for 23 years and 10 months, he received many Commendation Medals. 
The Lord called Elder Lionell Shields to the ministry in 1972, and he began preaching in August of that same year in Taichung Taiwan, Republic of China. He moved to Panama City, Florida in 1973 and was appointed Pastor at Antioch Temple COGIC in March 1977. In September 1979, he moved to Phoenix, AZ and established a church in their home, with the help of the Lord The church grew and many souls were changed, strengthened and revived in the Lord.In April 1982, Pastor Shields was transferred to Sembach AFB in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In July 1982, Elder Lionell Shields became Assistant Pastor to the Installation Chaplain (I.V. Tolbert), at the Gospel Service. In March of 1983, the first “Gospel Extravaganza” was held. Choirs from all over Germany were invited and some from Belgium and the Netherlands. The participation was so great that the base theater had to be secured for the service. The Lord moved mightily! The “Gospel Extravaganza” became an annual event.

 

Elder Shields worked faithfully under Chaplain Tolbert until his (Tolbert’s) departure from Germany in July 1983. Elder Shields was then appointed Pastor of the Sembach Gospel Service. The Lord used Elder Shields to teach the Word in a unique and powerful way. Many souls were saved, filled with the Holy Ghost and inspired to study the Word of God. The Gospel Services continued to grow. Under Elder Shields’ ministry the Lord raised up ministers who are now out in the vineyard. Elder Shields continued his work in Sembach until his departure for Washington, D.C. in May 1987. Pastor Lionell Shields lives by and teaches others to likewise,“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

He is a man of God determined to do God’s will and to serve this present age. He is a man of faith. He is sometimes thought of as being like Solomon because he too asked for wisdom and knowledge as well as understanding before he started building. And just as Solomon, Elder Shields continued to lead people in love and peace for he kept faith in God.

Pastor Shields is a loving husband and a great family man. He was married to the late First lady Veronica Lake Shields and from that union he has 8 children, three girls and five boys. He also has 19 grandchildren. He is now married to the new love of his life Lady Marilyn Shields, who also has 1 daughter who lives in Los Angeles, California.