Rev. Dr. Rodney Coles Sr. – Biography 

Rev. Dr. Rodney Coles Sr. was born in New York City, where he began serving in ministry as a youth at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Harlem and later at St. Luke Baptist Church. In 2000, he answered the call to Christian ministry and graduated from New York Theological Seminary.

To deepen his spiritual foundation, Dr. Coles continued his theological development through the Disciple Class at St. Luke Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. J.G. McCann Sr. (A.A., B.A., M.Div., S.T.M., D.Min.).

In 2006, Dr. Coles relocated to North Carolina, where God called him to begin his own ministry. In January 2007, he founded The Children of God in Christ Church in Greenville, NC—anchored in the mission of building God’s Kingdom, God’s community, and God’s people.

Later that same year, God gave Dr. Coles a vision to reach individuals not connected to the body of Christ. From that vision, Churches Outreach Network was birthed. This ministry provides referrals, resources, assistance, and hope—especially to those who do not attend church or have not yet accepted Christ. Dr. Coles believes that while many inside the church are already saved or on the path to salvation, there remains a great need to reach those beyond the church walls.

Through Churches Outreach Network, Dr. Coles unites pastors, ministers, community leaders, and local businesses to serve as one network—ministering the Word of God, fellowshipping, and meeting community needs. The organization is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3).

From this work, numerous initiatives have emerged, including:

• Interfaith Clergy — bringing leaders together monthly to address community needs

• Cop & Clergy Underground — strengthening relationships between law enforcement and faith‑based organizations

• Community Feeding Our Children — providing 3,000 food boxes to children

• Crossing the Bridge — supporting child‑abuse prevention

• ENC Chaplain Program — training clergy and community leaders in AED, CPR, crisis response, and death‑notification in partnership with sheriff, police, and fire departments

• Youth Business Program — empowering young entrepreneurs

• Fatherhood Program — strengthening men and families

• Reentry Program — supporting individuals returning to the community

• ENC Clergy Resources Hub — equipping churches with program development, computers, grants, training, and 501(c)(3) assistance

• Toys for Tots Coordination — serving 14 counties and providing millions of toys to children over 14 years

• Kingdom Men Program — helping men return to their God‑given position and purpose

• Community Insight Broadcast — sharing vital information with the community and special guests

• Mental Health First Aid Certification

• Fresh Hope Facilitator Trainer

• GriefShare Facilitator Trainer

• Stewards of Children – Darkness to Light Trainer

• NAMI Pitt County President

• NAMI FaithNet North Carolina Representative — advocating for mental‑health awareness and support

Rev. Dr. Coles continues to serve with passion, vision, and a heart for restoring communities through faith, service, and unity.