Our Jurisdictional Prelate
Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II is a fourth generation member of the Church Of God In Christ and follows in the steps of several generations of men and women in the Swan family serving in the ministry. A native of Springfield, MA, Bishop Swan is the son of the Fred Allen Swan, Sr. and Delois Fason Swan. Bishop Swan first acknowledged and accepted his calling into the Gospel ministry at the age of fifteen and was subsequently ordained in 1991 by Bishop L.C. Young, prelate of the Massachusetts First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Bishop Swan attended the University of Massachusetts and subsequently graduated from Western New England College where he majored in computer science. He later attended Charter Oak State College where he received an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies. His dedication to the art of preaching and his desire to prepare for pastoral ministry led him to Hartford Seminary where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in Theology and to Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry. He also holds graduate certificates from Hartford Seminary in Black Ministries and Harvard Divinity School in Faith Based Economic and Community Development. He is currently completing a D.Min. at Piedmont International University.
Bishop Swan served as youth minister at the Spring of Hope Church Of God In Christ before founding the Solid Rock Church Of God In Christ in 1994. With God’s divine guidance and Pastor Swan’s committed leadership Solid Rock flourished, serving the community through several ministries, including a food pantry, youth ministries and television and radio broadcasts. In January 2009, the Solid Rock and Spring of Hope Churches merged and Rev. Swan was installed as pastor on May 31, 2009. Under his current leadership, Spring of Hope is experiencing a period of numeric and spiritual growth. The church serves the community through vibrant worship services, prayer hours, youth, adult and senior services along with several other active ministries. Bishop Swan has a shepherd’s heart and is committed to serving God’s people. He is passionate about preaching the Gospel and proclaims God’s word with power and conviction during worship services, teaching sessions and through the television, radio and internet. His relevant message is in high demand and he is sought after to preach across the nation.Bishop Swan is a consummate community activist and is respected for his work in the area of human rights across the region.