Biography of Bishop Neil C. Ellis
In every generation, in every nation, God raises up ordinary men to achieve extraordinary exploits. Men from humble beginnings that understand the value of hard work and never hesitate to express gratitude along the way; Neil Clarence Ellis is one such man.
Born to parents with strong Christian values on the tiny island of Bimini, The Bahamas, Bishop Ellis is the seventh child of Mr. Clarence and the late Mrs. Elva Ellis. At the tender age of 11 years, his oratorical skills catapulted him into the national spotlight and won him a scholarship from former Prime Minister of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling to attend one of the premier high schools in the capital city of Nassau. Upon graduation, he matriculated to the College of The Bahamas and served as President of the College of the Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS) and was the first inductee in the school’s Hall of Fame.
Bishop Ellis is known for his astute business and leadership skills and has been in leadership from age 19. This former businessman/general manager heard and accepted a higher calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at a very early age. In February 1987 he and his wife organized Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church with 11 charter members. This marked the beginning of Bishop Ellis outstanding pastoral influence both locally and internationally. Bishop Ellis has emerged as the pastor of thousands at Mount Tabor Church and thousands more via his Internet Church, Mount Tabor Anytime. Each week his soul-stirring, life-changing, motivational, inspirational and revelatory messages are viewed on television, heard on radio stations and streamed on the internet.
As a pastor to pastors, He mentors a large number of pastors around The Bahamas and the United States and serves as a counselor and advisor to hundreds of pastors around the world. Bishop Ellis is passionate about the Word of God and its ability to transform lives and has travelled throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, North, South and Central America, Europe, Africa, Israel, Greece and Rome preaching the gospel. He has been recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England for rendering distinguished services in Commonwealth nations. He has also shared his wisdom on spiritual matters in the 12 practical books he has authored that challenge, motivate and inspire readers.
For twenty years he served faithfully in various offices in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International ranging from State Overseer to 2nd Presiding Bishop, an office that he held until his resignation in August, 2013.
In November, 2013 Bishop Ellis humbly answered the call to his global assignment making his influence visible globally with the launch of The Global United Fellowship, an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change, as well as expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. It is for this reason he says, “I was born.”
He is the recipient of two honorary Doctorate of Divinity degrees from St. Thomas Christian College, Virginia Theological Seminary and College as well as an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Sojourner Douglas College. He earned his PhD in Covenant Leadership from New Covenant University.
He is also the recipient of the 2010 Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment and is the youngest living inductee in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2010 his song, “Don’t Do It Without Me” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award in the gospel music industry.
Bishop Ellis is married to the former Patrice Michelle Johnson and they along with their two children, Johnathan and Ranechea, reside in Nassau, Bahamas.