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ABOUT US
The purpose of You're Church (You Are Church) is to teach and preach the gospel to all people, conduct evangelistic and humanitarian outreach, to provide covering and accountability for those who do not participate in traditional church and to corral those in the cyber world with no spiritual direction. To use technology in a way to spread the gospel and interact with members.
SHEPHERD IVAN COATS
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I’m me, a guy who serves God and in doing so have found myself here, the Shepherd of You’re Church. Believe me I did not start off as a shepherd, not even close. And with that said, everyday I continue to work to the faith. I was born in Beaufort, South Carolina and I am a southern boy by heart, however, I’m not eating any chitterlings…lol…
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I am a P.K. (Pastor’s Kid) so I did grow up in church, and like some when I got of age I went on to do what I wanted until that day God called me home to take his Word and Kingdom seriously. I went to Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia and there the best thing happened to me. I met my wife Lakisha Coats. After a few year of courting and dining and bribing, she said yes. We now are the proud parents of two boys; Duane (Tre) Coats, III and Jordan (J-Money) Coats.
I have served diligently in the church for years and in 2012 God allowed me to start Common Knowledge Ministries. The vision of that ministry was to spread the Word of God so that it was known and understood and became “common knowledge” to those that would listen. With that ministry I spoke God’s word consistently weekly up until the start of You’re Church.
You’re Church… wow… already in my belly, but birthed during the pandemic. As people began to be at home, not going back to church; God showed me that his people where listening to anything and were like sheep without a shepherd. He said Ivan, I need for you to shepherd my people on social media corral them in and hold them accountable.
Ivan Coats is a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, cousin, nephew, teacher, preacher, listener, worker, provider, helper. But most importantly, he’s a child of God just like you and he wants you to know that; the church is not the building, the storefront, the tent, the four walls; but that YOU ARE CHURCH and at You’re Church our vision is to show you that. That is who I am and that is who God has made me.
LAKISHA COATS
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Lakisha Coats is a dedicated wife and mother who loves love. Lakisha is originally from Richmond, VA.
One would never think that an Army brat living all over the world would end up in Virginia where she would meet Ivan Coats. There, he did everything he could to win her over and as you see the Lord was on his side then and the Lord is still on his side. She is now residing in St. Louis with her loving husband Ivan and kids Duane III and Jordan. Lakisha currently has a career in Human Resources, which she loves.
Growing up in church with her Grandmother, Lakisha understood the power of God and the power of prayer. She and Ivan have a joke that the reason he can’t sing is because she prayed to God for a husband that couldn’t. She got what she prayed for …lol… So when you hear Shepherd Ivan singing, just look her way.
Serving in the church in multiple capacities such as Children’s Leader, Admin Assistant, choir member, Lakisha never thought that she would be the First Lady of a church, however as a Woman of God, she understands the responsibilities of being a First Lady and her goal is to lead and serve with love.
Meet The Team
Elder-Elect
Moneka Coats
Moneka Coats is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina, but currently resides in Northern Virginia, where she has resided most of her life. She is a member of Word of Faith Christian Fellowship. She accepted Jesus at an early age and truly strives to have a heart of Christ. In January 2015, Destiny Awaits was birthed by God and founded by Moneka. Destiny Awaits currently ministers to all genders, all races, and all ages with messages of encouragement, improvement, correction, impartation, and inspiration. Expect to see You’re Church and Destiny Awaits collaborating in future events. As a school administrator, she holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. which makes her a “Double” sister to Shepherd Ivan Coats. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Sheldon
Cole McAfee
Dr. Sheldon Cole McAfee serves as an elementary school principal within St. Louis County and the city for 12 years. Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Sheldon attended the Historically Black high school Wendell Phillips HS Academy where he graduated salutatorian in 1998. Dr. McAfee received his undergraduate degree from Alabama State University in Elementary Education. He earned his first Master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery, and his second Master’s degree in Educational Administration from University of Missouri- St. Louis. Dr. McAfee graduated Maryville University St. Louis 2018 with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. McAfee’s passion for education stems from his family where his mother, uncles, aunts, and his siblings are all teachers. He is married to his high school sweetheart Kia, and together they have two children. One of his favorite saying is, “Education is the silver bullet that can cure all of society’s ailments.” He firmly believes that a better-educated populace creates a better community. Dr. McAfee has published three children’s books, “Everybody Came to Daddy Chuck’s Funeral”, “Mr. Wish” and the “ABC’s of Anti-racism”. He is currently working on a graphic novel series to be released soon. Dr. Sheldon McAfee is not only a board member, but the Executive Vice-President of You’re Church.
Kia McAfee
Kia McAfee is excited to be a part of the vision for You’re Church. She loves the Lord, and knows her purpose is to serve. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and two children. Kia holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management but her passion is event planning. She is currently working to turn that dreams into reality. Becoming who she is and who God has made her to be, puts her in position to Live with purpose!
Elder-Elect
Darrell Brown
Darrell M. Brown, the Assistant Musical Director of the Stellar nominated Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University, originally from Bronx, New York, is a modern day ‘renaissance man’ with many gifts ranging from educator to music producer. Darrell graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Music Education. He also holds two master’s degrees, an M.B.A. from University of Maryland Global Campus and a M.A.T. from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is a passionate educator serving as Vice Principal in the District of Columbia Public Charter School System, supporting students and teachers at KIPP DC Honor Academy. Elder-Elect Darrell is an ordained Minister and serves as the Minister of Music at Word of Faith Christian Fellowship Church in Dumfries, Virginia. He is the founder of Darrell Brown Ministries, LLC (DBM), a Christ-focused music ministry based in the Washington, DC area. Their latest musical release, ‘Let Your Glory Reign’ can be found on all digital music platforms. For more information visit his website: www.darrellbrownministries.com
Lynn Rice
Miss Lynn is real and brings that to board of You're Church. A mother of three wonderful children, Lynn is still standing after all she's been through, she is a testament of the comfort, courage and strength God can give you. With her life's experiences, she plays an important role on the board; one of which is keeping Shepherd Ivan Coats grounded. Always keeping it real, expect to hear from Miss Lynn from time to time. Her wisdom and knowledge is vast will definitely help someone out.
Overseer
J. Lewis Moore
Overseer J. Lewis Moore III is a native of Richmond, Virginia. Born to Bishop J. Lewis Moore II and Pastor Lucinda Sydnor, he was destined for greatness. He is a 3rd generation son of the Church of God In Christ and currently serves as Episcopal Overseer within the Tennessee Eastern 1st Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of his grandfather Bishop Felton M. Smith, Jr. He is the founder and pastor of Revival Temple Ministries COGIC in Memphis TN & Rock Hill SC. He also serves as district Superintendent of the Revival District within his jurisdiction. Most of all he is the proud father of 2 children Jamont Joel & Jamiya Iris Moore which are his pride and joy. Overseer Moore brings all of that experience and knowledge to the board of You’re Church to help push the vision and mission of You’re Church.
Marshelle Davis
Minister
Matthew Robinson
Matthew has a gift to connect to many and various people. This is an asset to connect with the many members of You're Church. His love for the people of God is real and the empathy he feels as an intercessor is one that keeps him in constant prayer. Matthew can share biblical principles and show how they can apply to everyday life. You’ll be hearing from Matthew from time to time as he shares God's wisdom and his guidance as he helps us lead the world to Christ.