Bishop Jeff Akin is a third generation Church of God minister.  He received his associate degree from West Coast Christian College in Fresno, California.  He earned a Bachelors of Art in Bible & Theology from Lee University (Cleveland, TN).  In 2000, he left Cleveland to join his father in ministry, Bishop Phil Akin, at PCOG. He became a member of the congregation that year.  Bishop Jeff started playing guitar at age 5 and playing in church services at 13.  He played with the New Vision Traveling Ensemble at West Coast Christian College while studying.  He also played with the Lee University Singers and traveled with the group around the world.  He has recorded 2 albums and is a published songwriter.

He was saved at age 4, filled with the Holy Ghost at 17 and has been preaching, teaching, playing and singing ever since.

The Word of God is his passion and he loves teaching and sharing the amazing truth of God’s Word.  He has been teaching our Wednesday night Bible study for over 12 consecutive years.  He also enjoys guest speaking at neighboring churches. Bishop Jeff loves the book of John; especially Chapter 1:1-14 and Chapter 14:1-3.  He is a student of Bible prophecy and loves teaching about Old Testament “types and shadows” that point to Christ. 

Two years after Bishop Jeff moved from Tennessee back to California, he married Shelbie and together they have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Shelbie began attending the Porterville Church of God with her grandmother from a young age and has a plethora of memories of the history of the congregation, including the transition from the “Orange & E” location to the current campus. She now serves in a variety of ways alongside Pastor Jeff, including leading the Women’s Ministry.

“There are so many scriptures to turn to as a ‘favorite’ but I always go back to James 1:2-4,” Shelbie said. “Consider it pure joy when you face the various trials of life because the testing of your faith will produce perseverance…but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Caine Sawyers is the Youth Leader for Transformed Youth along with his wife Rebecca. He is the son of Bishop Troy and Dawn Sawyers.  He was born and raised in Georgia. He also plays and sings on the PCOG worship team.  He has completed CAMS (Calling and Ministry Studies). 

Caine loves to worship through song and praise.  He loves to lead worship for the Youth Group and to teach them and break down the Word so that they can be strong in faith. 

His favorite scripture is Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Together, Caine and Becca are answering God’s call on their lives to help build up a generation of young leaders within the city of Porterville!

Congregational Leaders