Dr. Derwood L. Perkins
Administrative Bishop
Dr. Derwood L. Perkins brings over four decades of ministry experience and leadership to his current role as the Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in Mississippi. He was appointed to this position in August 2022 after serving as the Administrative Bishop of Louisiana (2018–2022) and the Midlands Region (Iowa/Nebraska) from 2014–2018. His ministry has spanned multiple pastoral roles in Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alabama, including Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Lead Pastor.
Dr. Perkins holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Carolina University (Winston-Salem, NC), a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry/Counseling from the Church of God Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN), and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Lee University. Before pursuing full-time ministry, he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky.
With deep roots in the Church of God—both his grandfathers, T.A. Perkins and R.E. Worley, were ministers—Dr. Perkins has dedicated his life to strengthening the church at every level. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lee University and the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries. He is also a former member of the Church of God Global Board of Education, the Board of Directors for Men and Women of Action, and the Board of Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor at Lee University.
Dr. Perkins holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Carolina University (Winston-Salem, NC), a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry/Counseling from the Church of God Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN), and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Lee University. Before pursuing full-time ministry, he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky.
With deep roots in the Church of God—both his grandfathers, T.A. Perkins and R.E. Worley, were ministers—Dr. Perkins has dedicated his life to strengthening the church at every level. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lee University and the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries. He is also a former member of the Church of God Global Board of Education, the Board of Directors for Men and Women of Action, and the Board of Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor at Lee University.
Bishop Shane B. Stone
Youth & Discipleship Director
For over twenty years, Shane Stone has served churches in South Carolina and Virginia in ministry roles such as children’s pastor, student ministries pastor, executive pastor, and lead pastor. Additionally, he planted and organized two Church of God congregations, one in 2007 and the other in 2018. Before arriving in Mississippi, he served as State Youth Director in Iowa and Nebraska.
Shane is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). He has also served as a member of the State Youth & Discipleship Board for the Church of God in South Carolina and as a District Overseer and District Youth Director.
Shane has a Master's degree from Lee University (Cleveland, TN) and two Bachelor's degrees. He is a candidate for the Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.
Shane has been married to Candace for 26 years, and they have six children together. He enjoys traveling with his family, Disney, wrestling, and his golden-doodle, Bowman.
Shane is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). He has also served as a member of the State Youth & Discipleship Board for the Church of God in South Carolina and as a District Overseer and District Youth Director.
Shane has a Master's degree from Lee University (Cleveland, TN) and two Bachelor's degrees. He is a candidate for the Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.
Shane has been married to Candace for 26 years, and they have six children together. He enjoys traveling with his family, Disney, wrestling, and his golden-doodle, Bowman.
Bishop J. Don Hooper
Evangelism Director
Don Hooper is a second-generation Church of God minister and a proud native of Mississippi. He currently serves as the Evangelism Director for the Church of God in Mississippi, where he leads statewide efforts to equip and mobilize believers to share the Gospel and reach the lost. With a passion for soul-winning and a heart for the local church, Don has dedicated his life to advancing the Kingdom of God.
An ordained bishop and seasoned church planter, Don has faithfully served as the Lead Pastor of Destiny Church for the past 14 years. Under his leadership, more than 500 individuals have made decisions for Christ, a testament to his commitment to life-changing ministry and discipleship. His influence extends across the state through various leadership roles he has held since 2007, including State Evangelist, member of the Evangelism and Youth Boards, and ten years of service on the State Council.
Beyond the pulpit, Don is a graduate of Mississippi State University and brings a unique blend of ministry and marketplace experience as an entrepreneur, CEO, consultant, and college professor. His ability to develop leaders and encourage growth in both spiritual and professional arenas reflects his holistic approach to ministry.
Don and his wife, Teressa, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of their son, Hunter. As a family, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and making lifelong memories together.
An ordained bishop and seasoned church planter, Don has faithfully served as the Lead Pastor of Destiny Church for the past 14 years. Under his leadership, more than 500 individuals have made decisions for Christ, a testament to his commitment to life-changing ministry and discipleship. His influence extends across the state through various leadership roles he has held since 2007, including State Evangelist, member of the Evangelism and Youth Boards, and ten years of service on the State Council.
Beyond the pulpit, Don is a graduate of Mississippi State University and brings a unique blend of ministry and marketplace experience as an entrepreneur, CEO, consultant, and college professor. His ability to develop leaders and encourage growth in both spiritual and professional arenas reflects his holistic approach to ministry.
Don and his wife, Teressa, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of their son, Hunter. As a family, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and making lifelong memories together.
Jean Perkins
State Women's Ministries Director
Jean Perkins, a native of Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, is a graduate of Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education and a minor in Music. For over forty years, she has partnered in ministry with her husband, Dr. Derwood Perkins, serving in roles across local churches and state offices in the areas of youth, pastoral, and administrative ministry.
Jean has led in Children’s, Youth, and Women’s Ministries, as well as served as Office Administrator in several churches. She has held positions on the State Women’s Boards in Alabama and Louisiana and served as State Women’s Ministries Director in both Louisiana and the Midlands Region. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home.
Jean is a frequent speaker at women’s conferences and enjoys photography, traveling, and time with her family. She and Dr. Perkins have two married daughters. Lauren and her husband, Danny Henderson, are planting City View Church of God in Santee, California. Kayla and her husband, Robbie Beck, have served in children’s ministry in Georgia, where Kayla now writes and works from home. The Perkins family is blessed with four grandchildren: Brooklyn, Audrey, Andy, and River.
Jean has led in Children’s, Youth, and Women’s Ministries, as well as served as Office Administrator in several churches. She has held positions on the State Women’s Boards in Alabama and Louisiana and served as State Women’s Ministries Director in both Louisiana and the Midlands Region. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home.
Jean is a frequent speaker at women’s conferences and enjoys photography, traveling, and time with her family. She and Dr. Perkins have two married daughters. Lauren and her husband, Danny Henderson, are planting City View Church of God in Santee, California. Kayla and her husband, Robbie Beck, have served in children’s ministry in Georgia, where Kayla now writes and works from home. The Perkins family is blessed with four grandchildren: Brooklyn, Audrey, Andy, and River.
Rev. Candace Stone
State Girls Ministries Coordinator
Candace has served in ministry roles since she was a teenager and met her husband at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. They were married in 1998 and have six children. Hannah Bailey (Rob), Gracie Black (Matthew), Hayden (17), Gannon (12), Hattie (9), and Maverick (5). The Stones are proud to have two grandchildren in addition to their large family.
Candace is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in leadership from Lee University and is an Ordained Minister in the Church of God. She has been a member of the Lee University Singers and has served on State Music Committees, including as Chairperson of the State Music Committee in Iowa and Nebraska.
The Stones have served as State Youth Directors, District Overseers, District Youth Directors, Lead Pastors, Church Planters, and Youth and Children's Pastors in South Carolina and Virginia.
Candace is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in leadership from Lee University and is an Ordained Minister in the Church of God. She has been a member of the Lee University Singers and has served on State Music Committees, including as Chairperson of the State Music Committee in Iowa and Nebraska.
The Stones have served as State Youth Directors, District Overseers, District Youth Directors, Lead Pastors, Church Planters, and Youth and Children's Pastors in South Carolina and Virginia.
Ann Reed
State Secretary-Treasurer
