Apostle David Maxwell (Lansing)

Apostle David William Maxwell went from Earthly Reward to Heavenly Rest on Friday, December 1, 2022, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on April 21, 1956, in Flint, Michigan, the proud son of Charles and Marie Maxwell.

Apostle Maxwell represents rich, Apostolic history and an extensive secular background. He was baptized and spirit filled in 1969, under pastoral leadership, the late, Bishop Raymond H. Dunlap. Minister David W. Maxwell matriculated through the Flint (Michigan) Public Schools: Martin Elementary, Emmerson Jr. High, and graduated from Northern High School, Class of 1974; Church of Christ Bible Institute, (New York), William L. Bonner College, (South Carolina), Mott Community College, (Michigan), and Cornerstone University, (Michigan). This religious and secular education prepared him for God's calling and a successful multi-vocational career.

Apostle Maxwell became active in the church at a young age, becoming the church's Radio Announcer at age of 14; Bishop Dunlap recognized gifting in this young man's life, and provided valuable guidance and mentorship. Your now, Apostle Maxwell acknowledged his call to ministry at age of 17. He held several State and District positions: Michigan State A.B.Y.P.U. President; Michigan Diocese, Executive Secretary; and Northern District of Michigan, District Elder. The proud son of Charles and Marie Maxwell; “spoiled” brother of Diria, Marilyn, Michell and Delores. Apostle Maxwell married the ambrosia of his life, First Lady Andreal Close Maxwell. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Charles and Cedric and doting grandparents of four grandsons and three granddaughters, Carl Dell, Donovan William, Jalen David, Mehki William, Anaiah Terese, Kennedy Alyse, and Jordan Terese.

Also recognizing God's anointing and gift, Apostle William L. Bonner began to pour into the young “Elder” Maxwell. With favor and pride, Pastor Bonner, openly referred to him as his “Son in the Gospel”. Yes, he said that for many, but no one would deny, there was an apparent, unique bond, when Pastor Bonner spoke of this son. This trusting relationship, bar none, allowed Elder/Bishop Maxwell to be used extensively within the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ and abroad as Evangelist and Church Planter. Though many, humorously consider it extensive, Apostle Maxwell found his lexicon unable to adequately express his gratitude for this ordained and special connection, with his Father in the Gospel.

With humbled honor and appreciation for the Body of Christ, Apostle Maxwell traveled throughout America and the World. His formal, secular and theological preparation are evidenced in his multi-disciplinary deliverance of the Gospel: a diligent student of the Word, an expositor of the Word, preacher, teacher, and lecturer. Apostle Maxwell served as the Senior Pastor of Eliezer Temple Church, Lansing, Michigan; Senior Pastor, True Yokefellow Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Founder and Pastor of Promised Word Ministries, Warren, Michigan.

God distinguished Apostle Maxwell's ministry as a bridge builder within God's Kingdom and the Community. Apostle Maxwell availed himself to extensive fellowship and collaboration, with reformations and groups, within the Christian community. Notably, he was one of the founding ministers of the Clergy Forum of Greater Lansing, an ecumenical group of Pastors, focusing on citizen, social and economic equity. He was a founding and former board member of the Church of Greater Lansing (C.O.G.L.), a collaboration of urban and suburban pastors, connecting government and businesses with the faith community, for collective improvement in the greater Lansing area.

Apostle Maxwell served 16 years as Director, of the Mayor's Office of Community and Faith Based Initiatives, Lansing, Michigan. He retired from this position, August 25, 2022. To say his service to the City of Lansing was the epitome of total devotion, is an understatement. Through his work with the City of Lansing, he was able to serve Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as minister and clergy, in an advisory position.

As God would have it, he was a special advisor to Mayor Karen Weaver, Flint, Michigan, playing an instrumental role, during the Flint Water Crisis. He was the Co-Founder of the My-Lansing Cohort, the local liaison to President Barak Obama's national, My Brother's Keeper Initiative. God's favor accompanied with Apostle Maxwell's exemplary work, with the My-Lansing Cohort, resulted in an invitation to the White House. There he discussed and shared with the Obama Administration, Lansing's successful strategy in partnering with local government. Apostle Maxwell also served as Senior Managing Partner and Owner of Equity First, an affordable housing and community development company, Lansing, Michigan.

To the Glory of God, Apostle Maxwell expanded his local impact upon God's Kingdom. The long awaited, three quarters of one-million-dollar addition to Eliezer Temple Church, Lansing, Michigan, was completed in May 2022. Keeping the Kingdom relevant and available to all, Apostle Maxwell was in the process of expanding David Maxwell Ministries, covering multiple media platforms, while launching, Higher Ground Community Services of Lansing. He and the team were determined and focused to serve in wholistic, economic, educational, and social necessity of the underserved population, in the Mid-Michigan area.

Bishop David William Maxwell was elevated to the Board of Apostles, Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the 103rd Annual Convocation, assigned as Prelate and Apostle of Region XI. Prior to his elevation, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Bishops, and member of the Board of Trustees, Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Apostle Maxwell leaves to carry on his legacy, His “Andy”, Love of his Life and First Lady Andreal Close Maxwell; 2 sons, Charles (Siobhan), and Cedric; grandchildren who admirably call him "Pa-Pa": Carl Dell, Donovan William, Jalen David, Mehki William, Anaiah Terese, Kennedy Alyse, Jordan Terese; loving mother, Mrs. Marie Gosha; 2 sisters, Diria (Bobby) Collins and Marilyn (Garrett) Brown; mother in-law, Mother Mary Close (who proudly refers to him as John-The-Baptist); supportive brother in-law, Hyman Close; many family members, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Maxwell; stepfather, Charlie Gosha; 2 sisters, Michell and Delores; father-in-law, Elder Charles Close; and sister-in-law, Myra.

“I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believest in me shall never die.”

John 11:25-26