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Meet Our Pastors
Senior Pastor
Pastor Shanell McNair Kalu
Fueled by a heart for God and for God's people, Pastor Shanell McNair-Kalu personifies service. She has spent the majority of her life increasing God's kingdom. Pastor Shanell approaches every assignment with relentless energy and passion. Her favorite scripture is Job 36:11 which states, "If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures." Shanell embodies this scripture and pours herself out in service in a manner that can only spring from a life steeped in worship and praise.
Shanell was ordained an Elder on November 2, 2008. On September 25, 2022, Shanell was officially appointed Senior Pastor of both Agape Church and New Covenant Church. Pastor Shanell has exhibited the power of passion and purpose as she was able to seamlessly managed family life and ministry obligations
while earning her Bachelors in Social Work from Limestone College in 2011 and a Master’s in Social Work at the University of South Carolina
in 2012. On November 21, 2008, she was united in marriage to Pastor Kalu E.
Kalu, Jr. They are the proud parents of three blessed daughters, Carson, Emerson, and Greyson.
Pastor Shanell has personally experienced God's 'yes' when man said 'no' and that experience works a hope in her that she is not ashamed of. Her life's focus is to allow God to guide her, knowing that He is working for her good and His glory. She truly understands the importance of faith and the difference one person can make in the world.
FOUNDING LEADERS
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Overseer
BISHOP ALVIN T. MCNAIR
Alvin T. McNair is a vibrant gift to the body of Christ. A spiritual father and mentor to many sons and daughters in the gospel. He also has a relevant prophetic ministry gift that propels and prepares God's people to excel in their callings. He received a Bachelor of Christian Counseling, a Master’s of Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctor of Church Administration from the International Overcoming College of Religion James Dussault University, which is affiliated with the Southeastern Accrediting Association of Christian Schools and Seminaries, Inc.
Dr. Alvin T. McNair is the founder of Agape Church Inc., a cutting-edge ministry with a diversified audience that encompasses the mission statement derived from Romans 5:5 which mandates sharing God's love through the Holy Spirit. He also served as the Pastor and organizer of New Covenant Church in Newberry, SC which is a rapidly evolving ministry.
Dr. McNair is a humble man with compassion and wisdom in leading the flock of God. His motto is: Leave things better than you found them and things will find you better than when you left them.
A Pastors to Pastors and a man after God’s own heart, Bishop McNair was consecrated as Bishop in December 2011. He is the establishmentarian and Presiding Bishop of the United Christian Fellowship of Independent Churches (U.C.F.I.C). U.C.F.I.C. is an interdenominational fellowship designed for pastors and ministries desiring to grow spiritually and spread the gospel throughout the world.
Alvin T. McNair married The Late Pastor Sheila (Belton) McNair. From this union three anointed children were born: Shanell McNair-Kalu, husband-Kalu; Terrance McNair, wife- Imani McNair; and Celes McNair. He is immensely proud of his ten grandchildren. All the children and grandchildren have been marked for ministry. After the heavenly departure of Pastor Sheila. Bishop took time to heal and the Lord blessed him with companionship again. He is currently married to Mrs. Anna McNair. They currently reside in San Ignacio, Belize. Bishop continues to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as mentor Pastors abroad.
Co-Pastor
PASTOR SHEILA MCNAIR
Co-Pastor Sheila B. McNair is an anointed and unique Teacher and gift to the body of Christ, with a sincere passion for God, the word of God, and God’s people. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, August 1984 and was Spirit filled the same year.
She received a certificate from C. H. Mason Bible Training Institute. She was ordained in 2003, under the leadership of Bishop Ira and Dr. Bridgett Hilliard in Houston, Texas (New Light Christian Center). She attended Mansfield Business College, Midlands Technical College, and Overcoming College of Religion, (James Dussault University). She was employed for the State of South Carolina Government for over 19 years. She is also the Founder and President of Joint Supply Fellowship for Pastor’s Wives (Midlands and Berkley Chapters).
She is married to the love of her life, Pastor Alvin T. McNair and from their union they have three blessed children Shanell (Kalu), Terrence and Celes and four grandchildren: Christian, Grace, Cameron and Carson. She and her husband are pastors of Agape Church in Columbia and New Covenant Christian Center in Newberry. They host an annual Couples Retreat throughout the State. They are spiritual parents and mentors to many.
she lived by the scripture found in Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister”. She is a faithful servant of the Lord.
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Pastor
PASTOR KALU KALU
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Assistant Pastor
PASTOR GAIL SUBER
Elder Gail Suber serves as Assistant Pastor of Agape Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Shanell McNair Kalu and Pastor Kalu Kalu, Jr. She is the mother of three children, Meghan, Jessica, and Daniel, and two grandchildren.
Elder Suber serves as a Sunday School teacher, coordinator of the Women’s Department, prayer warrior, Advisory Board member, and Outreach Team member.
She attended the University of South Carolina with a major in Education and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She also holds a certification in Child Evangelism.
Elder Suber has a passion for worship and expresses it as one of the choreographers for Graceful Praise Dance Ministry. Her sustaining scripture is Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."
״FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU 'DECLARES THE LORD', PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE."
JEREMIAH 29:11