Bishop Dr. R. C. Hugh Nelson is a man of God committed to a ministry of restoration that reaches beyond the sanctuary, to uplift those most in need. He was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, the third of five children to the late Rev. Vernon N. Nelson and Eva Nelson-Simpson. He completed undergraduate studies in Theology at the European Theological Seminary in Rudersburg, Germany, Masters in Divinity degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee and Masters in Science degree from Fordham University in New York City. He also completed advanced certification in Community Service Chaplaincy and Advanced Certification in Clinical Pastoral Education at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2008 Bishop Nelson completed his Doctor in Ministry degree at the New York Theological Seminary.

Bishop Nelson and his family moved to Brooklyn, New York in 2003 where he presently serves as Senior Pastor for the Church of God of East Flatbush, District Administrative Bishop for District #2, President for Hope Center Development Corporation Inc., Member of the New York State Church of God Executive Council, New York State Care Ministries Coordinator, Board member of the Church of God Division of Care, Trustee for the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Board member of Queens Village Committee for Mental Health for Jamaica Community Adolescent Program, Inc. (J-CAP), and Vice President of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council.

In recognition of Bishop Nelson’s outstanding contribution to community development and transformation, he was presented the New York United Hospital Fund Distinguished Trustee Award in 2009, The Brookdale Hospital Medal and Plaque in 2011 and several other community awards. Bishop Nelson is a visionary whose guidance and focus on leadership development enabled the Church of God of East Flatbush to evolve from a single cell church model into a vibrant Urban Ministry Center that is home to more than 1700 members and ministers to over 2500 on a weekly basis. He has been engaged in active ministry for over thirty years and enjoys ministering cross-culturally. Bishop Nelson has been happily married to Rev. Diana Nelson for thirty two years and they are proud of their three children Raphael Nelson Jr., Andrae and Sigourney.