In October 2004, A Touch of Heaven Ministries also known as The Upper Room Church was led by Pastor Jocelyn Kelker and held services in a home with eight members.

Soon after, the ministry relocated to a storefront on the south-side of Akron, Ohio. Jocelyn’s son, De’Juan Kelker, was confirmed as the Senior Pastor for The Upper Room, later to be named The Burning Bush Church when Pastor Joyce went emeritus in 2006. Within a few years of the ministry’s opening, the Burning Bush Church moved to several locations to accommodate their growth. 

Pastor Jocelyn Kelker received her heavenly crown in December 2007, but her legacy of faith and prayer continues with the congregation. 

How we started..

See how we view God, Jesus, the Bible, man, and many significant aspects of our faith. Firmly rooted in Scripture, the beliefs of Burning Bush guide our decisions as a church. Learn the values that keep the vision of The Burning Bush Church clear. These values reflect our priority to reach people with the Gospel.

Values at the Core:

  • This church believes that the Bible is the living, inspired and infallible Word given to man. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, Hebrews 4:12).

  • We believe that the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, all are One representing the Holy Trinity (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7).

  • We believe salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ by calling upon the name of the Lord. (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 10:8-13)

  • This church believes that water baptism is by full immersion and is a direct commandment from the Lord. Baptism in water is an outward sign of an inward faith. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12)

  • We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus Christ to all believers and is received subsequent to salvation (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 19:1-7).

  • We believe that God can do the impossible. We believe that divine provision was made for the physical, mental, and spiritual healing through prayer of faith and by the laying on of hands. (James 5:14-15, Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 4:7-11).

  • We believe that God calls men and women by His Holy Spirit to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints. (Ephesians 4:7-11)

  • We believe in the existence and personality of satan and the eternal judgment of satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10-15). We also believe in the Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgment. (Hebrews 6:2, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10-15).

Our Culture

Who we are | Where we are going | Who is leading us | How we are getting there

Leadership

Bishop DeJuan & Pastor Stacey Kelker

Lead Pastors

Pastor Reggie and Christina Ray

Royelle Riddick - Assistant to Bishop Kelker

Tyesha Riley - Assistant to Lady Kelker

Elder Terrance and Pastor Shannon Robinson

Nyeeda Beecham - Assistant to Pastor Ray

Ashanti Monroe - Assistant to Pastor S. Robinson

Pastor Samson and Latoya Ehichioya

We look forward to connecting with you!