Meet Pastor Darlene Cleveland
Senior Pastor
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Darlene Cleveland is a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry have been shaped by faith, perseverance, and a genuine love for people. As the eldest of three children, her spiritual foundation was established early through the example and prayers of her mother, Evangelist Henrietta Carter, who taught her to love and reverence God. Though her journey included seasons of challenge and personal growth, the foundation of faith planted in her heart remained. Her testimony reflects the truth of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Through every season, God continued to draw her closer to Him and prepare her for a life of service. In 1992, Darlene married the love of her life, Willie J. Cleveland. Together, they were blessed with four children and began building a legacy rooted in family, faith, and ministry. For eleven years, she faithfully served as Co-Pastor of Greater New Mount Zion Temple of Deliverance Church. In 2009, she entered a new season of pastoral leadership and was officially installed as Pastor of Mount Zion Temple of Deliverance Ministries on June 5, 2009. Today, Pastor Cleveland serves alongside her husband, Apostle Willie J. Cleveland, continuing a shared commitment to ministry, evangelism, and community outreach. Her heart has always been especially drawn to the lost, the overlooked, and the underserved. Through longstanding partnerships with organizations including World Vision Storehouse of Chicago and Toys for Tots, she has helped provide resources, support, and hope to families throughout the community. Her commitment to serving others extends beyond the walls of the church. Pastor Cleveland dedicated sixteen years to Resurrection Health Care, reflecting a lifelong passion for caring for people in both practical and spiritual ways. She is also passionate about mentoring young adults and equipping them in areas such as financial literacy, life skills, personal development, and spiritual growth.
Apostle Willie J. Cleveland
Founder & Apostle
From a turbulent life of rising and falling, God has extended His hand of love and used these life experiences to lead Willie Cleveland from the back to the front. God set before him an open door and divinely led Willie Cleveland into the ministry of deliverance. Mr. Cleveland is married to Pastor Darlene Cleveland the father of 10 children. As a graduate of Millikin University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education with a Minor in Psychology, Willie served youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as an educator at United Cerebral Palsy. Willie Cleveland served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor EJ Teague, at the White Cloud M. B. Church. Pastor Teague ordained as a Reverend in 1990. He was elevated as associate minister and served until 1998. God gave him the vision to found and Pastor Mount Zion Temple of Deliverance Ministries. While working, toiling, and serving in the ministry, God spoke in 2008 concerning the office of an Apostle. After successfully serving in the Bishopric in Zion Ministries International under the Leadership of Chief Prelate Will Boyd, Jr, God manifested his promise by opening the door, in November of 2009 Pastor Willie Cleveland was consecrated Apostle Willie Cleveland. Apostle Cleveland served as Spiritual Advisor and 3rd Presiding Prelate. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Boyd appointed Apostle Cleveland as the Chief Prelate as he pursued political aspirations. It is his vision that God’s people will be delivered. He answered this mandate with the assurance that “God will deliver you,” Joel 2:32. With his hands-on ministry and keen sensitivity in the spirit, many have been set free and delivered by the ministry God has entrusted in him. The ministry gifts has allowed Apostle Cleveland to minister in various capacities. It is his mission to fulfill the Isaiah 61 scripture; The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; he has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the physical, spiritual captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound.” And it is through God, that these great miracles still happen today.
Associate Ministers
Elder Leonard J. Jnauary
Elder Leonard January is a youth pastor, youth mentor, musician, and Spiritual Development Specialist serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. He has been preaching since 2012, sharing God’s Word and encouraging others to grow in their faith. His ministry focuses on helping young people build character and discover their God-given purpose. Through mentorship and spiritual guidance, he seeks to encourage confidence, compassion, and a strong foundation in Christ. As a musician, he shares his love for God through music and worship. A proud father of four children, he brings a personal understanding of the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation. His heart is to help young people feel valued, recognize their gifts, and develop a lasting relationship with God.
