OUR PASTORS – Church of Promise in Christ Inc. (“COPICI”)

Senior Pastor – Rev. Allison Guerra

The Reverend Allison Guerra is a native of Trinidad and Tobago whose walk with Christ began at an early age, inspired by her devout Christian grandparents. As a teenager, she dedicated her life to Christ and was water baptized.

In 1984, Reverend Guerra immigrated to the United States in pursuit of higher education. She earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Borough of Manhattan Community College, then graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies in Applied Management from Medgar Evers College, where she also received the Academic Excellence Award for Outstanding Academic Performance in the Department of Business Administration. In 2015, she completed her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Columbia University’s Graduate School in New York City. Her academic achievements are further complemented by studies in Religion and the Bible.

Reverend Guerra joined Church of Promise in Christ, Inc. (formerly St. Francis Divine Ascensionist Church) in 1987 and was ordained as an Evangelist in 1989. In this role, she served in youth ministry, assisted with Bible classes, officiated at services, and preached the Word of God as assigned. In 2004, she was elevated to the title of Reverend.

She has served as Chairperson of the Administrative Board, where her leadership and determination have been instrumental in achieving major milestones for COPICI—including the historic transition from renting to owning their current building at 474 Kosciuszko Street, Brooklyn, New York. Alongside her administrative and ministerial duties, she is deeply committed to community service, generously volunteering her time to uplift others.

In 2014, under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Carlos A. Jesse I installed Reverend Guerra as Pastor of COPICI. Since then, she has served with dedication, enthusiasm, and profound compassion. Her humility, wisdom, and empathy have left a lasting impact on many lives. Guided by her love for people and her unwavering faith, she provides counsel and spiritual guidance under the inspiration of God.

Her mission is clear: to lead the Church away from complacency and into a renewed, vibrant era of faith. Above all, her primary objective is to live according to the will of Almighty God.

Reverend Florence Chai-Hong is a diligent, dedicated and determined steward of God called to the ministry of healing and reconciliation. She fulfills this calling through the authority and power of Christ Jesus.Shaped by both divine purpose and the quiet influence of her parents—who were not strict about religion—she began her spiritual journey in the Catholic tradition but was exposed to worship in other denominations from a young age. As a teenager, she played an active role in the Interschool Christian Fellowship, witnessing to others in the hope of drawing them closer to God. That same passion remains today, along with her deep commitment to the lives of young people and her drive to promote education.

Reverend Chai-Hong migrated permanently to the United States in 1987. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies in Applied Management from Medgar Evers College. In 2015, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University’s Graduate School in New York City. Her academic achievements are further enriched by extensive studies in Religion and the Bible.

Before joining Church of Promise in Christ Inc. (COPICI) in 1992, she coordinated numerous religious activities and events under Floral Production, later bringing that same zeal to advance the ministry of Christ at COPICI. A gifted songwriter, she ministers under the anointing, allowing listeners to experience God’s harmony in their hearts. She released her debut gospel album, Matters of the Heart, in 2016, followed by God Tambulit in 2019.

In addition to her music ministry, Reverend Chai-Hong serves as Treasurer of the Administrative Board, a role she has been re-elected to because of her trustworthiness and loyalty to the body of Christ. Her prudent stewardship helped the church save thousands of dollars, enabling COPICI to acquire its first building.

Her service has taken her on international pilgrimages, deepening her understanding of the life of Jesus Christ. Her journeys to Greece and South Africa have strengthened her mission to serve Christ faithfully, seeking no glory but His crown.

Installed as Associate Pastor of COPICI in 2014, Reverend Florence Chai-Hong continues to pursue excellence in all she does—a shining gem reflecting the genuine call of God upon her life.

Bishop Carlos Antonio Jesse, I, is a graduate of John Dewey High School, New York Theological Seminary and holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Springfield Christian College
and Theological Seminary.

Bishop Jesse is known for his excellence in ministry pertaining to the things of the Kingdom and most of all for his outstanding “spirit of servanthood”. He is recognized in the Pentecostal Communion and other Ecumenical Movements as well for his “Churchmanship” and is considered among the leading individuals in Protocol, Ecclesia and Episcopacy.

He is the CEO of BCAD, a ceremonial consultant group which has to its credits; organized,consulted and served as Adjutant General for over fifty Episcopal Consecrations and numerous
Ecclesiastical services across the nation. He is also the founder and President of Dr. Carlos Jesse Ministries, under which he carries out his mandate to “Go you into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature.” He is an anointed and gifted preacher, teacher, and seminar facilitator, with a simple and solid life changing word of encouragement.

Bishop Jesse has been in ministry 40 years and served as the Pastor of House of the Lord Pentecostal Church, Reverend, Dr. Herbert Daughtry, National Presiding Minister and Brooklyn
Temple Universal Church of Christ, Bishop Robert C. Jiggetts, Jr., both in Brooklyn, New York. He was consecrated a Prince in Our Lord’s Church on June 8, 2013. He has been the recipient of many leadership proclamations, community service and religious awards.

Bishop Jesse serves as Secretary General and Adjutant General of the New Life Covenant Fellowship, Bishop Eric R. Figueroa, Sr., Presiding Prelate and Chairperson of the National Steering
Committee of the Universal Church of Christ, Bishop Robert C. Jiggetts, Jr., Presiding Prelate and Presiding Bishop of Church of Promise In Christ, Brooklyn, New York.
He is married to Lady Eileen Denise, father of Joy Denise Jesse-McFarlane and Carlos Antonio, II, and grandfather of Bryanna, Cayla, Alexis, Dylan, Emily and Carlos Antonio, III.