PASTOR BIO
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Born July 25, 1956, Hollywood FL and son of Rev. Degrando Sr. & Helen Franks. Dr. Franks has been married to Cathy C. Franks for 28 years and is the father of three children, Jorgie, Degrando III, Philip a daughter in law Ashley and one son in law Harold Franklin Jr. He is also the grandfather of three beautiful granddaughters, Taylor Janae, Kalia Renee, and Maya Shannise.
Dr. Franks currently serves as the Senior Pastor of North Metropolitan Church of God. Prior to this assignment Dr. Franks was Sr. Pastor at International Harvest Center Church of God, 5512 N. 47th Street, Tampa FL where he served with distinction for 12 years. In 1994, Bishop Franks was licensed as an Ordained Bishop by the International Offices of the Church of God, Cleveland Tennessee. Dr. Franks also held the office of State Ministerial Internship Program (MIP) Coordinator for the Church of God FL-Cocoa office. In 2006, Dr. Franks was elected to the Executive Board/Council of Bishops for the Church of God Cocoa State offices. Dr. Franks graduated from Hollywood Hills High School in 1974 and did his undergraduate studies at Florida A & M Univ. in Tallahassee FL and correspondence through Lee University in Cleveland TN. He subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Theology and a Doctorate degree in Christian Theology from Blessed Hope Bible College in Tampa FL where he worked as a professor, an executive board member and Dean of Theology. He is sought after throughout the land and internationally as a gifted speaker and prolific Pentecostal preacher.
Dr. Franks is the President and founder of COPE Inc. (Community Organization to Promote Empowerment). COPE Inc. is responsible for feeding over one and a half million hot meals since July 2001. COPE Inc. partner with others in disaster relief throughout the state. COPE regularly holds classes for credit counseling, debt consolidation, and many related services. For several years COPE has provided clothing, showers, toiletries, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas toys and a number of other services for the most challenged residents of Hillsborough County. The NFL awarded Dr. Franks the distinction of Hometown Hero in 2002. Truly, this vessel of God is well balanced and able to take on any task.
