Pastor Kenneth E. B. Sheppard (affectionately called Pastor Kenny) serves as the Lead Pastor of Bethesda Christian Fellowship (formally the West Oak Lane Church of God). Pastor Kenny was born and raised in Philadelphia and is a proud graduate of the Philadelphia Public School system. After years of working in both the private and public sector he began studying at Rosemont College in Rosemont, PA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Pastor Kenny grew up in the church that his father pastored for 45 years. Growing up, Pastor Kenny never believed that he would follow in his father’s footsteps, however God had a plan. In July 2018 the Holy Spirit began to speak and Pastor Kenny answered the call. As a result, God told him to go back to his home church. A short time later God also instructed him to go back to school to further his education. He was obedient and earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College in 2020. After accepting the call to the ministry, Pastor Kenny served faithfully in his home church as a minister, as well as a co-leader (along with his wife) of the Married Couples Ministry at Bethesda. In 2023, Pastor Sheppard was selected to be the next Pastor of Bethesda Christian Fellowship, and on July 1, 2024, he became the lead pastor of Bethesda.

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First Lady, Valerie Sheppard has worked as a Human Resources Professional for the City of
Philadelphia’s Water Department for the past 12 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Human Resources and an MBA from Rosemont College.  Valerie enjoys focusing on the
“human” aspect of HR, as she has worked in Labor Relations, Safety, Transactions and Hiring.
Lady Val as she is affectionately called has served on the Hospitality Ministry as a Greeter and
has also co-led the married couple’s ministry, Marriage Matters alongside her husband, Pastor
Kenny.  In September 2022 Lady Val began meeting with the wives of Marriage Matters and as
a result, Marriage Matters – Wives Edition with the married women in the congregation began.  
After much prayer and leading by the Holy Spirit, Lady Val will begin a women’s bible study
called, Sisters in Christ with Lady Val, beginning in January 2025. Her goal is to lead, empower
and motivate the women of Bethesda.  

Pastor Kenny and Lady Val were married on September 19, 1998, and are the proud parents of
three young adult children, Kennedy, Kaelyn, and Julian.