MEET BISHOP CLARENCE LANEY, JR.
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Bishop Clarence Laney, Jr. is a preacher, teacher, and shepherd who has spent nearly 30 years transforming lives through the Word and the work. He answered his call to ministry at just 13 years old and has been leading with conviction and compassion ever since.
Education & Theological Formation
A native of Selma, North Carolina, Bishop Laney holds a:
- Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Theological Seminary
- Master of Divinity from Duke University
- B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from St. Augustine’s University
He is also a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School Leadership Institute and a 2021 inductee into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. His doctoral work explored African American masculinity in the church, reflecting his commitment to both theology and community uplift.
Pastoral Leadership
Since 1996, Bishop Laney has served as the Senior Pastor of Monument of Faith Church in Durham, NC. Under his leadership, the church built a new sanctuary and grew into a thriving, justice-centered ministry known for its progressive liturgical style, educational focus, and bold community engagement.
He also serves as Presbyter of Region #3 in the NC Church of God of Prophecy, providing pastoral oversight to 24 churches across the state.
Impact, Teaching & Service
Bishop Laney’s voice reaches beyond the walls of the local church. He has preached and taught across the U.S., Canada, and West Africa, and remains deeply engaged in local organizing through interfaith coalitions and social justice initiatives in Durham.
He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and serves on the NC COGOP State Ministerial Review Board.
Family Life
Bishop Laney is married to Lisa Laney, a lifelong educator and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Together, they are the proud parents of Caleb and Joshua, and dog parents to their Labradoodle, Max. He enjoys reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with loved ones.
29 years of faithful leadership at Monument of Faith Church in Durham, NC.
Proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.
Bishop Laney stands with Durham CAN and community leaders to organize for equity, dignity, and systemic change.
Graduate of Duke Divinity and Louisville Theological Seminary.