Worship
Every worship experience is designed to help people encounter God's presence through powerful praise, authentic worship, and life-changing biblical teaching.
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Honoring Our Legacy. Embracing God's Vision.
A place where faith lives, hope grows, and purpose is discovered — under the leadership of Pastor Darian J. Sheppard and First Lady Hope Sheppard.
Sundays
10:00 AM
Location
Cleveland Heights, OH
Pastor
Darian J. Sheppard
Since
Decades of Faith
Welcome Home
A church for every generation.
At Imani Temple Ministries, church is more than a Sunday experience. It's a community of believers growing together, serving together, and making a lasting impact throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Whether you're new to faith, returning to church, or looking for a place to call home, you'll find a welcoming family where everyone belongs.
Learn Our Story
"Come exactly as you are. We'll be honored to welcome you."
Biblical Teaching ✦Spirit-Filled Worship ✦Authentic Relationships ✦Prayer ✦Community Outreach ✦Leadership Development ✦Family Ministry ✦Kingdom Service ✦Biblical Teaching ✦Spirit-Filled Worship ✦Authentic Relationships ✦Prayer ✦Community Outreach ✦Leadership Development ✦Family Ministry ✦Kingdom Service ✦
Our Mission
To lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through biblical teaching, passionate worship, discipleship, compassionate outreach, and servant leadership — equipping every believer to discover their God-given purpose and impact the world for Christ.
Our Vision
To become a thriving, Spirit-led ministry that transforms lives, strengthens families, develops leaders, and reaches communities with the love and hope of Jesus Christ — a church where every generation encounters God, grows in faith, and serves with excellence.
Our Core Values
What we stand for.
Christ Centered
Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do.
Biblical Truth
God's Word is our foundation for faith and everyday living.
Authentic Worship
We pursue God's presence with passion and sincerity.
Love Without Limits
Everyone is welcomed, valued, and loved.
Excellence
We honor God by giving Him our very best.
Community Impact
Ministry extends beyond the church walls.
Our Story
Decades of faith, still growing.
Imani Temple Ministries has faithfully served the Greater Cleveland community for decades, providing spiritual leadership, compassionate outreach, and unwavering faith through every season.
Built upon a strong biblical foundation and a legacy of faithful leadership, the ministry continues to grow while embracing new opportunities to impact future generations. Today, Imani Temple remains committed to preaching the Gospel, serving families, and being a beacon of hope throughout Northeast Ohio.
In Loving Memory
Honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Rodney S. Thomas.
1962 — 2024
Rev. Dr. Rodney S. Thomas founded Imani Temple Ministries in 2001 with just 55 members. Imani — meaning "faith" in Swahili — began in Lucas Funeral Home before worshiping at Lutheran East High School and Temple Tifereth Israel, growing with new members daily drawn from all backgrounds.
In January 2011, exactly nine years to the day from the church's founding, Pastor Thomas led the congregation into its permanent home on the five-acre campus at 2463 North Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights — the former St. Louis Parish. He welcomed the community in from the very first service, opening the doors for young people, civic gatherings, and neighborhood partnerships.
His was a ministry of love through action: serving homeless shelters, drug rehabilitation facilities, and women and children in crisis. He shepherded Imani with vision and compassion until his passing in 2024, leaving behind his wife Marcia, their children, and a church family shaped forever by his faithfulness.
"We found the church to be beautifully preserved and cared for, and we hope to carry on that same sentiment as we occupy this place."
Meet Our Leaders
The Sheppards.
Leading Imani Temple into an exciting new season of Kingdom impact.
Senior Pastor
Darian J. Sheppard
Pastor Darian J. Sheppard is a visionary leader with a passion for teaching God's Word and equipping believers to walk boldly in their faith. His leadership reflects a commitment to biblical truth, community transformation, and developing disciples who influence every area of society — a place where lives are restored, hope is renewed, and purpose is revealed.
First Lady
Hope Sheppard
First Lady Hope Sheppard serves alongside Pastor Sheppard with grace, wisdom, and compassion. Her heart for families, women, mentorship, and community outreach cultivates an atmosphere where people feel welcomed, encouraged, and empowered to grow spiritually.
Experience Imani
Three ways to encounter God with us.
Prayer
Prayer is the heartbeat of our ministry. We believe God hears every prayer and continues to perform miracles today.
Community
Life is better together. Small groups, ministry teams, fellowship events, and outreach opportunities allow everyone to build meaningful relationships.
Our Ministries
A place to grow, serve, and belong.
Children's Ministry
Helping children build a strong biblical foundation through engaging lessons and age-appropriate worship.
Youth Ministry
Developing the next generation of Kingdom leaders through discipleship, mentorship, and relevant teaching.
Men's Ministry
Encouraging men to become strong spiritual leaders in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Women's Ministry
Empowering women to grow spiritually while building authentic friendships and encouraging one another in Christ.
Music & Worship
Using the gift of worship to create an atmosphere where hearts connect with God.
Community Outreach
Serving our city through acts of compassion, food assistance, prayer, community partnerships, and outreach.
Plan Your Visit
Your first visit, made simple.
We know visiting a new church can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make your first visit simple, comfortable, and meaningful. When you arrive, you'll find:
- ✓ Friendly people
- ✓ Contemporary and traditional worship
- ✓ Practical biblical teaching
- ✓ Safe children's ministry
- ✓ Casual or dress-up attire welcomed
- ✓ A place where you belong
Service Times
Sunday Worship Experience
10:00 AM