Pastor Harvey Carey

Senior Pastor

God led me to plant Citadel of Faith Church in 2003 while in college in Dallas, TX in 1987.

Before coming to Detroit I served as a youth pastor for over a decade and then as assistant pastor at a megachurch in Chicago. It is my ultimate passion to see people who were once far from Christ being drawn into relationship with Him and fulfilling my role as senior pastor to teach, counsel, cast vision and shepherd. I am a gregarious introvert who loves folk music and playing guitar.

I was once mistaken for Wesley Snipes while preaching in South Africa in the early 2000s and after being unable to convince people otherwise I complied by taking selfies and handing out autographs… as Wesley Snipes!



I am married to my high school sweetheart, Nancy and together we have a wonderful daughter, Tiffany and her husband, Walter.

Azia Raju

Executive Pastor, Youth Pastor and Founder of Young Leaders’ Life

At Faith Citadel we experience new things together, learn together, and celebrate each other often. 

I'm upbeat and practical with a desire to collaborate. I'm excited to hear the stories of those I serve with, so listening to others is fun for me.

I was adamant about being part of this church because of our ability to provide opportunities for vision and gifting to be explored in ways few have experienced.

I am also passionate about developing a leadership culture that is God-honoring and reveals God to our youth. I am open and willing to treat students like leaders and authorities in their faith journey. I'm excited to hear their stories and willing to cry with them when they're disappointed.

Quiet time recharges me, but quiet time with God is hard for me. 

I like socks with cartoon characters on them, crocheting, and have recently started to enjoy camping. My husband, Adam and I have been married for 14 years and have three children who are some of the best humans around — hands down.

Rosezella Townsel

Leadership Team Chair

I joined Faith Citadel because God's word was being taught and the people were very friendly!

I moved here from Chicago and was looking for a church home. The unique gift I bring to my role is that I am organized, dedicated, value fairness and very responsive.

I love making others feel welcomed and loved when they attend our church.



I love to dance like no one is watching and enjoy traveling and having fun. My husband, Shannon and I have been married for 20 years and our son, James is a freshman in high school.

Mishae J. Rice

Leadership Team Co-Chair, Teaching and Preaching Team, Prayer Ministry

I knew from a dream I had years before that I had to join Faith Citadel.

I'm an encourager who desires to see people walk in their unique gifting and calling. I affirm and urge them to overcome obstacles and walk by faith in who God called them to be and what He’s called them to do.

I also pray like someone's grandmother, teach like someone's big sister, and have infallible faith. I’ve been fierce about the truth since a young age, even causing an uproar among peers when I told them what Christmas really is about and that there is no Santa Claus. I was doing the work of an evangelist and they wanted to hush me! Lol.



I’m married to my best friend, Clarence and we're so blessed to belong to several families-by blood and by love!

Shonfonya D Harrell

Leadership Team, Treasurer, Praise & Worship Team, Ministry Lead for Deep Waters

When I first joined Faith Citadel I felt right at home.

I had a hunger for the Word and covering. I loved the teaching aspect of the Word and the loving atmosphere.

I flow strongly in the gifts of encouragement and administration and I thrive on helping people and showing kindness. I have been to dark places but God has done a deep work in me.

I am mom to two wonderful sons, aged 29 and 24 and also granny to my grandson who is three. When I am not at work as a pharmacy technician or being clumsy and bumping into just about anything I am spending time with my family eating and watching movies, and doing karaoke. 

Reneida Thomas

Leadership Team & Teaching Team

I felt that Faith Citadel was the place that God wanted me to be planted to grow and sow.

Before I became a part of this church family I was visiting another congregation in the hopes of finding a church home. In my areas of ministry I operate in exhortation, prayer and discernment.

I am an introvert as much as I am an extrovert and I am passionate about helping people grow and become the best version of themselves in Christ.

One of my most cherished pastimes is watching the Golden Girls. It is my all-time favorite sitcom and I watch it at least three times a week. I have been married for almost nine years and we have a teenage daughter and a four-year-old son.

Rodney Ross

Leadership Team

Elder Rodney Ross was born and raised in Highland Park and Detroit, Michigan. He received his BA in 1981 from Michigan State (go Spartans!) and a certificate of mortuary science from Wayne State University in 1982.

Elder Ross’s first church leadership roles began in 1999 at Original New Grace Missionary Baptist Church. There he served as an usher and a deacon. He and his family joined Faith Citadel in 2008 at the end of the very first service they attended.

Pastor Carey appointed Elder Ross to the Leadership Team in 2011 as the Interim Vice Chair. He then moved into the role of Leadership Team Chair in 2012, and served in that capacity until August 2015 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. After beating cancer with God and his family by his side, Elder Ross rejoined the Leadership Team.

Pastor Carey elevated Rodney to the Office of Elder in 2013. In this role, Elder Ross aims to wholly support the vision of the Senior Pastor and provide his time and talents toward serving the people of God, within and outside of Faith Citadel.

Elder Ross has been married to Sherrie Ross since May 1989. They have 7 children, 1 son-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.

Patti Salvatori

Leadership Team, Elder

Like many others I heard Pastor Carey speak at my home church, and after feeling the nudge to visit his church, I felt the Holy Spirit affirm my need to be there. This was in 2005.

I feel my unique trait as an elder is the ability to bring calm in the midst of threatening chaos. I thrive on teaching others that they can experience God through His creation.

I am a lover of adventure and a risk-taker. I love playing practical jokes.



I am divorced with two happily married sons, have one grandchild and more to come soon. I am retired and love to travel in my camper van. I thoroughly enjoy exposing others to camping for the first time. And of course to have fun along the way!

Eyonna Tredway

Leadership, Teaching and Worship Team

My family and I were looking to grow and have a deeper relationship with God which led us to this ministry.

God has gifted me with administration, exhortation, singing and teaching. I am most passionate about the organization and execution of serving God and His people.

Fun fact: I have a serious sweet tooth. Gummy bears and Swedish fish are my favorites!

We have grown at Citadel. Our church family welcomed us and we haven't looked back. God, love of music and education are three major components of our family.

Brian Crane

Website Lead & Co-lead of Online Ministry

I love Faith Citadel because we keep it real. We don't compromise on God's Word but we also don't compromise when it comes to loving our fellow human beings.

Although my experience as a mathematics professor and programming adds to my role at Citadel, I feel my gift of discernment really shines through in the everyday decisions I make. I have especially enjoyed my role in publishing our weekly podcast, and using it to spread the gospel  even to people who are far away from Detroit.

I am passionate about ensuring that no one gets discounted for any reason.  I love basketball, teaching, trail-running, physical activity, and the outdoors. I also like to study quantum mechanics.

I live in my home state of South Carolina, where my mom, dad and brother also reside.  I'm very close to my family and love them greatly!

Shannon Townsel

Safety and Security Lead

My family was looking for a church home and a place of belonging. We found Faith Citadel.

I have a background in electrical engineering and working with fire/safety systems. I also have years of experience volunteering with various organizations for families and children for the betterment of the community.

I’m a big guy with a big heart and have a goofy laugh that's actually like a nervous twitch. I’m most passionate about God, my family, my church, and laughter.



My wife and I came to Faith Citadel soon after it began. After few visits we knew we had found our church. From there on our lives and church have grown together, including helping us welcome and raise our child.

The Bible is the only perfect rule for faith and conduct.

The plan of God is revealed through His word.

The local church is both autonomous and accountable.

Create honor and awe for God through dynamic corporate worship experiences

Use creative discipleship methods to equip people for work of ministry and Christ-centered living

Ignite spiritual and social change through evangelism and outreach initiatives