Born in Enterprise, Alabama and nurtured in Rochester, New York, Bishop Donaldson is the firstborn son, followed by five siblings to James F. Donaldson (departed) and Robbie (Donaldson) Hedman.
After graduating from high school, Bishop Donaldson enlisted into the United States Navy where he remained for four years until being discharged with numerous honors and accomplishments. Upon leaving the Navy, Bishop Donaldson was inspired to reside in San Diego, California and further his education. He pursued college courses and worked diligently toward a degree.
In 1987, Bishop Donaldson was called and chosen by God to ministry. He preached his first message on July 3, 1987 and received his ordination in October 1991. February of 1993, Bishop Donaldson was called to pastor Greater Joy Baptist Fellowship Church, formerly known as Joy Missionary Baptist church. With the Holy Spirit by his side, he began this God commissioned endeavor where he pastored for 17 years.
Pastor Donaldson joined the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship under the direction of Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. (International Presiding Bishop) in the year 2000. His parishioners were willing workers and exemplified enormous support of him and the fellowship. He was installed as Overseer for the San Diego Covenant District in 2001 and was awarded “Overseer of the Year” on January 6, 2002 for his ability to recognize the needs of the community. As overseer, Bishop Donaldson established the “Samaritan Closet” ministry for the Southern California Region of the FGBCF which would provide clothes, food and provide a day of full spa treatment to the Battered Women and Homeless shelters each conference year. In 2005 Overseer Donaldson was installed as the First Assistant to the State Bishop of Southern California, which he served until 2007.
Following God’s leading, Bishop Donaldson moved to Rochester in October 2010; where he pastored St. Paul Believer’s Holiness Church. During his tenure there, he instituted the Church’s first “New Discipleship” class 101 and Maturity class 201. Under his leadership, they acquired property, revamped the Youth ministry and technically equipped the church sanctuary with 21st-century Audio/Video capability. In May of 2013, Bishop Donaldson became the proud Pastor of the River of Life Community Church; where through the aid of God and extraordinary participation of the “Riverites”, he is continuing to lead with a servant-leader attitude ushering the congregation toward achieving tremendous success, and the best is yet to come!!!!
Bishop Donaldson is a proponent of education and continues to further his education. From 2009 to 2011, Bishop Donaldson attended Bishop Andrew Lewter’s Winter and Summer Theological Intensive on the grounds of Harvard Theological Seminary. He attended Siloam Bible College in the Associates in Christian Ministry program and at present, is in the Bachelor’s program at Liberty University’s Psychology program, with emphases in Family Counseling. Bishop Donaldson’s focus is to educate God’s people using the authoritative Word of God to produce fully equipped, kingdom-minded believers who understand the potential of their spiritual gifts.
Bishop Donaldson is married to a beautiful wife, Bridgit Donaldson and the proud father and father in-love of two daughters, Jarde Donaldson, Michel’le Marble and two sons Michael Marable and Nicholas Marable Sr. He is most proud to be the grandfather of a beautiful granddaughter, Naomi Scott and a handsome grandson Nicholas Marable Jr.
Bishop Donaldson currently sits on the board of Rochester Ministers Alliance and a former board member of the local Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. (BLCA)
Bishop Donaldson, best defined, is a man who carries a strong prophetic anointing. His charismatic style demands the attention of many, and he is recognized nationally as an immense teacher, preacher, and revivalist.