AOH Church of God North Alabama Diocesan

Bishop Johnnie L. Woods, Jr. is God’s anointed one. He is a man of God that has a sincere love for God’s People. He began his ministry on July 4, 1976 and is now an esteemed pastor and overseer that is filled with great compassion for God’s People. Pastor Woods evangelizes and travels consistently preaching the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor graduated from the AOH Theological Seminary in 1989. He was recognized as Student of the Year in 1988. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. In the year 2005, he was blessed to obtain a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Friends International University. His ministry entails salvation as well as education. Bishop Woods became the pastor of Joyful Noise AOH Church of God in June 1985. Because of his great vision, we have been blessed with a beautiful new edifice of worship. Bishop Woods is not only an anointed man of God, but a devout family man. He and his wife, Elder Yolanda Woods, have been married over 40 years. His legacy of ministry has been passed on to his children, of which all are a great asset to his ministry, of which five of them are anointed ministers of the gospel. He is also a beloved grandfather to fourteen grandchildren. Bishop Woods’ personal desire is that men be saved and enjoy abundant living through Jesus Christ. Bishop Johnnie L. Woods, Jr. is a true shepherd that is a concerned watchman of his sheep, with concern for the community and surrounding areas. His Bible fed and spirit led ministry is growing by leaps and bounds. We truly believe that there is no limit to what God can do! “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” Acts 19:2 Bishop Woods was consecrated bishop in 2013.

AOH Church of God South Alabama Diocesan

Bishop Gregory Lucy, is know to some as “Overseer,” others as an intellectual, community leader, visionary, educator, counselor, and still others as a devoted husband, beloved father, and loyal friend. No matter your point of reference, there are few places you will travel in this area without hearing the name Overseer Gregory Lucy. A native of Dixons Mills, Alabama Overseer Lucy was one of seventeen children born to the late John and Alma Lucy. Gregory Lucy was raised alongside a diverse array of siblings. Many of his childhood experiences nurtured his unique call to the ministry and helped honed his distinct ability to deliver the gospel to reach diverse people of many backgrounds and denominations. As a scholar, Overseer Lucy graduated from Marengo High School and went on to attend Bishop State Community College in Mobile, AL. It is noteworthy to mention that the years Overseer Lucy attended Bishop State, helped distinguish and contributed to his greater accomplishments later in life. Through obtaining a simple work-study job on campus, Overseer Lucy would be taken under the wings of the renowned late Dr. S. D. Bishop, founder and president of Bishop State Community College. Until Overseer Lucy took his leave from Bishop State, Dr. Bishop would play an important role in nurturing and shaping the astute intellectual Gregory Lucy is known as today. Overseer Lucy would later go on to attain a Bachelor of Theology, Th.B. from the International Bible Institute in Plymouth, FL. In 1999 Overseer Lucy received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Concordia College, Selma, AL and in 2002, received a Masters of Education in Administration M.Ed Degree from the University of West Alabama. Certainly a product of the A.O.H. Church of God, Overseer Lucy’s work began early in the church. Under the leadership of the many pastors who ministered in their seasons at the Dixons Mills A.O.H. Church of God, Overseer Lucy remained a steady figure in the church and served in many capacities such as Sunday School Teacher, Secretary of Sunday School, Superintendent, Musician (organist), and Deacon. However, it was after moving to Mobile, AL, while attending the Phillips Temple A.O.H. Church of God under the leadership of Bishop James E. Finely, that Overseer Lucy developed a unique understanding of how the Church was supposed to operate. He continued to serve faithfully at both the Phillips Temple and Dixons Mills A.O.H. Churches wherever there was an avenue for him to serve. During this thirteen-year span, God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to transition, then Deacon Gregory Lucy, into the ministry. In 1986, at the age of thirty, the late Senior Bishop Jasper Roby ordained Overseer Lucy an Elder. After serving as assistant Pastor for two-years under the leadership of Elder Willie Jones, Overseer Lucy accepted his first pastorate at Dixons Mills A.O.H. Church of God appointed by Bishop G. W. Ayers. During this tenure, many changes were made, from many building restorations to significantly increasing the membership of the church. Because of his consistent dedication to God’s work, Overseer Lucy was promoted from an Elder to Assistant Overseer of the 6th District. In 2000 God gave Overseer Lucy a vision to move the church to a new location and build it debt free, which at the time seemed to be a huge task to accomplish. He continually encouraged the members that the new church and location would come to pass without fail stating, “When God gives a vision, he will provide.” On September 29, 2002, the new debt-free church with a seating capacity of six hundred was dedicated and given the new name El Shaddai A.O.H. Church of God. Along with the new edifice, (though some years later) Overseer Lucy founded Gregory Lucy Ministries (GLM). GLM’s primary focus is to: address social needs, and generate independent institutions such as; After School Community Centers, Rehabilitation Facilities, and Private Christian Schools just to mention a few. In March 2006 Overseer Lucy was appointed Overseer of the 22nd District. In June 2011 Overseer Lucy was appointed Bishop-Elect in this great Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God. Bishop Lucy continues in the promises that God has given him as he endeavors to nurture a church that goes “beyond the walls,” pursuing an ongoing effort to touch lives with the love of God. It is also his desire that El Shaddai A.O.H Church have a positive and powerful impact on its community bringing hope and uplift in every way possible. “The Lord is truly blessing this church, and HE continues to bless me and I can assure you that if you live for God, He will take care of you.” – Bishop Lucy is the proud husband of 30 years to Lady Phyllis Lucy, a devoted father to Gabriel and Adrienne Lucy and loving grandfather to Brendon L. Lucy. Bishop Lucy was consecrated bishop in 2013.

AOH Church of God South Carolina Diocesan

Bishop Gregory Cannon has been a member of the AOH Church of God since March 11, 1976. I joined the AOH Church under the leadership of Overseer John Thomas at the age of 13 and I have served in many capacities in the church. I served as assistant pastor from 18 years old to age 29 under Overseer John Thomas. I also served as district Youth and Sunday School worker for the South Carolina district until 1998. I served as assistant Overseer until 1998 when I was appointed Overseer. I became a pastor under the leadership of the late Bishop Lemon Bell. I served as Pastor of Victory Temple AOH Church of God from June 1991 to the present. On March 4, 2003 I was appointed to pastor Rice Temple AOH Church of God in Montgomery, Alabama. Bishop Cannon was consecrated bishop in 2007.

AOH Church of God Florida Dicesan

Bishop Qullias Mitchell, Jr. is the husband of one wife, Pastor Denise A. Mitchell, father of five children, and I am blessed to have a host of grand-children. I was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and was raised in Girard, Ohio where I was educated and graduated from the public school system. I served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty years and retired as a gunnery sergeant (E-7). I have attended college at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio and Pensacola Jr. College in Pensacola, Florida. I have a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree and a Master of Biblical Counseling from Friends International Christian University. I united with the AOH Church of God in 1980 at the Grace Temple AOH Church of God under the leadership of the late Overseer Joseph Cunningham. In 1982 I moved to Macon, Georgia and served in the church under Bishop Lemon Bell, where I was called into the ministry. From 1987 until 1989, I served as lay minister under the leadership of Overseer Arnold Smith at St. Peters AOH Church of God in Youngstown, Ohio. In June of 1989 I was sent to pastor the Washington Street AOH Church in Cantonment, Florida. In June of 1990 I was sent to pastor the Harris Street AOH Church where I currently serve as pastor. During the past 27 years I have served the church in many different capacities: trustee, deacon, Sunday School teacher, superintendent, and district worker, assistant pastor, and pastor. I also served as praise and worship coordinator for the annual Pentecost meeting and a writer for the Sunday School book. Bishop Mitchell was consecrated bishop in 2007.

AOH Church of God South Alabama Diocesan

Bishop Richard Curtis began his spiritual walk with the Lord on November 20, 1970. He heard the Word of God being preached by the late founder, Bishop W. T. Phillips, urging him to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and tarry until he was filled with the Holy Ghost. Accepting this invitation to a new way of living, Bishop Curtis joined Phillips Temple AOH Church of God and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The following week he was filled with the Holy Ghost. Bishop Curtis asked the Lord to give him something to do in the church. Within minutes, he was asked to serve in various capacities in the church. Ever since then, he has worked untiringly in the church. He served faithfully on the deacon board, choir, progressive club, and Sunday School teacher. Bishop Curtis was called into the ministry in 1976 under the leadership of the late Overseer Robert Pace at the Light of the Word AOH Church of God in Pensacola, Florida. He was an associate minister there for approximately one year. On June 10, 1980 he was appointed as pastor of the Saraland AOH Church, where he served for ten years. There he found a little wooden church with a handful of members. Bishop Curtis had a love for the church and community and desired to be a blessing to them. He conducted outdoor services throughout the community and provided summer meals for the neighborhood children. Recognizing his faithfulness and zeal, God added to the church and blessed them to build a new edifice. Bishop Curtis was consecrated bishop in 2007.

AOH Church of God Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Diocesan

Bishop Jonathan Tate was raised in the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God. His aunt, Reverend Elsie Strutts, raised him. His grandparents were also members of the Pine Hill A.O.H. Church of God. In 1961, he was called into the ministry since that time, his wife, Reverend Sister Shirley Tate, has been by his side spreading the Word of God. In June 1963, he was ordained an Elder and sent from Mobile, Alabama to pastor the 19th Street A.O.H. Church of God in Gulfport, Mississippi. In 1987, he was appointed Overseer over churches in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. In recent years Bishop Tate and the members of the Anointed Temple A.O.H. Church of God purchased over seven acres of land and built a new edifice that accommodates approximately 500 people. Bishop Tate believes in being the leader his entire family, which is comprised of children and their spouses, and grandchildren who are all active members in his church. As Joshua 24:15 says, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Bishop Tate was consecrated bishop in 2002.

AOH Church of God Tennessee Diocesan

Bishop Jerry Ford was born April 12, 1943 to the late Mr. Jerry Ford, III and Mrs. Charity M. Ford. He is the seventh child of eleven children. His father was a farmer and owned a thirty-acre farm. As a child, Bishop Ford was always a hard worker. He was educated at Council Training High School, in Normal, Alabama. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, completing his Paratroop training at Fort Benning, GA. He also became a Screening Eagle of 101st Airborne Division. After he was discharged from the army, he joined the Army Reserve. After seven years of Service, he received an Honorable Discharge. He studied the Arts of Embalming Mortuary Science. He is a graduate of the Huntsville Police Academy and University Bible College and Seminary. He received his Th.B. and Th.M degrees from Master' Divinity Graduate School. He met his lovely wife, Miss Willie M. Strong in 1963 and after she graduated from high school, they married. Bishop Ford was pastor of the Macedonia A.O.H. Church of God in Huntsville, AL for nine years. He went to Scottsboro, Alabama in 1990 to pastor Horton Temple A.O.H. Church of God. The Lord blessed the pastor and congregation to pay the church off, buy land for parking, and do substantial remodeling to the edifice. Bishop Ford was pastor of Horton Temple for over seven years. He was also pastor of Athens and Evergreen A.O.H. Churches. In June 1997, he came back to Huntsville to pastor Victory Temple A.O.H. Church of God. God blessed the saints under his leadership. After a year at Victory Temple, Bishop Ford had a greater vision for the church. In 1998, he relocated the church to Drake Avenue and renamed it Greater St. Stephens A.O.H. Church of God, the church he is currently pastor. Bishop Jerry Ford was consecrated bishop in 2002.

AOH Church of God Georgia Diocesan

Bishop Larnie White, Sr. was the ninth child born to Arthur and Essie White, in Worth County, Georgia (a little town seven miles from Sylvester, Georgia) Bishop White proclaims to be saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled and fire baptized.He accepted his call into the ministry in 1957. When he found out that his salvation was not complete, he obeyed the scripture in Acts 2:38 and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He kept seeking the Lord and the Lord opened up the mysteries of Godliness to him. Bishop White became a part of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God in 1960. He built the Lord a house in Orlando, Florida, namely, Washington Park A.O.H. Church of God, which he was pastor for six years. His work did not stop there. He founded and was pastor of the St. Cloud A.O.H. Church of God for a short while, then was asked to go to Daytona Beach, Florida and worked there in the ministry for 44 years. He served as Overseer for the state of Florida and Georgia. He served as pastor of the AOH Cathedral from 2003 - 2005. He is currently the pastor of the Hibernian AOH Church of God, Birmingham, AL. 2005 - Present. He is a man that fears the Lord, keeps the Lord's commandments, and lives a holy life, free and separate from sin. Bishop White has many accomplishments. He furthered his studies at the United Bible College where he received his B.S. degree and continued his studies at the International Bible College, where he received other degrees. He holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Friends International Christian University. He is a family man with six children: Annie Royal, Nathaniel Braxton(deceased), Dr. Larnie White, Jr, Linda White, Darnell White(deceased), and Ida McCroskey; twenty grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grands. Bishop White was consecrated bishop in 2002.

AOH Church of God Diocesan of Foreign Mission

Bishop Grover Williams was born on August 7, 1936 to Grover and Willie Robinson Williams in Longview, Texas. In 1953, Pastor Williams came to Seattle, Washington and subsequently married Audrey Connolly on December 9, 1960. Pastor Grover Williams was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on February 16, 1964 at Bethel Christian Church, and Holy Ghost filled two day thereafter. As a faithful and dedicated brother of Bethel, he served as Chairman of the Usher Board, Brotherhood, and Broadcast Committee, as well as Sunday School teacher, Truant Officer, Trustee, Finance Committee member, and Harvest Outreach member. Pastor Williams also served faithfully, in the Pacific Northwest District Council and was appointed the first Brotherhood Chairman. In 1979, Pastor Williams joined the AOH Church with Elder Lawrence E. Williams, pastor of Faith Deliverance Assembly AOH Church. After faithfully serving at Faith Deliverance, Elder Lawrence Williams sent him to pastor Faith Mission in Everett, Washington. Pastor Williams was ordained an Elder on June 9, 1993 and on July 25, 1993 he was installed Pastor of then renamed New Faith AOH Church of God. Bishop Grover Williams is instrumental in overseeing the foreign mission work for the AOH Church of God. Bishop Williams attended Cascade Bible College and A. L. Hardy Academy, graduating with a B.A. in Theology in May of 1993. In June 2005, Bishop Williams received his Masters degree in Theology from Friends International Christian University. Bishop Williams was consecrated bishop in 2007.

AOH Church of God Cathedral of the Cross Welcomes New Pastor

Bishop Phillip Wright was born and raised up in Faith Tabernacle A.O.H. Church, Chicago, Illinois. The late Overseer James H. Durham was his pastor. He met his wife, Ametha at the A.O.H. Youth Convention in 1970. They married in 1972 and now have four children. He has held office since his youth at the District and National levels of the A.O.H. Church of God. He served as past Presider of the A.O.H. Northern Regional Youth Convention. Appointed pastor of Sheriff Temple A.O.H. National Executive Board and currently serves as its Executive Board Secretary. Bishop Wright received a Bachelors if Arts and Master of Science-Industrial Arts-Plumbing Science United Association School of Engineering-Purdue University Contract Campus. He also attended Southern Illinois University, Moody Bible College, and A.O.H. Theological Seminary. He is employed with the Illinois Department of Public Health-State of Illinois Certified Plumbing Inspector. He is an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Licensed Inspector. He is a member of the Illinois Plumbing Inspectors Association-Member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers Association. Bishop Wright has been listed as Who's Who in Black America since 1985. The Illinois General Assembly House of Representatives honored him with a Resolution. He is a retired member of the Champaign Urbana and Vicinity Ministerial Alliance. Bishop Wright is also retired Corporate Board member of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of Champaign county. He has been the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, Detroit, MI and the Board of Alderman Award, Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Wright was consecrated bishop in 2002.

AOH Church of God Elects New Assistant National/International Presider

Bishop Lawrence Williams was born to Reverend and Mrs. Lawrence E. Williams, Sr. in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 3, 1942. He is the eldest child of eight children. His parents relocated to Kansas City, Missouri when he was an infant. He attended the greater Kansas City Public Schools and graduated from Manual Vocational High School. Upon completion of high school, he attended the Automation Institute where he received a diploma in Data Processing. In 1963, he was inducted into the United States Army where he served as a Medical Corpsman and Laboratory Technician. Upon returning from oversees duty in South Korea, (where he established his first church), he received an honorable discharge from the military service. He then settled in Seattle, Washington. Shortly after arriving in Seattle he obtained employment at the University of Washington Hospital. He worked in the Department of Orthopedics and Urology as a surgical technician for approximately two and a half years while attending community college. He was also employed by the State of Washington with the Department of Social and Health Services as a Financial Service Technician. His duties entailed investigating complaints, identifying financial errors, and when appropriate, made referrals to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He appeared in court as an expert witness for the state, when required by legal proceedings. Bishop Williams received his degree from Seattle Pacific University in the field of Christian Education, with an emphasis in Church Administration and Biblical Studies. In his studies, he received certifications as a Vocational Resource Instructor from the Puget Sound Educational District. He is now retired from the public school system where he taught for over eighteen years. He also served as the Director of Youth Ministries for the Pacific Northwest District Council for the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for eight years. This district included the states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho. In 1979, he co-founded Faith Deliverance Assembly A.O.H. Church of God, Inc. in Seattle, Washington, which he has pastored for the past thirty-six years. During his present pastorialship, he established Faith Christian Academy and Faith A.O.H. Bible College. He also organized and founded, New Faith A.O.H. Church of God, Inc., located in Everett, Washington. He pastored New Faith A.O.H Church for three and a half years before appointing another pastor there. The name of the church was later changed to New Faith A.O.H. Church of God. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 1983. He presently serves on the Executive Board of the International Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, Inc., and has for the past twenty-eight years. He has also served on the National Trustee Board for over twenty-two years. Bishop Williams is the Bishop over the National/ International Education Department of the A.O.H. Churches of God, Worldwide. He was named ‘Minister of the Year’ for two consecutive years in the Western Regional Ministerial Council. In addition, Bishop Williams was appointed the Assistant National/International Presider at the 99th Annual AOH Pentecostal Convention. Bishop Williams has been blessed to be married to his wife Thelma for forty-three years. They have four beautiful daughters, JoAnna, Jeanette, Michelle, and Kristy, who along with their husbands are all active in the ministry. They are also the proud grandparents of sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

AOH Church of God Centennial Celebration

The Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, Inc. will be celebrating 100 years in 2016. The theme is "The Church Built On A Sure Foundation" 2 Peter 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Pentecost 2016, June 1-10, 2016. Please join us in celebrating 100 years, as we gather to praise God for blessing this great Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God. It is through God's blessings and mercy that we have come this far by faith. Come members, former members and all who would like to be a part of this GREAT CELEBRATION. The Celebration will be held at the Cathedral of the Cross AOH Church of God, 1480 Center Point Pkwy., Birmingham, AL 35215. Bishop Gregory Lucy, Chairman, Bishop John H. Mathews, National/International Presiding Prelate.

AOH Church of God Elects New National/ International Prelate

AOH Church of God Elects New National International Prelate Bishop John H. Mathews is the Pastor of Mt. Zion A.O.H. Church of God in Dayton, Ohio. He has pastored for over 40 years, preaching and teaching the unadulterated word of God. He is the Diocesan over the Ohio Ninth District and 28th District in Alabama.As a pastor serving in Cincinnati and Dayton his ministry assisted in opening a Christian Book Store and Ministerial Alliance with associate ministers in the Church. He also worked with the A.O.H. Education Department for ministers, served as the former Executive Board Secretary, and is the chairman for the License and Ordination Department. His Leadership Persona is enhanced by his experience as a soldier in the United States Army serving in the Korean War. Bishop Mathews is a husband of fifty years and a father of two children and three grandchildren.His focus is working in the public sector to encourage optimism in today's youth and promote basic family values through spiritual educational programs. He also has worked with the President of the Dayton Board of Education. Achievements:1950- Graduated from Dunbar High School, Dayton, Ohio; 1951- Attended Reaver School of Chiropractics, Dayton, Ohio; 1952-54- Served in United States Army during Korean conflict; 1957- Married Dorothy J. Jones of Egypt, Mississippi; 1962- Received Diploma of Theology from Dayton Bible Institute; 1963-65- Took courses from American Bible College, Pineland,FL; 1965- Appointed Pastor of A.O.H. Church in Cincinnati, Ohio; 1970-80- Overseer of the States of Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Ohio; 1981- Consecrated Bishop; 1981- Burned Mortgage in Old Mt. Zion A.O.H. Church; 2001- Elected Assistant Presider of A.O.H. Church; 2002- Dedicated the New Mt. Zion A.O.H. Church; 2003- Elected to Executive Community of Dayton Branch NAACP; 2015-Elected International/National Presiding Prelate of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God by the National Executive Board at the 99th Annual Pentecost meeting.