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Rev. Christopher Gregg Gilmer

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1932 ~ Present

Reverend Chris Gilmer was born on July 13, 1932 in Bosier City, Louisiana. He was raised in the church, and as a child he and his family attended the First Pentecostal Church in Bosier City. Before his conversion experience, he worked in the steel industry with his father. He also worked in the oil fields. Chris served four years in the United States Air Force (1952-1956).

It was while serving in the Air Force that Chris began attending the First Apostolic Church in San Bernadino, California pastored by Brother Howard Davis. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in May of 1954, and was later baptized in Jesus' name by Brother Davis. On August 28, 1954, Chris and Shirley Ann Henry were married. To this union was born three children.

Brother Gilmer worked in his home church in San Bernadino for nine years, serving in several capacity's. He evangelized for three months before going to Fort Stockton, Texas, where he started Apostolic Tabernacle in August of 1963. In 1969 he became a member of the newly formed Apostolic Minister's Fellowship. He served two terms as the General Chairman of the AMF (1986-1990). Elder Gilmer is one of the innumerable servants of God that has faithfully served in the oneness movement. Audio and Video Recordings of Elder Chris Gilmer are available in the audio/video library.

Elder John Henry Grier

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

1901 ~ 1985

Elder John H. Grier, son of Meshack and Alice Towns Grier, was born January 17, 1901 in Smithville, Georiga. He came to Indianapolis, Indiana at an early age and embarked on a very rewarding life. As a young man he turned his life over to Jesus Christ and was baptized with the Holy Ghost on September 10, 1919. He was called to the ministry and served as an Assistant Pastor of Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Assembly for twelve years. He later served as Pastor of Bethel Tabernacle Apostolic Church. Gifted with the ability to bring out the best in young preachers. He was instrumental in the development of many ministers who later became pastors themselves.

Under his pastorate, Bethel Tabernacle experienced great spirit and financial growth. His many accomplishments included building of a new church ediface. In 1967 Elder Grier founded Antioch Apostolic Church and served as Pastor there until his death.

John was united in Holy Matriony to Amanda Mozelle Owens in May of 1921 and to this union was blwsses with the birth of eleven children. Mrs. Amanda Grier preceded Elder Grier in death in February of 1952. He later married Patrica Milton and to this union three children were born.

Elder J.H. Grier was a most loving and devoted father, grandparent and church leader who lived to be of service to others. He endured himself to many, many people and truly was a friend to one and all.

A member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for over fifty years, Elder Grier was present at the initial meeting for the inception of this organization. He was also a member of the Apostolic Bible Students Association. Widely known and respected as a Bible scholar and teacher, he was able to preach and teach dramatically and pictorially the Word of the Lord.

Elder Grier was a master plasterer, a trade he practiced and became most proficient in for over sixty years. He was also a member of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Intyernational Association, Local #46.

Elder John Henry Grier departed this earthly life on January 10, 1985 at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months and twenty-four days. Audio Recordings of Elder John Grier are located in our Audio Library.

Rev. James L. Groce

Apostolic Ministers Fellowship

1945 ~ Present

Elder James L. Groce was born June 12, 1945 in Pasadena, Texas. He is married to Brenda, and to this union were born three children.

James attended Texas Bible College in Houston, Texas. He evangelized for twenty (20) years, and has pastored for twenty (20) years.

Elder Groce is a member of the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship. He served as editor in chief of the Apostolic Standard (the official organ of the AMF) for ten (10) years. He is also a former Chairman of the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship.

Elder Groce is also a member of the steering committee for the Apostolic Ministerial Conference (AMC), and is editor-in-chief of the Apostolic Compass, a publication designed for the edification of conservative Apostolics.

Elder Groce is presently the pastor of Calvary Apostolic Church in Molino, Florida. Audio recordings of elder Groce are available in the audio library.

 Bishop Lambert W. Gates

Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith

1958 ~ Present

Bishop Lambert Wage Gates Sr., was born on October 31, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan. The son of the late Leroy, Sr., and Elise Anna Wade Gates, he is the youngest on nine siblings. When he was 6 months old his mother died, and from the age of 2, was raised by his father and stepmother, the late Minnie gates. He credits his stepmother with keeping him in church as a youth and diligently instructing him in the ways of the Lord. His father, whom he saw as a "wise counselor and friend", instilled in him strong Christian values and the importance of being the best at whatever he would do in life.

He was baptized at the age of seven, and filled with the Holy Ghost on March 28, 1970, at the age of 11 at the Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple, his church home.

Educated in the Detroit Public School, he graduated with honors at the age of sixteen in 1975. He continued his education, attending the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where he majored in English. Soon after, he began his professional career as a high school English teacher in Detroit. He received a bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. To further his education he engaged in business studies through Suffolk University in Boston, massachusetts and is actively pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministries through the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary based in Springfield, Missouri.

Bishop Gate's ministerial career began in 1975 when he preached his first sermon, "Great is Thy faithfulness", in Ferndale, Michigan. He joined the Apostolic Faith Temple in 1978, cultivating a close relationship with the pastor, Bishop Nemiah Smith. at Faith Temple he worked in such capacities as building fund chairman, director of auxiliaries, and as a general aide to the pastor.

During this phase of his ministry he also became established as an evangelist. in 1984, upon becoming an ordained minister of the Pentecostal churches of the apostolic Faith, he was asked to serve as the assistant pstor at Faith Temple. In addition to service to his local assembly, he has contributed to a great degree on an organized level serving as chairman of the youth Auxiliary of the Michigan State Council, president of the National Youth conference, and as an elected member of the Board of directors.

On August 25, 1988, Bishop Gates was elected to the pastorate of the Mt. Zion Apostolic church in Indianapolis, Indiana, succeeding the late Bishop James O. Franklin. He was officially installed on December 11, 1988. In 1996, the P.C.A.F., in ackmowledgement of his ministerial achievements at the local and national levels, appointed him to the bishopric. He was consecrated on August 8, 1997. 

In May 2004, he was appointed to diocesan bishop of the 7th Episcopal District, succeeding the late Bishop Jester Purnell. From this he has created the indiana Diocese Fellowship, a quarterl evangelistic service designed to promote unity and fellowship among the indiana churches.

Bishop Gates believes in a holistic approach to ministry, structuring the ministries of Mt. Zion to deal with the tripartite nature of man. He is an outstanding teacher of the word of god and is a nationally known speaker whose ministry is in constant demand. He can be seen nationally on the "Victory Through Praise" telecast, and heard locally on the "Joyful Sounds" radio broadcast.

Bishop Gates and his wife Nancy, are the proud parents of Lambert Wade, Jr., and Cameron David. 

Rev. Corey Joseph Gatlin

United Pentecostal Church

1976 ~ Present

Rev. Coery J. Gatlin was born on September 16, 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the eldest of four children born to Roy and Peggy Gatlin. Corey attended primary school at JCA Academy in Mississippi. He graduated from Central High School in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Corey Gatlin and Melissa Murray were united in marriage on December 7, 1996. To this union were born four children, Alex, Alyssa, Alivia, and Alexis. 

Corey was born again of "Water and Spirit" being baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1986. Corey has been blessed to sit under the ministrial leadership of great preachers such as: Rev. B.A. Spell, Rev. Ken Gurley, and Rev. Rex Robertson. He felt his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999.

Corey preached his first sermon in the year 2000 at Pleasant Hill. He asserts great admiration toward those who have invested themselves into his spiritual development. He recognizes the individual contributions of Rev. Lois Terrell, Rev. Roy Gatlin, Rev. Ken Gurley, Rev. B.A. Spell, Rev. Joel Gatlin, and Dr. Gary W. Garrett as being his spiritual mentors...having influenced his ministry with the positive impact of Christian leadership. His ministerial positions include, Youth Pastor; Home and Family pastor; and Administrative Pastor. 

As Brother Gatlin continues to develope his ministerial career, he recognizes the importance of leaving something positive for the next generation. As he establishes his "Ministerial Legacy" he would like to be remembered as "Someone with a passion for People."  His philosophy is committed to "Educating, motovating and inspiring one life at a time, to reach for the hope of one more chance to do the right thing...failures are not futile, and the blood truly covers all..."

Rev. Charles R. Grisham

United Pentecostal Church International

1948 ~ Israel was born. Babe Ruth died. Political conventions were televised the first time. Kentucky was basketball's reigning champs under legendary coach, Adolph Rupp. Preachers talked a lot about sin, hell and Heaven. days were longer, quiet evenings were enjoyed on the porch in conversation.  families were close and neighbors were like family. Jobs were valued and money was tight. Divorce, like cancer was only a rarely whispered word. Society had glue and people stuck together. The sound od crickets, frogs and June bugs filled the night air because, rappers and DVD's were decades later. Early to bed, cause folks worked hard, with their hands.

Charles and Frances, two teenagers in love. Tulsa is a city with a natural beauty, divided by the Arkansas River. He was from the west side, she the east side. Such different backgrounds, and each enjoyed a cadre of colorful characters. Uncles and aunts ~ How can we forget Uncle Clifford, who loaned Dad his car for dates, and the legendary Uncle Sam, the greatest worship leader at the First Apostolic Church. Grandpa Black, Frances' maternal grandfather, owened a thriving business on the more prosperous east side. He sized up the thein, wavy haired 17 year old youngster, who had stolen the heart of Velma's eldest daughter.

Soon after the marriage, Charles spent lonely nights away from his sweetheart, working on the pipeline as an apprentice to his father, as a heavy equipment operator. Frances could expect to receive a lovely poem in the mail, crafted in a drafty boarding house, somewhere here in Kansas.

Charles russell Grisham worked hard at various jobs. The Tulsa World newspaper. later, he worked as a draftsman/design engineer, after night school, eventually owning his own business, C.R. Grisham & Associates.

Frances, would receive her personal Pentecost. She recalls, the 19 year old Nona Freeman preachingat the Rock church on Nogales Avenue in West Tulsa.

Surrendering his life to the call of ministry, there was "no task too big or small" for young Charles. he wanted to serve ~ and that he did. Scores of ministers and wives recall the young man in these formative years..."Brother Charles" with "sister Frances" at his side.

Tulsa was a hub o spiritual activity, with missions at the heart of this great church. Terry Lynn, their first-born arrived weeks before their first anniversary.

After early struggles they found the rhythm of life ~ building a family and serving the Lord. Five children ~ ten together. After Terri, came Daren Shane. They always concentrated on the things that mattered most...relationships. They took the high road. Always caring and forgiving. Though not perfect, they made us believe others were. Their love for people was passed to their children. People mattered more than position or status.

Charles and Frances Grisham are loved around the world. As the founder and editor of the Apostolic Writer's Digest, Brother Grisham has granted scores of fledgling writers the joy of being published the first time. This publication is sent each moth as a gift to missionaries in approximately 100 countries.

They served as "foreign" missionaries to North Dakota. The finest saints on earth enjoyed their leadership at Detroit's historic Schoolcraft Church ~ for 33 years. This gracious flock shared their gifted shepherd with the world.

Charles and Frances Grisham have written their legacy on our hearts. The final chapter is not yet written. many today preach a prosperity based message and life of grandiose dreams. Charles has preached a blue coller gospel of endurance and faithfulness, setting a high standard of excellence.