It has been officially announced that Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. will be the new Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship, succeeding Bishop Neil C. Ellis.
Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr will be enthroned as the next Presiding Bishop during his Enthronement Service on October 18, 2023. Bishop Neil C. Ellis will officially retire as the Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship on October 17, 2023, during his official Service of Retirement, which is a part of the Services of Episcopal Succession for Global United Fellowship.
Bishop Neil C. Ellis who founded Global United Fellowship in 2013, made the announcement during “The Gathering,” Global United Fellowship’s annual conference, that took place this year in Landover, MD in July of this year, in front of thousands of attendees, as well as a worldwide streaming audience. This appointment demonstrates a strong trust and respect for Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr., a proven and dynamic leader in the body of Christ world-wide.
“With deep gratitude and humility, I accept the God-ordained responsibility and opportunity bestowed upon me. I express my sincere appreciation to Bishop Neil C. Ellis for choosing me as the next Presiding Bishop. My commitment is unwavering toward fostering a positive future for the Fellowship. Every day, I will continue to work diligently to ensure the fulfillment of the mission and vision set by our founder. During this transition, we will remain united, strong, and dedicated. We are a fellowship of independent churches from different denominations and backgrounds who strategically provide an end-to-end ministry ecosystem to provide churches of all sizes, resources to execute ministry at a level of operational excellence & diligence for the Kingdom. In short, I encourage our pastors, “Don’t Do Ministry Alone.” We are here for you.”
“In addition, our goal at Global United Fellowship is to do something unique and different. Our plan is to establish connections between the church world and the business world by forming dynamic partnerships. Already, Global United Fellowship has forged relationships with The Black Wealth Summit, Impact Network, and Carolina Kitchen. These collaborations will enable our members to recognize the significance of wealth creation, entrepreneurial prospects, and utilizing business networks to bring fresh opportunities to their congregations. Additionally, we are currently in the process of forming partnerships with major corporate organizations. The possibilities for Global United Fellowship are endless,” said Peebles.
About Bishop Joel R. Peebles
Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. leads the esteemed City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, MD, a church known for its excellence. He comes from a well-established family of preachers and teachers and is following in the footsteps of his parents, the late Bishop James Peebles and the late Apostle Betty Peebles, who founded Jericho Baptist church in 1964. The Jericho Baptist Church, now named City of Praise Family Ministries, serves as a strong spiritual pillar for the Washington DC Metro area, focused on their noble mission of “Saving Families, One Soul At A Time!” This church’s impact extends beyond just spiritual matters and encompasses a range of social and economic initiatives. In Prince George’s County, MD, and elsewhere, City of Praise Family Ministries offers over 70 ministries that contribute to community enhancement. Remarkably, it houses one of Maryland’s largest Food Bank Centers. Additionally, they provide support for college application fees, assistance with the college application process, SAT/ACT test preparation, and college tours through their Road to College program. The ministry also facilitates access to affordable senior living facilities and operates the Jericho School for educational sustainability. Through all these endeavors, City of Praise Family Ministries is a church devoted to empowering and bringing success to the community by emphasizing the values of family and love.
Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. will assume his role during a time when the church culture faces multiple challenges and a changing Christian landscape. As a highly skilled and insightful spiritual innovator and teacher, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. is equipped to face these challenges and is driven to grow the Kingdom of God. Upholding the timeless message of love, faith, and hope, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. continues to inspire people around the world, just as countless others have done for over two millennia.
Residing in Prince Georges Country, Maryland, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Sr. shares his life with his honorable wife, Pastor Ylawnda Peebles, their four children named Joel, Jordan, Janay, and Jeremiah, as well as their son-in- law, Thaddeus, and beloved grandson, Joel III.
About Bishop Neil C. Ellis
Born on the tiny island of Bimini, The Bahamas, at the age of nine years, his oratorical skills catapulted him into the national spotlight and won him a scholarship from former Prime Minister of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, to attend one of the premier high schools in the capital city of Nassau. Upon graduation, he matriculated to the College of The Bahamas and later served as president of the College of the Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS). He has authored 12 practical books that challenge, motivate and inspire the reader.
The former businessman heard and accepted a higher calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at a very early age, and in February 1987, organized Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church with 11 charter members. No one knew that when newlywed Rev. Neil C. Ellis accepted the pastoral mantle twenty six years later, with his fresh style of ministry; he would emerge as the pastor of thousands at Mount Tabor Church and thousands more via his Internet Church, Mount Tabor Anytime. Each week his soul-stirring, life-changing, motivational, inspirational and revelatory messages are viewed on television and streamed on the internet.
The tentacles of his influence are visible globally. As a pastor, He mentors some 40 pastors in The Bahamas and throughout the United States. Bishop Ellis is passionate about the Word of God and its ability to transform lives and has travelled throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, North America, Germany, Africa, Israel, Greece and Rome preaching the gospel. He has been recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England for rendering distinguished services in Commonwealth nations. For twenty years he has served in various offices in the Full Gospel Baptist Church International. Most recently, he has given birth to The Global United Fellowship, an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change as well as expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. It is for this reason he says, “I was born.”
He is the recipient of the 2010 Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment and he is the youngest living inductee in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia. His song, “Don’t Do It Without Me” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award.
Bishop Ellis is married to the former Patrice Michelle Johnson and they along with their two children Johnathan and Renechea reside in Nassau, Bahamas.
About Global United Fellowship
Established in 2013 under the leadership of Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Global United Fellowship (GUF) is a cross-denominational fellowship of spiritual leaders and churches united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational impact, and expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. The Fellowship’s Five Prong mandate is to unite churches; equip leaders; enhance marriages; resurrect the discipline of prayer and build covenant relationships within the Body of Christ. GUF is comprised of more than 700 churches from countries and provinces including the Bahamas; England; Jamaica; Pakistan; South Africa; West Africa, the Philippines, the Turks & Caicos Islands, and The United States. With over 150 consecrated Bishops and Apostles in the Fellowship, and hundreds of influential pastors, GUF is equipped to leave a major spiritual imprint on today’s culture through targeted ministries in the areas of Family, Education, Business, Media, Religion, Government and Arts & Entertainment. More information can be found at www.globalunitedfellowship.org.