J.E. MOORE was born May 24, 1939, in Galena, Cherokee County, Kansas, to John and Edyth King Moore. Growing up, he was athletic and competitive, participating in a variety of sports. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served as a military policeman and played for the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Like most young men, Moore had aspirations for his life, but the hand of God was steering him to a greater call. In April 1961, he became a member of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith (PCAF) when he was filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost at Apostolic Faith Church in Lockport, Illinois, under the pastorate of Elder William Elsey. There he served as janitor, youth chairman, Sunday School  superintendent, trustee, and anything else his hands found to do. His leadership abilities did not take long to manifest and his meekness and love for God did not go unnoticed. On October 8, 1965, Bishop D. Rayford Bell founded Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Joliet, Illinois, and placed Moore, just 26 years old, as its pastor, where he continues to this day. He is married to Tecola Williams Moore and they have five children—Jayme (Willie Berry), Gregory (Tracey), Robin, James, and Edyth (d. 2022; Melvin Campbell). The Moores also have eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

 

In the PCAFI for more than fifty years, Moore was confirmed as a district elder in 1973 and elevated to the bishopric in 1994. He served as convention manager for several years and is currently president of D.R. Bell Apostolic Bible College. After serving two terms as assistant presiding bishop, he was elected to the office of presiding bishop where he served from 2008-2016. In 2020, after the death of Assistant Presiding Bishop Michael E. Ford, Sr., he was appointed to fill the remainder of Ford’s term—the first time a former presider was brought back to office to serve once again. At the 65th International Holy Convocation in Palm Springs in 2022, Moore was honored with the permanent distinction of presiding bishop emeritus.

 

In his desire to be an effective leader, Moore has vigorously pursued education, earning multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. and a doctorate of ministry. He is a published author, releasing Legacy Leadership: A Christ-Centered Leadership Role for Today’s Local Church in 2019. He currently serves as diocesan of the Illinois State Council and is a member of the Executive Bishops Cabinet and Board of Bishops.