The Honorable Apostle, Bishop Gentle Lee Groover Sr.

 The Lord has given Bishop Groover the vision to lead the people of God to new levels in Christ. He has a "gentle" spirit and a special gift of speech that allows him to transfer his positive sense of direction to people both young and old. He uses his magnetic personality and demeanor to reach young people and serves as a drawing agent to Jesus Christ.

From 1995 – 2001, Bishop Gentle Groover Sr. served as the Presiding Prelate of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. After serving 2 terms, in August 2001, the Chief Apostle of the organization appointed Bishop Groover as his Executive Assistant.

Bishop Groover's Apostolic history began many years before his elevation to lead the international organization. He has pastored the Greater Refuge Temple in Jacksonville, Florida since its inception in the early 60s. The church has served as a beacon to thousands who have passed through its doors. He also pastors numerous other churches within the state of Florida.

He has worked diligently with the organization’s Apostle to Foreign Missions to help build churches and schools in Liberia, Ghana, India and other countries. He has also sponsored Missionary trips to supply aid.

            Bishop Groover has crossed denominational lines to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has also shared the Gospel Message by way of radio and television. Over the past decade, his television ministry has blessed countless numbers. As a result, many local pastors refer to him as “the Preacher’s Preacher.”

His ministry of “helps” and “compassion” is apparent in his countless visits to the hospitals to offer prayer for parishioners, friends, and many people he has never met. He has opened his home and the Church to those less fortunate. He is a strong proponent of pre-nuptial counseling as well as couples counseling after marriage and is credited with keeping many homes intact.

In the community, Bishop Groover has served on various governing boards to help facilitate safer environments and better living conditions. Many lives have been changed and influenced by his dynamic preaching, teaching, wise counsel, exemplary lifestyle and character of integrity.

Most recently, Bishop Groover was recognized by Who’s Who in the Community and is listed in the directory. He is also celebrated as Pastor of the Month in numerous magazines.

Bishop Groover’s love for the Lord is expressed in his love for people and for God’s Church. The central tenet of his ministry evolves around his commitment to prayer.

District Elder Kenneth Groover

District Elder Kenneth Groover has been blessed with the ability govern with firmness and a kind tongue. No stranger to the work of the ministry, “Pastor Ken” as he is affectionately known, has been a staple of the Greater Refuge Temple since its inception in 1963. As a lad, he came to know Christ and has maintained his integrity ever since.

He was ordained a Deacon in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in the 1980s and was called into the ministry in the 1990s.  Down through the years, he has served the Temple’s Ministry in numerous capacities including Church Administrator, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent and Youth President. He was appointed Pastor of Administrative Affairs and in April 2006, Pastor. In August 2007, he was appointed District Elder.

Pastor Ken’s love for the ministry and the people of God is evident in his devotion to the betterment of each individual and continued contribution to the Kingdom of Heaven.