About Us

Suffragan Bishop Gregory Wells, Sr. and First Lady Joyce A. Wells, residents of O'Fallon, Illinois are parents of four children:  Gregory Jr., Jeanette, Geoffrey, and Jeremy and have 7 grandchildren: Chaun Gregory, Aaron, Alayna Ann, Justyn Tyreese, Alyssa Latreese, Mychal Dion, and Gregory Richard.  In 1975 and 1976, First Lady and Suffragan Bishop Wells, respectively, underwent their new birth experience under the pastorate of Suffragan Bishop Robert A. Baggett, at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park in Chicago, Illinois. Under Pastor Baggett's leadership and guidance, they began ministering in their home, birthing souls into the Kingdom and proving to be vessels meet for the Master's use.     In addition, Suffragan Bishop Wells faithfully served six consecutive years as leader in various capacities, including Chairman of the Drama Guild and Vice Chairman of the Youth Department. 

First Lady Joyce Wells was well taught to minister to the Saints of God by the Mothers of Zion.  Ministering in the gifts of discernment, helps and wisdom, she was then as she is now, highly sensitive to the Spirit of God.  Together, they have been instrumental in reaching not only many of their own family members but a host of others too numerous to tell.  

In January of 1982, dispatched by the Illinois District Council, Suffragan Bishop WeIls heeded the appointment of the Lord, walking in the vocation as pastor of the House of Prayer Apostolic Church in Carbondale, Illinois.  During this time, First Lady Wells began assisting in the ministry by teaching Sunday school.  For six months thereafter, the Chicago-Carbondale commute was a tremendous sacrifice for the entire family.  In June of 1982, however, the Lord remembered their labor of love, thereby, blessing them to relocate from Chicago to O'Fallon, Illinois.  This move accommodated the convenience of a 90-mile O'Fallon-Carbondale commute.

In January of 1987, Bishop Wells was inspired of the Lord to establish the Spirit of Elijah Ministries in the city of his residence.  In a rented church building, at the corner of Washington and Cherry Streets, the O'Fallon Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith emerged on March 1, 1987.  At that time, the Church's congregation consisted only of four or five families, beside that of the Wells'.  However, in the past 12 years, the Lord has significantly added to the congregation.  In 1994 alone, the Church experienced a 31% increase in its congregation size, and the Lord is yet adding to the Church and continuing to perform marvelous things for the O'Fallon Christian Church family.  To wit, the Lord blessed the O'Fallon Christian Church to purchase a new building in November 15, 1998, under the leadership of Bishop Wells, the Church marched from the old building at 111 West State Street into the new building at 403 South Lincoln, where God is currently glorified.

Suffragan Bishop Wells is a man of impeccable character, lofty rapport, and immaculate reputation.  Further he is an honorable servant, making him a highly respected and well-sought after man of God.  In fact, the Lord has exalted him, elevating his ministry so much that he has been requested to preach and teach more than ever before.  Bishop Wells preaches and teaches on the Council level of both the Illinois and Midwestern Districts.  Periodically, his writings are published in the international publication of "The Christian Outlook."  Currently, he serves in his second term as Vice Chairman of the Midwestern District Council.  Formerly, he served his pastor, Bishop Alphonso Scott, as Administrative Assistant in the 38th Episcopal District of the Haitian Council.  In July of 1997, however, Bishop Saline Montinor appointed him as Suffragan Bishop of the Haitian Council.  Furthermore, in 1998's June Council of the Midwestern District, Suffragan Bishop Wells was appointed Director of the Young People's Auxiliary.

The dynamic ministry that Bishop Wells possess is one that has a great positive effect upon all whom hear him and who are planted under his leadership.  He is a man well beyond his years in the wisdom and knowledge of God; yet he abides in the spirit of humility.  He is a great preacher, excellent teacher, and wise counselor.  He is highly noted for his teaching ministry, delving deeply beneath the surface of the Word to reveal the hidden mysteries of God.  The Lord has given Bishop Wells "another spirit" and a new vision for the people of the O'Fallon Apostolic Assembly.   He has the courageous spirit that a pastor must possess to seize the land of opportunities and blessings that God has in store for His people.  Bishop Wells is grooming the leaders and saints of O'Fallon for a "higher ground" experience in God.  With the direction of the Lord under the leadership of Bishop Wells, the O'Fallon Apostolic Assembly will attain the promises of God.  It is evidenced by his accomplishments that Bishop Wells is governed by a strong work ethic in God's Kingdom that his ministry is a very progressive one.

Working ever so diligently beside her husband is the gracious and ardent First Lady Joyce A. Wells, who industriously renders her time and efforts into the O'Fallon Apostolic Assembly.  Her compassionate, encouraging and loving spirit has touched many hearts.  She is a vessel who labors enduringly, ministering to the people and serving in the House of the Lord, doing whatsoever her hands find to do.  Regardless of the task at hand, she is always willing to serve as a catalyst, bringing the vision of the Church to fruition.  As a woman of great virtue and Godly character, she is an excellent example of a wife, mother and Christian.  First Lady Wells has a God given ministry to children and young people.  She has been equipped by God to effectively minister to physically and emotionally challenged children.

From 1992 to 1994, First Lady Wells served as Secretary to the Ministers' Wives Auxiliary of the Midwestern District Council.  In the O'Fallon Apostolic Assembly, First Lady Wells has served as Nursery Sunday school Teacher and Director of the Usher's Auxiliary.  As an n astute business conductor, she has functioned as a bookkeeper and auditor of the church's auxiliary account as well as a member of the church's Financial Committee, assisting in the execution and transfer of finances.  Currently, her work in this ministry is multifaceted and includes, but is not limited to counselor, altar worker, church secretary and president of the Women's Ministry.  In the latter capacity, she leads the women of O'Fallon to higher levels each year.  Recently, she was inspired by the Lord to take the Women's Auxiliary to another level, from an auxiliary to a ministry.  It is her endeavor to see God's women prosper spiritually, growing in God's grace from the ground up.  She is open to the needs of women and with a listening ear and caring heart. She takes their concerns before the Lord that He may give her the directions and wisdom necessary to transform lives into the image of God.

Suffragan Bishop and First Lady Wells truly love the Lord and His people and have proven themselves to be faithful, strong and steadfast, enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.  They have wholly given themselves to the service of the Lord and are two in whom dwells "another spirit."  Hence, they certainly are worthy of double honor bestowed upon such of this degree and caliber.