Speaker: Bishop Ira Combs, Jr. — Diocesan of the 5th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

Bishop Combs, D.D., is a licensed and ordained minister carrying the title Bishop with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.. He is the founder and Pastor of the Greater Bible Way Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith; the founder and Executive Director of Christ Centered Homes, Inc.; and the President and Chairman of IRCO Housing Development, Inc., all in Jackson, Mich. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two children. 

Bishop Combs’ degrees in theology, his role as a pastor and his experience as an executive trained in finance present a rare combination of qualifications that enable him to lead with insight, compassion and business savvy. An exceptional Bible teacher, community leader and entrepreneur, Bishop Combs has received many awards and accolades. 

Bishop Combs matriculated to Michigan State University where he majored in business marketing and minored in religion from 1976-1979. During his tenure as a student at MSU, he was exposed to the mega church ministry of Bishop David L. Ellis at Greater Grace Temple, Detroit, Mich. On May 14, 1978, he accepted the new birth experience at Greater Grace Temple of being born again of water and spirit (St. John 3:5). It was this experience that led to his call to the ministry.