Biography

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4: 11-12

Elder Joseph D. Ross has been a devoted servant of the Lord for 49 years. He was trained and discipled under the guidance of the late Pastor Samuel Russell (Peace and Goodwill C.O.G.I.C., Phoenix IL.), Pastor Walter Blalark (Cole Temple C.O.G.I.C., Ford Heights, IL), and the late Pastor Samuel E. DeBose (St. Andrew Temple C.O.G.I.C., Harvey, IL). Elder Ross has been married to Sister Joyce Ross for 45 years. He is the father of one son (Kenyon) and twin daughters (Tiffaney and Chanae).

Elder Ross attended C.H. Mason William Roberts Bible Institute, and he was ordained in August of 1992 under the leadership of Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Louis Henry Ford. Elder Ross also served as Chaplain for the Village of Phoenix Police Department from 1997-2011. Elder Ross retired in 2011 from Exelon/ComEd after 29 years of service as an Oil Lab Technician. While working for ComEd, Elder Ross served 3 terms (1995-2007) on the Board of Trustees for the Village of Phoenix. In 2015, Elder Ross was appointed Chaplain for the Village of Calumet Park Police and Fire Departments. He continues to serve in this capacity.

Bishop Ocie Booker, Prelate of First Jurisdiction-Illinois, appointed Elder Joseph Ross as pastor of the St. Andrew Temple Church of God in Christ on May 10, 2020. It is his endeavor, with the help of the Lord, to win souls and meet the needs of God’s people naturally and spiritually.