Apostle Matthew Norwood
Presiding Apostle of Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Biography Overview

In July 2007, at the 88th Internationally Holy Convocation convening in Columbia, South Carolina, Apostle Norwood was elevated to the esteemed position of Presiding Apostle of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The organization was founded in 1919 by the late Bishop R.C. Lawson, a pioneer in Pentecost, and continues to grow today under the visionary leadership of Chief Apostle William L. Bonner. Apostle Norwood’s duties as the Presider encompass the oversight of over five hundred churches in the United States and twenty countries abroad; administrative leader of twelve apostles, the ruling board of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and leader of international department heads that form the Presider’s Cabinet. His term of office is three years with eligibility to serve a second term. He is Apostle of Global Missions and oversees ministry in West Germany, England, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Guyana. He leads the Seventh Region comprising the states of Georgia and Alabama.

Prior to his current appointment, Apostle Norwood served as Vice Presider for six years. He also served as pastor of Bible Way Ministries International in Atlanta, Georgia, for forty-four years. In October 2006, in planned ministry transition, Dr. Monte Norwood, eldest son of Apostle Norwood, was elevated to senior pastor and Apostle Norwood transitioned to Bishop-of-the-House, permitting him to serve the wider realm of believers.

Apostle Norwood is a graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. degree and M.A. degree from Atlanta University, and Master of Theology and Th.D. from Emmanuel Bible College, Atlanta, Georgia. He has a passion for reaching pastors and aspiring ministers to assist them in developing their ministry to meet the demands of the 21st century. He is the author of The Call of God to the Christian Ministry, a book of practical principles for Christian workers.

Special Greetings to Members, Delegates, Pastors, and Presidents from Apostle Norwood

The International Holy Convocation will convene in Orlando, Florida, July 21-25, 2010. I am excited that you are coming and look forward to a dynamic five-day, power-packed convention with delegates converging on the city of Orlando from all over the United States and abroad.

We want every delegate, pastor, and auxiliary president prepared to submit individual reports during the Annual Planning Session in May 2010, at the Southern Regional Headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina. This will allow us to have sufficient time for preaching and fellowship during the convocation. Our records, which include financial reports, are essential to the ongoing operation of our beloved organization. We cannot do this without you. Your cooperation and support are expected and greatly appreciated.