Dwayne
Shepherd a native of Fresno,
California allowed God to
guide his life in a new
direction when he moved to
San Diego California in
1976. Two years later, in
December of 1978, Dwayne
Shepherd was baptized in the
precious name of Jesus and
filled with the Holy Ghost
at the Apostolic Faith
Temple Church.
Eager
to learn more about the
Lord, he faithfully attended
church services, Sunday
School, PYPU, Brotherhood
Auxiliary, and prayer
meetings, “studying to
show himself approved unto
God”. He also
worked untiringly around the
church and humbly assisted
the janitor with whatever
task or job that needed to
get done.
In 1979
Bro. Dwayne Shepherd met the
lovely Sis. Selina Moon.
They were married in 1980
and God has blessed them
with two beautiful daughters
(Delena & Zarinah). Bro.
Shepherd’s faithfulness and
dedication to the church
paved the way for him to be
appointed to the office of
Deacon where he served with
his usual dedication, but
God was not finished with
Bro. Shepherd yet. It was
during 1980 that he was
called to the ministry.
Under the guidance and
direction of his late
Pastor, Dr. Charles L.
Taylor, he continued to grow
in grace and the knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
In July
of 1984 as God continued to
bless him and guide his
steps, Minister Shepherd
received his State
Ministerial License under
the leadership of the late
Bishop R.W. McMurray the
Diocesan of the 16th
Episcopal District of the
Pentecostal Assemblies of
the World, and the Late Dr.
Andrew Cross, Chairman of
the Council. He continued
steadfast in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and received
his National License in
1987. Minister Shepherd was
ordained as Elder in 1994
during the California Nevada
Hawaii District Council.
In
1991, Elder Shepherd
graduated from Aenon Bible
College where he gained a
solid foundation in the
Apostolic Doctrine. As
Elder Shepherd continued to
increase his knowledge of
the Lord, he graduated with
honors on June 9, 2001 from
the International Apostolic
University of Grace and
Truth with his Ph.D in
Theology.
In July
1998, Elder Shepherd was
officially appointed Pastor
of the Greater Apostolic
Faith Temple Church, Inc.,
working under the Senior
Pastor, The late Bishop
Charles L. Taylor. February
13, 1999 Greater Apostolic
Faith Temple Church family
and friends gathered to
witness the formal inaugural
ceremony of Elder Dwayne
Shepherd as the Pastor of
Greater Apostolic Faith
Temple Church, Inc. On
July, 2, 2004 during the
California District Council
session in Sacramento
California, Pastor Shepherd
was elevated to District
Elder for the Southeastern
District #4 California
District Council, by Bishop
Henry L. Johnson, Diocesan;
16th Episcopal
District of the Pentecostal
Assemblies of the World,
Inc.
Under
Pastor Shepherd’s
leadership, the church has
broadened their evangelistic
efforts by adding the
Spanish, Prison,
Transportation, Book,
Children’s, Hospital,
Convert Care, Rehab & Radio
Ministries.
Today
our church has been through
numerous changes as we have
built upon the foundation
laid by our forefathers.
Right before our eyes, we
are witnessing the anointing
and power of the “Holy
Ghost”, as Elder Shepherd
allows the Lord to
masterfully lead him in
instituting “purpose-driven
church” principles. With a
vision to have a
multi-purpose & youth
center, administrative
office for ministry leaders,
homeless shelter, church
retreat and most of all MORE
PARKING! Our Pastor has
broken down traditional
religious walls and has
propelled the church into
the 21st century
by restructuring the way we
worship, serve and disciple
souls.
Pastor
Shepherd carries on the
tradition that “it’s
our relationship with God
that is important and not
our reliance on customs or
religious service”.
May the
Lord continue to bless,
anoint, and lead our Pastor
as he continues to carry the
mantle of the Spirit of God,
and direct the people of God
toward spiritual excellence,
the divine purpose of
holiness and EVANGELISM!
