MOUNT BETHEL APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Bishop James Z. Townsend is the Pastor and Founder of Mount Bethel Apostolic Faith Church. Bishop Townsend was born in McGhee, Arkansas, December 3, 1943 to Newt and James Anna Townsend. Bishop Townsend is the youngest of seventeen children. He was reared to always love the Lord. Bishop Townsend moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1956. In 1961, Bishop graduated from Shortridge High School. Bishop Townsend also attended Aenon Bible College. May 23, 1964 Bishop married Bessie Louise Jamison, to this union three sons were born – Jeffery, James Jr. and Joseph. Bishop Townsend was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the Holy Ghost March 26, 1973. Bishop Townsend was a member of Mount Zion Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late BishopJames O. Franklin. He served faithfully as a lay member, assistant young people chairman, Sunday school teacher, assistant Sunday school superintendent, and choir member. Bishop Townsend was called to the ministry in July 1977. In 1985, the Lord began dealing with Bishop’s heart to become a pastor. Bishop Townsend’s desire was to be an evangelist. The Lord continued to influence him. Bishop Townsend spoke with other pastors about this awesome responsibility. After much prayer and consecration, he yielded to the Lord’s call. Mount Bethel Apostolic Faith Church was incorporated March 17, 1985. His first sermon as pastor was entitled “Mix it With Faith”. Mount Bethel was born with seven members. The Lord blessed the church and the membership to grow. The church moved into a schoolroom, and in 1987, the church moved to 2502 N. Sangster Ave. In March 2000, the Lord blessed, and we moved to our present location at 2120 N. Pasadena Street. In 1993, Bishop Townsend was elevated to the position of District Elder. In 2003, he was elevated to Jurisdictional Bishop Elect in the PCAF. In July, 2005, Bishop was consecrated and elevated to Episcopal Bishop during the national PCAF convention in Jacksonville, Florida. Bishop Townsend has been appointed Diocesan Bishop of the 26th Episcopal District of the State of Alabama. Bishop Townsend is also the assistant Bishop of the Indiana State Conference. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!