Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton

Has served Grace for 25 years, as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, assistant pastor and pastor. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education and Church Administration, a Master's Degree in Theology, and a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from the Internal Apostolic University of Grace and Truth.

Bishop Pendleton was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Incorporated (PAW) in 1984, and was unanimously elected pastor of Grace Apostolic Church in 1986. Since then he has been recognized as Pastor-of-the-Week for his outstanding service to the D.C. community. In the 1990s, he was elevated to the office of Suffragan Bishop.

Under his leadership, Grace has establish several in-house and outreach ministries, and has grown exponentially. In 1986, God inspired Bishop Pendleton to build a new worship and educational center on Alabama Avenue, in Southeast D.C. When that location became too crowded, God gave Bishop Pendleton another vision. In 2007, the Grace family moved to a completely renovated and larger location on Dix Street in Northeast D.C.

While nourishing the Grace family at least twice a week, Suffragan Bishop Pendleton still makes time to counsel members, and support and serve the District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland District Council and the PAW organization.

Beyond the pulpit, he is devoted to his sweetheart, Lana Jo, of 41 years, their three children and many grandchildren.