Bishop Ron Woods Jr. (Our Pastor)

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bishop Ron Woods Jr. is a dynamic and multidimensional leader—Pastor, Teacher, Preacher, Singer, Recording Artist, and Producer—whose ministry spans the pulpit, public square, and global stage. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in March 1992, preached his trial sermon in 1996, and formally answered the call to ministry in 1998. That same year, he graduated with commendations from Paul Robeson High School. He pursued studies in Music Education at Columbia College Chicago and earned a certificate in Christian Leadership from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business at Olivet Nazarene University, combining theological insight with organizational leadership.

Bishop Woods was licensed and ordained in 2003 at Faith Tabernacle #1 Apostolic Church of God, under the late Pastor Mozena Durham. He received his first pastoral assignment in February 2004 and was later elevated to District Elder in 2006 by the Greater Tri-State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. In December 2007, he was consecrated as a Bishop with Apostolic Succession through the Anointed Vessel International Alliance under Bishop Timothy Pleasant. He was inducted into the International College of Bishops in 2017 and appointed Bishop of Global Missions for Pilgrim Assemblies International in 2019. These consecrations reflect his unwavering call to global impact, doctrinal integrity, and apostolic authority.

From March 2020 through December 2023, Bishop Woods faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of Prevailing Church Chicago. In June 2023, he led the relaunch of the church as Apostolic Praise Cathedral, signaling a renewed vision for apostolic worship and community transformation.

On December 17, 2023, he was elected as the Pastor of AHOP Chicago (Apostolic House of Prayer Chicago). A church known for its historic and legacy-rich ministry, founded by the late establishmentarian, Bishop Arthur C. Bell Jr. Today, Bishop Woods leads AHOP Chicago with vision, humility, and a deep commitment to honoring the foundation, while building toward a powerful, Spirit-led future.

Bishop Woods is also a passionate advocate for justice and community development. His work on Capitol Hill in Iowa and Washington, D.C. has focused on combating hunger, homelessness, predatory lending, and unjust incarceration of minorities and women. He has collaborated with key institutions such as The Family Leader, The NAACP, Drake University, The YMCA, and Wells Fargo’s Diversity Division—proving that the Gospel must not only be preached but practiced through action and advocacy. His leadership reflects a bold blend of pastoral care, prophetic voice, and practical engagement.

An accomplished recording artist, Bishop Woods has released several charting gospel singles including “I’m Blessed,” “Way Maker,” “Water Walkers,” “Better,” “Be A Gift,” “The Chant (Miracles, Signs, and Wonders),” “We’re In This Together,” “It’s That Time,” and “Jesus Lives.” His latest LP, “The Sunday Morning Experience – Volume 1” with AHOP Chicago, captures the authentic sound of Pentecostal worship and is set to impact audiences across generations.

Above all his titles, Bishop Woods treasures his role as a father to Ja’Len Woods, the late Josiah Woods, and Miyah Woods. His life and ministry are a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of walking boldly in divine purpose.