He is one of the most respected leaders in the religious community both in Detroit and across the nation. Bishop Charles H. Ellis III is the pastor of the 6500-member Greater Grace Temple in the Motor City, and the Presiding Bishop of the 1.3 million member Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

He’s known as a man “with a heart for people” who believes in reaching beyond the walls of the church to touch hurting lives. In Detroit, he’s known as a dedicated civic leader and is a board member of numerous community organizations.

His church has been the site of a number of international events including the funeral of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. During the auto crisis, his sermon, “A Hybrid Hope,” was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times on the same day. It made international headlines as he challenged Washington to help save the auto industry. Through this effort Bishop Ellis and this sermon were featured in three documentaries.

Bishop Ellis broadcasts daily to potential millions on his internationally viewed “Amazing Grace” telecast. He’s also a member of the cast of the docu-series, “Preachers of Detroit,” which airs on the Oxygen Network.

Bishop Ellis is happily married to his wife, Crisette, and is the father of three children, Kiera, Charles IV and Kirsten (who made her transition in 1994).