About Us

Bishop  Donnie McGriff, Sr. is a respected leader, visionary, preacher,  teacher, pastor, and the founder of Christ Temple Apostolic Church,  where he has faithfully served for 43 years. He has also served as the  Overseer of CTIM Fellowship of Churches, which operates under the  umbrella of Christ Temple International Ministries (CTIM), for 30 years.  For 24 years, he has been the President of Christ Temple International  Apostolic University Ministries, an accredited institution recognized by  the Accrediting International Commission for Schools, Colleges, and  Theological Seminaries. By God's grace, this ministry has planted 24  churches. Bishop McGriff has overseen the Philippines Diocese since 1993  and continues to provide leadership to 56 churches in India under the  guidance of Bishop Johannas Mallipudi.  

​  In 1993, Dr. McGriff was consecrated as Bishop for the World Won for  Christ Ministries under the leadership of the late Bishop Wayne S.  Davis, the founding Bishop.

Suffragan  Bishop McGriff served under the California District Council 16th  Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc for  over 55 years under the late Bishop John Caldwell, the late Bishop R.  Frank Bowdan, the late Bishop Robert McMurray and the late Bishop Henry  L. Johnson.  During this time period Dr. McGriff was consecrated as  Suffragan Bishop served as Assistant Chairman for the California  District Council for 3 years served as Pastor’s Counsel for the CDC and  now making HISTORY at the CDC July 2014 Council, under the interim  leadership of our Diocesan Bishop Charles Ellis. Dr. McGriff was elected  Bishop of the Southern California District Council. Later, at the  P.A.W. 2014 Summer Convention, he was consecrated as Bishop over the  Southern California District Council - 67th Episcopal District of the  Pentecostal Assemblies of the World on August 8, 2014. He faithfully  served in this role until July 2022. He has now transitioned to the role  of Emeritus Bishop after reaching the designated tenure age. To God be  the glory for bringing about a historic transformation in Southern  California.

Bishop  McGriff is an anointed man of God, chosen after God’s own heart is a  gifted authored and keen insight to the needs of God’s people, who has  published Best Sellers such as “Don’t Mix Your Stuff with God’s Stuff”,  and Supportive Ministries of Helps for the 21st Century Church Books 1  and 2. Also, recently published Christians in Crisis. Bishop McGriff is  an ardent student of Eschatology, a Bible Teacher, which he is certified  in Anger Management, License Marriage & Family Christian Counselor,  and a Member of American Association of Christian Counselors.

Bishop  McGriff earned his Ph.D. from California University of Theology in  2010. He is also a graduate of the University of Biblical Studies and  Seminary, where he received his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts  in Pastoral Christian Counseling. In addition, he earned both a Doctor  of Divinity and a Doctor of Christian Education and Administration from  the International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth in Dayton,  Ohio.

His  life in Christ is reflected in his deep love and compassion for his  wife, (District Elder) Dr. Gladys Grier-McGriff, their families, the  GCTAC church families, fellow believers, and his commitment to reaching  both the whole person and those who are lost. One of his favorite  scriptures is Psalm 37:4: "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he  shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Many  regard him as a Pastor’s Pastor and a Leader’s Leader. He is always  willing to assist, guide, and mentor newly appointed pastors. He leads  empowerment seminars and Bible classes specifically designed to help  train pastors on how to establish a church, outlining the essential  guidelines and steps to take before embarking on this journey.  Additionally, he dedicates time to training Deacons and Armor Bearers,  equipping them to serve at their highest potential with the help of God.  “To God Be the Glory!”

Dr.  E. Gladys Grier-McGriff, was baptized, received the Holy Ghost, began  teaching Sunday school at a young age, was active in the choir at Christ  Temple Apostolic Church in Muncie, Indiana. Pastored by Bishop Oscar  Sanders known as sin Killing Sanders.

On  October 7, 1961, she wed John T. Grier, and on the same day they were  married, she joined Indianapolis, Indiana's Grace Apostolic Church.

On  December 23, 1961, they moved to Los Angeles, California, and joined  the Apostolic Faith Home Assembly, which was led by Bishop Frank R.  Bowdan. Where she organized a Young Adult Choir and a Children's Choir,  which she oversaw for 19 years. Assisting the Senior Choir Assistant  Director, assisting with foot washing and communion, Sunday School  teacher, Las Fidelas Matrons President, working with Vacation Bible  School, crafts teacher, and choir director.

She has served in a variety of affiliated ministries, some of which include:

Christ Temple Church, Altadena, CA., Pastored by Suffragan Bishop John Corley

First Apostolic Church, of Inglewood, CA., Pastored by Bishop Wayne Davis

Dr. E. Gladys Grier-McGriff was ordained as minister in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

Serving  as a co-founder of House of God Apostolic Church, Inc. in 1989. She  ministered and contributed physically to the church's construction and  to its ministry. Since 1974, she has worked with Grier's Construction  Company in the construction field until its dissolve in 2021.

For  the past 20 or so years, under the late Bishop Norman Wagner, Dr. E.  Gladys McGriff has coordinated Communion for the Pentecostal Assemblies  of the World.

Having  served in a variety of capacities within the California District  Council, including Missionary President for Region 2, Several terms for  the CDC Vice President of Christian Women, Vice President of Ministers  and Deacons & Widow's Wives, and President for several terms.  Director of the choir and coordinator of communion.

Christian education bachelor's degree from Aenon Bible College (West Coast) in 2014.

California  University of Theology master's degree in Christian counseling. SUM A  CUM LAUDE. (2014) Author of the book entitled, "Christian Counseling  Manual".

Obtained  a Doctorate Degree in Theology from California University of Theology  (2016). Author of book entitled, “Personal Commentary of all the books  in the Bible”.

On July 19, 2015, Dr. E. Gladys was Installed as pastor of “House of God Apostolic Church Inc.

Elevated to District Elder in Central California District Council Region #2 in (2022).

On  December 17, 2022, happily married Bishop Donnie Nathaniel McGriff, Sr.  founder and Senior Pastor of the Greater Christ Temple Apostolic Church  in El Cajon, California. 

The benefits of joining two families together become threefold blessings. The Glory Be to God!

Christ Temple Celebrates 43 years of Services opening it's doors on December 3, 1982. With the blessing of the California Hawaii Nevada District Council; affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World organization. Christ Temple opens its door and had its first service December 3rd, 1982 at 3085 54th Street San Diego , California  Two years later we out grew 3085 54th with 75 members and moved next door to 3081 54th Street, where God moved and manifest His supernatural power at CTAC in such a magnificent manner that Pastor McGriff began to refer to CTAC as “The Miracle on 54th Street” as a slogan that still applies today. We outgrew 3081 54th of 220 soul’s and was forced to move to 5952 El Cajon Blvd. where we remodel the two story building to accommodate class rooms, church administration, board room and a sanctuary. In 2001 we outgrew the El Cajon Blvd. property in San Diego and were forced to move again on April 28th 2001, where we move to our present location at 309 Prescott Avenue El Cajon , California to a larger facility with the sanctuary seating 500 including the balcony and overflow room, class rooms, cooperate office, fellowship hall, and University.  Through the leadership of Dr. Donnie N. McGriff (Former Adjutant and Bishop of World Won for Christ Ministries International) many ministries have been developed to minister to the community, such as an Armed Forces Ministry (ship ministry), food and clothing for the needy in Mexico, using senior and college students for mentoring youth after school, and weekend youth programs just to name a few. Presently, there are 28 in house ministries established and designed to meet the needs of the total man, spiritually, physically, and mentally.     Fifteen (24) Ministers received the called to Pastor.     1. Pastor Herbert Mills, Spring Valley, California   2. Pastor Timothy Robinson, Garden City ,Kansas   3. Bishop Wash Carthon, Newport News , Virginia  4. Bishop John Givens, Spring Valley, California  5. Bishop John T. Smith, Indianapolis, Indiana  6. (Ret. Capt.) Elder Charlie A Jones, Naples, Italy  7. Bishop Kelvin Clark, Greater Harvest Church, Fresno, Texas  8. Bishop Vernon Miller, Jacksonville, North Carolina  9. Apostle Kiplon L. Taylor, Atlanta, Georgia  10. Pastor James Willingham, Bible LIght Ministries, Spring Valley, California  11. Pastor Patrick N. Daniels, Fellowship of Zion Apostolic, Murrieta, California  12. Apostle TL Carter, Mt Calvary Ministries, Lemon Grove, California  13. Pastor Grover Ford, Stockton, California  14. Dr. Chanda G. Simmons, Christ Deliverance Ministries, El Cajon, California  15. Bishop Johannas Prem Mallipudi, Tanuku, India (International)  16. Pastor John Tomlin, God’s Will Deliverance Ministries, Sicily, Italy  17. Bishop Arthur Felton, New LIfe In Jesus Christ Ministries, Plano, Texas  18. Pastor Brenda Thomas, Tampa, Florida  19. Pastor Cheryl James, Las Vegas, Nevada  20. Elder Kenneth Mitchell, Merchant Marine (overseas)  21. Apostle Donald Jones, Faith Harvest Ministries, San Diego, California  22. Pastor Dr. Benjamin Andrew, Lake Elsinore 23. Pastor Larry Weathers | 24. Pastor Rashaud Singleton "Sold Out Ministries".    In 1999, God blessed us to open our very own school (International Apostolic University of Southern California), changing the name to Christ Temple International University which is presently affiliated with Aenon Schools of Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. This university is to educate, equip, train, and empower leaders, church workers, evangelist, pastors and all who have a desire to strive for excellence and obtain a fully accredited degree in Christian Education, Theology, Counseling, and Church Administration.     We pray that God will continue to Bless and keep our Bishop to continue to give him guidance and strength for the journey.