Meet Our Presiding Prelate and Senior Pastor

Bishop Glen A. Staples is known around the world for his oratorical gifting and anointed ability to teach the word of God in such a profound, provocative, and prophetic manner invoking the call to high praise and worship serves as Presiding Prelate and Senior Pastor of The Temple of Praise (formerly known as Anna Johenning Baptist Church) which is located in the heart of Southeast Washington, DC.  While covering more than 14,000 members, overseeing more than 35 churches in the D.C. metropolitan area, New York, Ohio, and more than 200 churches in India, Nigeria and the Bahamas, Bishop Staples is lovingly known as the “Pastor’s Pastor.”  

Bishop Staples answered the call to preach in 1981, was licensed on April 14, 1982, and ordained on December 6, 1986.  His love for uplifting God’s people led him through his journey of ministry beginning from 1982 to 1986 where he served as Associate Minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia.  He also served as interim Pastor at both Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and First Missionary Baptist Church also in Beckley, West Virginia.  From 1986 to 1990, he served as the Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in West Virginia.  After nine years in ministry, God called Bishop Staples to relocate to the Washington, DC metropolitan area where he served as an Associate Minister at the Tenth Street Baptist Church under the spiritual guidance of Pastor A.C. Durant.  One year later, he was appointed as the third Pastor of Anna Johenning Baptist Church – currently known as The Temple of Praise.  But, God in His infinite wisdom, was not done with Dr. Staples’ journey; on November 6, 2005, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House International, consecrated Dr. Staples as Bishop and Presiding Prelate. 

Through his teachings, more than 35% of The Temple of Praise members are now homeowners with viable jobs compared to less than 10% three years ago.  In addition, through a partnership with the University of the District of Columbia, Temple of Praise members who render volunteer hours to after school programs with a local high school are provided with free college tuitions.  Known for his strong business acumen in the area of economic development and empowerment and a proponent for quality education, healthcare, and affordable housing, Bishop Staples established the Way of the Word Community Development Corporation in an effort to better service the needs of the community.  Through the CDC, Bishop Staples is currently undergoing three major multi-million dollar projects in the Southeast DC community in an effort to revitalize and bring back pride to this forgotten area south of the Anacostia River. 

To address the dire healthcare needs of the community, he is currently developing a state-of-the-art medical healthcare center in partnership with several local hospitals on the grounds his former edifice located at 885 Barnaby Street SE, Washington, DC.  Because of his desire to assist homeless women make the transition from dependency to self-sufficiency, Bishop Staples has also established an 18-month program to house homeless women and their children providing them with life and job skills, obtain GEDs and college degrees, as well as job placement.  (This facility is the largest women’s transition home of its kind in the District of Columbia.)  In addition, he is currently blueprinting a real estate development project to build multi-dwellings for low-to-moderate income and senior citizens in the community. 

A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Bishop Staples holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees – Social Studies and History and Government.  He also holds a Masters Degree of Education in Behavioral Disorders, a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling and is currently pursuing an additional Doctorate from the University of Phoenix.  Bishop Staples studied in the doctoral program at Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburg, Indiana and later received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute, Houston, Texas.  Additionally, in October 2005, he was nominated to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree from Saint Thomas Christian College, Jacksonville, Florida.  Formerly a special education teacher, Bishop Staples has taught in Raleigh County West Virginia and in the Prince George’s County Public School system in Maryland.  He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix and serves on the Board of Advisors at Nyack University.

Most recently, Bishop Staples was appointed and selected as the Washington, DC candidate for inclusion in the 2006-07 Honors Edition publication of the Empire Who's Who Among Empowering Executives and Professionals registry.  He was also  recognized, selected and published in the Outstanding Men of America; the National Register of Who's Who in Executives and Professionals, and the International Who's Who of Professionals.  The American Biographical Institute Board of International Research previously nominated Bishop Staples for Man of the Year, and he was also selected one of the Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century First Edition by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge. 

Bishop Staples was married to the late Martha Ann Day Staples and he is the proud father of three sons -- Glen, (Elder) Lamar, and Rodney; and two daughters, Jamie and Micah.  He is a great Bishop, loving father, great teacher, and a Holy Ghost filled Pastor…but more important, he is truly a SAVED MAN OF GOD!

Join us at The Temple of Praise - a “Life-Changers Ministry” that is ever-growing with souls being saved, healed, delivered, and set free!