Office of the
Presiding
Bishop
and Primate
The Most Reverend Doctor
Justin L. Gates
“The Cross is my Light”
The People’s Pastor
Serving all people regardless of background, beliefs or church affiliation.
From the beginnings in July of 2005, Rev. Justin has proclaimed the Gospel to a multitude of people. As a Chaplain for a fire department, he was able to minister to families and individuals during a very traumatic and difficult time. In addition, he has worked in funeral service as a Funeral Associate and as a Licensed Funeral Director, helping families navigate life’s darkest hours. Often, Rev. Justin has been called upon to officiate the funeral service of a loved one who has no pastor. Transcending denominational barriers, the Lord has opened the door in many churches including the Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, Free-Will Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Nondenominational, Full Gospel, Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal-Catholic Churches.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Ministry
Agape Old Catholic Theological Seminary
Master of Theological Studies
St. George Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity
St. Paul Bible Institute & Seminary
Post Graduate Certificate Studies
University of St. Mary of the Lake
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelism
Liturgical Institute
Spiritual & Behavioral Health First Aid
Mental health Coaching
Light University & American Association of Christian Counselors
Doctor of Theology (Honorary)
in Ecclesial Leadership & Governance
The Independent Catholic Seminary of St. Joseph of Arimathea
Doctor of Ministry
Current student and candidate
St. Thomas Old Catholic Theological Seminary
Deacon Ordination
21 OCT 2023
New Braunfels, Texas
United States of America
Motto: “At the Cross, I Serve”
Priestly Ordination
13 APRIL 2024
Cumberland, Maryland
United States of America
Motto: “My Glory is the Cross”
Bishop Consecration
04 April 2026
Trenton, Tennessee
United States of America
Motto: “The Cross is my Light”
The sacred ministry of the Most Reverend Justin L. Gates has been marked at each stage by a deepening devotion to the mystery of the Holy Cross.
As a deacon, he bore the motto Ad Crucem Servio—“At the Cross, I serve”—expressing the foundational call to humble service in imitation of the crucified Christ, standing in faithful witness at the foot of the Cross.
Upon ordination to the priesthood, this devotion matured into the confession, “My glory is in the Cross,” echoing the words of the Apostle in Galatians, wherein the Cross becomes not only the place of service, but the very ground of identity, sacrifice, and proclamation.
Elevated to the episcopate, this same mystery is revealed in fullness through the motto, “The Cross is my Light,” signifying that the Cross of Christ is not only the instrument of redemption, but the guiding illumination of apostolic leadership. Thus, across the threefold ministry of deacon, priest, and bishop, the Cross stands as the foundation, the glory, and the light of his vocation in Christ.
Prior Ministry
2005-2023: Credentialed in Baptist Church & Methodist Church
Patron Saint
St. Baldomerus
Patron Saint of Locksmiths