Bishop Marcus R. Ways, Sr.

BISHOP MARCUS R. WAYS, SR.

Bishop Marcus R. Ways, like Bishop Mason, was first introduced to Christ via the Baptist church.  However, at the age of 12 years old, on August 13, 1973, a fiery Church of God in Christ missionary held a prayer meeting for a group of young people who were playing in her yard. On that very day, Bishop Ways and 27 other young people were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost.  He subsequently joined Missionary Temple Church Of God In Christ under the late Supt. Golden Ferguson.  At age 13, he was appointed President of the Purity Class; at age 16, appointed junior deacon; and at age 19, called to the ministry. He was ordained an Elder in Michigan Southwest by Bishop John Seth Bailey in March 1984.  At age 20, a few weeks after marrying the love of his life, he was appointed the Assistant Pastor of Missionary Temple COGIC.  At age 22, he became the District Youth President of District #10, Michigan Southwest First Jurisdiction.

After praying, fasting and seeking counsel from Supt. Ferguson and Bishop John H. Sheard, he accepted his pastoral call at age 29.  With his wife and two children at the time, he founded and planted the Christian Gospel Center Church Of God In Christ in October 1990.  At age 30, Bishop John H. Sheard appointed Bishop Ways as the Jurisdictional Youth Department President. In 1998, at the age of 37, Bishop Sheard appointed him as the Jurisdictional Secretary and in 2000, at age 39 he was appointed Superintendent of the Headquarters District, with the blessing and continued support of the former senior Superintendent.  In 2011, Bishop John H. Sheard appointed Bishop Ways as an Administrative Assistant.  Additionally, from 1998 to 2012, he served as the Finance Chairman of IYD, Chairman of Finance for the National MY Convention, and an Executive Board member of the International AIM Convention, all under the leadership of his brother and friend, Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Moreover, in December 2021, Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, and the General Board appointed Bishop Marcus Ways to the office of Jurisdictional Prelate of Michigan Southwest First Jurisdiction.

As you can see from his vast list of servant assignments, Bishop Ways is a committed son of this church.  In addition to his ardent ministry work ethic, he earned a BA in Computer Information Systems at Wayne State University.  He earned a MA in Biblical Studies from Ashland Theological Seminary, while working as a bi-vocational full-time Pastor and Corporate Senior Manager for Chrysler Corporation. He is an active, respected ecumenical community leader in Metro Detroit, advising governors, mayors, city council and key community leaders. His global ministry resume includes Canada, Brazil, Africa and Europe. Considering all his accomplishments and accolades, none are more sacred and cherished than husband and dad; for 45+ years, he has been married to Attorney Patricia Ways, and they are the proud parents of 3 adult accomplished children, Faithe, Marcus Jr. and Maurice and one exceptional grandson.