The Bible often likens the people of God to sheep:
The Bible often likens the people of God to sheep: defenseless, in need of guidance, nurture, and care. Truly then a pastor becomes a shepherd; the watchman and protector of his flock. This individual is appointed by the Lord and has the responsibility of feeding the hungry soul. Even Jesus admits that "Man can not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). In very much the same way, a pastor must attend to the natural and spiritual needs of the people. "He must be compassionate and tender, yet, firm and courageous; yielding absolutely to the divine mandates of god." The scriptures also insist that "He must be blameless... vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and apt to teach" (I Timothy 3:2). Surely we at Greater Bethlehem Temple are blessed of the Lord having received a pastor who possesses the wisdom, dedication and strength necessary to transport us to glory. Dr. James D. Nelson is most certainly the man called, qualified and commissioned to lead this flock of holy people.

Born July 8,1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Nelson
is the third oldest of seven children. He received his primary education in Muskegon, Michigan, but later moved to Chicago, Illinois where he enlisted in the United States Army. After serving two years in Chicago and one year in Korea, He attended the Chicago Baptist Institute. Upon completion, he returned again to St. Louis where he found and married our first lady, Evangelist Bessie Nelson. From this beautiful union, four children (Janice, James Jr., Jason and Jonathan) were born. It's no wonder the Bible suggests that "Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing...(Proverbs 13:22), for, Mother Nelson is as rare and precious as a jewel.

As a young man, James Nelson, Sr.
began a successful career in the food service industry. this endeavor afforded he and his bride the opportunity to travel to Baltimore, Maryland where he served as Director of Food Services and Deputy Director of Support Services of Maryland Manpower Corp.

Dr. Nelson has had a number of accomplishments,
that have earned him certificates from several vocational schools and other such institutions as Essex Community College and Washington University. He has also received a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, and holds a doctor of Theology Degree from the Pentecostal Bible Institute; Tuskegee, Alabama. Although our pastor enjoyed many natural achievements, the greatest victories were yet to be won. In 1963 Dr. Nelson was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ under Bishop P.L. Scott, and later received the gift of the Holy Ghost under Pastor Grace White. Nestled in her pastoral care, he served faithfully as a deacon and local minister while learning to "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (I Chronicles 16:29). Later our shepherd, realizing that the call of pastoring was upon him, succeeded District Elder John Barnes and was installed as Pastor of the Bethlehem Temple Church. Then naturally, because of Dr. Nelson's thirst for souls, that little flower blossomed into the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church of Deliverance with nearly 500 members.

In 1995, under the direct guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Bishop Nelson resigned his position on the Board of Bishops of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and formed World Assemblies of Restoration (W.A.R), where he is the Presiding Prelate. Since it's official launching in October of 1995, the organization has grown to a membership of over 300 churches across the United States, West Africa, Jamaica, West Indies and Canada. The Greater Bethlehem Temple Family is blessed of the Lord having received a pastor who possesses the wisdom, dedication and strength necessary to transport us from earth to glory. The world crowns success, but God crowns faithfulness. Certainly Bishop Nelson has proven faithful.