Biography of Bishop Vernon L. Bess
Bishop Vernon L. Bess received the message of the Gospel, repented of sin and was baptized in Jesus’ name on August 13, 1976 under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur C. Coleman of Church of Christ the Divine in St. Louis, Missouri. On December 26, 1976 he was filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, and began to serve as a faithful man of God under his leader. As he continued to dedicate himself as a man of God, he served in the capacity of Armor Bearer to Bishop Coleman, and later elected as the President of the Young People’s Department and the National Secretary of the Churches of Christ the Divine. In these capacities Bishop Bess, then in the office of Elder, served faithfully and untiringly, in whatever manner he was allowed. He had an enthusiasm for the work of the Kingdom even then, whether as a humble servant to the needs of his pastor, or in studying and preaching the Word of God.
In 1996 God commissioned Bishop Bess to leave St. Louis for Hickman Kentucky to care for the saints of the late pastor, Bishop Brown who had gone on to be with the Lord. The ministry soon outgrew that location and relocated to a larger facility for Anointed Ministries in Union City, Tennessee. Since God has begun to enlarge his territory, Bishop Bess has established several churches, which continue in those areas of the vineyard. Bishop Bess’ meat has often been that of the Kingdom, fasting and praying for extended periods of time to allow God to endow him spiritually. After a 40 day fast, God began moving through him with signs and wonders, and a prophetic ministry that is extremely keen -- God supernaturally uses him to settle the past and prophetically open doors for those to whom he ministers. As the Lord began to lead Bishop Bess to reach out into the St. Louis area again, he established Greater Love Ministries and is now Pastor of both the Anointed Ministries of Union City, Tennessee and the Greater Love Ministries of University City, Missouri. Bishop Bess sits on the Executive Board of Bishops in the Higher Ground International Ministries and has traveled the world preaching, teaching and prophesying.
Bishop Vernon L. Bess is the husband of one wife of 24 years, First Lady Gwenise Bess, and the father of 6 beautiful loving daughters and 6 loving granddaughters. He is a great man of integrity, wisdom, and knowledge. His life mirrors the faithfulness, dedication and integrity with which he serves the Lord, preaching holiness and the unadulterated Word of God.
In 1996 God commissioned Bishop Bess to leave St. Louis for Hickman Kentucky to care for the saints of the late pastor, Bishop Brown who had gone on to be with the Lord. The ministry soon outgrew that location and relocated to a larger facility for Anointed Ministries in Union City, Tennessee. Since God has begun to enlarge his territory, Bishop Bess has established several churches, which continue in those areas of the vineyard. Bishop Bess’ meat has often been that of the Kingdom, fasting and praying for extended periods of time to allow God to endow him spiritually. After a 40 day fast, God began moving through him with signs and wonders, and a prophetic ministry that is extremely keen -- God supernaturally uses him to settle the past and prophetically open doors for those to whom he ministers. As the Lord began to lead Bishop Bess to reach out into the St. Louis area again, he established Greater Love Ministries and is now Pastor of both the Anointed Ministries of Union City, Tennessee and the Greater Love Ministries of University City, Missouri. Bishop Bess sits on the Executive Board of Bishops in the Higher Ground International Ministries and has traveled the world preaching, teaching and prophesying.
Bishop Vernon L. Bess is the husband of one wife of 24 years, First Lady Gwenise Bess, and the father of 6 beautiful loving daughters and 6 loving granddaughters. He is a great man of integrity, wisdom, and knowledge. His life mirrors the faithfulness, dedication and integrity with which he serves the Lord, preaching holiness and the unadulterated Word of God.