Pastor Michael Eaddy to Become Bishop of Illinois COGIC Jurisdiction

St. Louis, Missouri, will host the consecration of Michael Eaddy on Saturday, November 7. Eaddy, a pastor on Chicago’s West Side, is set to become the bishop of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Illinois for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. as part of the denomination’s 118th Holy Convocation.

The appointment expands Eaddy’s role beyond his current congregation, People’s Church of the Harvest. As the new bishop, he will provide spiritual and administrative leadership to churches and congregations throughout the jurisdiction. Organizers expect more than 20,000 attendees at the event, which will draw religious leaders from across the United States and other countries. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is also expected to attend the consecration.

Eaddy has led People’s Church of the Harvest for more than 47 years. During his tenure, the congregation built a $1.3 million facility designed for worship and community service. The church also established programs aimed at addressing educational, economic, and social needs in the area. His leadership has extended into various roles within COGIC, including service as jurisdictional secretary, public relations director, and district superintendent. He also served as administrative assistant and president of Scholastic Motivation Ministries.

Currently, Eaddy serves as the international chairman of the General Council of Pastors and Elders. This leadership body represents approximately 12,000 pastors worldwide, according to the denomination’s announcement. His work has focused on strengthening families and providing opportunities for residents facing economic hardship.

The church’s outreach efforts include a range of services for local residents. These services cover before- and after-school care, tutoring, and computer literacy instruction. The congregation also offers career counseling, summer youth employment, food distribution, and financial literacy education. Eaddy has been involved in these initiatives for decades, integrating faith with practical support for the community.

Beyond his church duties, Eaddy has served as president of the Peoples Community Development Association of Chicago since 1999. The organization focuses on economic development and workforce preparation. One of its key initiatives is the Philemon Restoration Project, a re-entry and employment program. This program assists formerly incarcerated individuals and others facing barriers to employment through job training, placement, computer literacy instruction, and life-skills development. The organization states that the program has served more than 4,300 participants.

Local officials have praised Eaddy’s long history of service. Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin noted that his commitment to intellectual and spiritual rigor has benefited individuals from all levels of society. She stated that he has ministered to the spiritual and material needs of his community for decades. Bishop Larry D. Trotter of Sweet Holy Spirit Church said Chicago has been blessed by Eaddy’s efforts as a community leader. Trotter added that Eaddy has contributed much to the upward mobility of the African American community.

Alderman Jason Ervin also commented on Eaddy’s leadership. Ervin said Eaddy has led with grace, integrity, and a love for all social classes. He described Eaddy as a true servant of God with an undying spirit to help his fellow man. Eaddy studied business administration at the City Colleges of Chicago and theology at Moody Bible Institute. He later pursued additional studies in management, community development, and religious education.

Eaddy received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College and Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2009. He also received an honorary master’s degree in divinity from Chicago’s C.H. Mason/William Roberts Bible College in 2019. His ministry has helped develop 13 pastors who now lead congregations in Chicago and other communities nationwide. Following Saturday’s consecration, Eaddy is expected to immediately assume his responsibilities as jurisdictional bishop.

The new role extends his leadership from Chicago’s West Side to a broader network of churches within the denomination. For his current congregation and the communities served by its outreach programs, the appointment recognizes a ministry built around faith, service, and economic opportunity. The consecration will mark the formal transfer of these administrative duties to Eaddy as he begins his new term.