“God’s been good to me.” These are the words that newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop, Ezra D. Kinlow says on a daily basis. His recent elevation to Bishop not only points to the faithfulness that God has shown him, but to the dedication and faithfulness that Kinlow has shown as well. By the testimony of community members throughout the Lilac City (and beyond), he is a man of integrity, character, and faith who has garnered respect on the local, state, and national scene from people from all walks of life.
As the pastor of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, Kinlow has been serving the Spokane community since 1981. When he and his family moved here from Tacoma, Washington, they weren’t sure what to expect; one thing he did know was that he was going to do what he needed to do: present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who needed to hear it.
During his 42 year tenure, Kinlow has also advocated, fought for, and moved the meter for the Black community in Spokane. From helping to get the city to hire Black police officers, to advocating for the schools to hire more Black teachers, counselors, and administrators, his contribution to uplifting the Black community has not gone unnoticed.
In May, Kinlow was celebrated for his elevation to Bishop within the Church of God in Christ, at a gala that was held at the Davenport Grand Hotel. Family, friends, pastors, and other dignitaries came from all over the country to celebrate and honor Kinlow for his service to God’s people in the church and in the community. It was a night of worship, preaching, and reflection on the years of service and loyalty marked by his dedication to servant leadership.
Kinlow started ministry in 1972, at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, in Tacoma, Washington, under the tutelage of Bishop TL Westbrook. He initially served as an announcer for the church’s radio broadcast, while also serving as the choir president and choir director. Additionally, at that same time, he started to serve as a deacon in the church. All of these appointments laid the foundation for the future ministry that God was preparing him for in Spokane.
He has served in multiple capacities within the church. Early on, he became the youth president at New Jerusalem COGIC as well as for the Washington State Church of God in Christ Jurisdiction. His trajectory is marked by progressive elevation, from minister, to elder, pastor, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Because of the desire of Bishop TL Westbrook to have Kinlow on his own leadership team, he created the position of special assistant to the bishop and Kinlow was elevated to that position. This year, a milestone was reached and Kinlow was elevated to the position of bishop. When asked what this journey of promotion has meant to him, Kinlow stated, “It continued to encourage me to be faithful. Elevations came to me, I never sought them.”
The journey of serving and being in ministry is one of humility, faithfulness and obedience. Kinlow has demonstrated endurance in his ability to lead by example. At 86 years old, Bishop he shows that he’s still serving and trusting God to direct his path. His unwavering example of servant leadership opened the doors of promotion, and is a testament of God’s favor in his life. Bishop Kinlow, a man of integrity, character, and faith never had to pursue advancement, as God’s providential hand has manifested milestone after milestone.