Churches offer much more than just a space for prayer. They help people connect, and they often support those who are truly in need. One church in particular that is doing that is the Christ Apostolic Temple in Des Moines, Iowa, led by Bishop Dwight Reed.
Since 2017, Bishop Reed has been the senior pastor, and he has made an impact not only through preaching but through the church’s wide variety of programs aimed at serving the community. Continuing what his late father, Bishop Jeremiah Reed, started, Bishop Dwight Reed is focused on advancing that legacy.
What sets Bishop Dwight A. Reed’s Church apart is not just the size of the church, but how much it gives, and how it develops people—both in terms of their spiritual life, as well as their everyday lives.
So, to understand why his leadership is so important, let’s take a quick look at where Bishop Dwight A. Reed came from and how he got here.
Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Dwight A. Reed relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, with his family the following year. Dwight Reed stepped into leadership at Christ Apostolic Temple in 2017, succeeding his father as pastor.
Before that, he earned a Master of Theology degree from JCAA, a Christian college, and served as the pastor of two churches in Louisiana. Upon returning to Des Moines, he became the pastor of Christ Apostolic Temple, now the largest predominantly African American church in Iowa.
One of the best ways that Bishop Dwight Reed helps the community is through something called CATCOS, which stands for Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services. This group is all about giving back, and they have developed several wonderful community initiatives since Bishop Reed became the pastor in 2017.
Every week, CATCOS hands out food boxes to families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. They will even deliver food boxes to those who cannot physically come to the church! Every week, CATCOS, through a relationship with Costco, has a food pantry that is stocked with fresh food and produce.
The same goes for back to school! In a partnership with Wal-Mart 360, CATCOS provides free school supplies, household items, clothing, and sometimes even small appliances. Around the holidays, the church even acts as a Toys for Tots distribution center so that kids can get gifts for Christmas.
Bishop Dwight Reed knows that many people are facing serious challenges, including addiction, anxiety, and a lack of education. Because of this, the church started Road to Recovery—a weekly program for anyone struggling with drug or alcohol issues. It’s based on the well-known 12-step model, and the church partners with the Iowa Department of Corrections to offer it not only to former inmates but also to anyone in the community who wants help.
In addition, for those dealing with stress or anxiety, the church runs Living Above Anxiety, a mental health class led by trained instructors from NAMI, a trusted national mental health organization.
Education is another top priority. Under Bishop Reed’s direction, JW Reed Christian Academy (JWRCA) achieved full accreditation and improved its structure. Thanks to those efforts, six students received full college scholarships last year. The school is growing fast, and it’s exciting to see where it's headed!
Bishop Dwight Reed's church also teaches financial literacy, working with local banks and businesses to help people learn how to manage money, save wisely, and plan for the future.
Altogether, these programs are making life-changing impacts, not just spiritually, but in real, everyday ways that truly matter.
The church is also deeply committed to keeping people safe and healthy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it worked with the State of Iowa to offer free vaccines to the community. To support long-term health, the church now offers Diabetes Prevention Workshops, taught by trained staff in partnership with a healthcare group called Telligen.
Beyond physical health, Bishop Reed’s church is dedicated to making sure everyone feels included. He introduced American Sign Language (ASL) classes so that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully participate in church services.
These initiatives reflect Bishop Reed’s true dedication to promoting health, inclusivity, and support for all community members
In the end, what makes Bishop Dwight Reed’s church special is its deep commitment to people—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. Under his leadership, Christ Apostolic Temple has evolved from being a place of worship to a community centre that supports personal development and long-lasting change. Food drives, mental well-being support, educational opportunities, and job readiness are everyday activities that Christ Apostolic Temple provides to meet real needs.
It is the best example of the result when faith meets action, and lives are being changed because of it.