Joel Peebles is the son of one of the most loved Christian families in the nation. He is the youngest of three sons born to the late Bishop James Peebles and the late Apostle Betty Peebles. When Bishop Peebles was in his mother’s womb, Bishop and Apostle Peebles began planting a church that would grow into one of the largest and most respected Christian ministries in the United States. Bishop Peebles counts it as one of God’s greatest blessings in his life to have grown up living and learning under the divine anointing of his parents.

Bishop Peebles received the call to preach the gospel at a young age. Under the tutelage and encouragement of his father, he occasionally joined him on a weekly radio broadcast in the late 1970s. In addition to the great education that he received from his parents, Bishop Joel Peebles’ formal education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from Bowie State University, a Masters of Arts in Council from Bowie State University, a Master of Divinity from Wilbur Henry Waters College, and a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Breakthrough Bible College.

Bishop Peebles began preaching at the City of Praise over 20 years ago and has worked to grow and realize the vision established by his parents. Since 1997, Bishop Peebles has served on the church’s Board of Trustees. In addition, Bishop Peebles currently serves as President of the Board of the Center of Hope, an upscale senior living complex. Bishop Peebles continues to serve as pastor of the congregation that was established and grown by his parents over many years. In the years after his father passed, Bishop Joel and his mother, Apostle Betty Peebles, continued to grow the ministry and care for the congregation at the City of Praise in their capacities as pastor and assistant pastor, respectively. In August 2012, Bishop Peebles was consecrated pastor of the City of Praise Church Ministries. Bishop Peebles is married to Ylawnda Peebles, who is his greatest blessing from the Lord. Pastor Ylawnda Peebles matches her husband’s enthusiasm for the Lord. Together, they have counseled hundreds of couples and hosted an annual marriage and family seminar, Marry Me Again.

Bishop Joel and Pastor Ylawnda Peebles are the parents of four children. They live in southern Maryland.

One thing have I desired of the LORD that I will seek after is that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life…