Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 1975

Bishop and Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram was appointed presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on July 4, 2012, during the 49th Quadrennial Session of the denomination’s General Conference, held in Nashville. At the 2008 General Conference, Bishop Ingram was elected to chair the General Conference Commission, which oversaw planning and organization for the 49th Quadrennial Session. In his new assignment, he will preside over seven annual conferences comprising Delaware, New England, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Bermuda.

Bishop Ingram was elected and consecrated the 118th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 2000. His first appointment was to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, which comprises Angola, Namibia and most of South Africa. His second appointment was to the Tenth Episcopal District, which encompasses the State of Texas.

Prior to his election to the Episcopacy, Bishop Ingram served as the senior minister of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Mich. During his 13-year pastorate, the church prospered both numerically and financially. Before being assigned to Oak Grove, Bishop Ingram served as pastor of AME churches in Chicago, Springfield and Alton, Illinois. He also served two years on the religious staff at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Campus.

Bishop Ingram has distinguished himself throughout African Methodism, in particular, and the religious community, in general, for his expertise on stewardship and tithing. He is a dynamic preacher and lecturer who is sought after to speak at churches, colleges, universities, and civic functions. He has authored a number of publications that are heralded throughout African Methodism. Included among them are: Equipping the Saints for Service, The African Methodist Episcopal Church Pastor’s Journal and Quarterly Conference Record Book, The Joy of Giving More Than Enough and The S.A.T. Manual on African Methodism: A Study Guide on the Faith, Beliefs, History and Structure of the World’s Oldest Denomination Founded by Blacks, an acclaimed instructional tool for new members that has been updated and expanded.

Bishop Ingram holds a B.A. from Wilberforce University, an M.A. in Teaching from Antioch College, an M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical, and a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary. His religious, civic, community, professional and social affiliations, past and present, include the Ecumenical Center for Stewardship Studies in North America (executive board member), the Christian Communication Council (board member), Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan (advisory board member) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (life member).