Missouri-Southern Illinois Diocese

Diocesan Leadership

Leadership

Spiritual oversight, pastoral leadership, and organizational direction for the churches of the Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese.

Diocesan Bishop

Bishop Barkley E. Bailey Sr.

Diocesan Bishop, Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese

Bishop Barkley E. Bailey Sr. serves as Diocesan Bishop of the Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese, providing spiritual oversight, pastoral leadership, and organizational direction for the churches and ministries connected to the Diocese.

From the Diocese headquarters at the Bibleway Church Complex in St. Louis, he shepherds congregations across Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin — encouraging pastors, supporting auxiliary leaders, and calling the people of God to faithful worship and service in every season.

First Lady of the Diocese

Mother Bailey

First Lady, Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese

Mother Alfredia Bailey began her ministry as a licensed Social Missionary with the COOLJC in August 1975 and received her Senior Missionary Licensure in 2007. Her ministry has been marked by grace, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the people of God. As a faithful helpmeet and ministry partner, she provides the balance, sensitivity, encouragement, and nurturing spirit that have been instrumental in the success and growth of the ministry. Her gifts, influence, and steadfast support are immeasurable and have been a tremendous blessing to both the Diocese and the community.

Together in Ministry

Bishop & First Lady Bailey

Serving side by side across the churches of the Diocese.

MEET OUR BISHOP and MOTHER

Bishop Barkley E. Bailey, Sr. & Mother Alfredia Bailey

For more than 22 years, Bishop Barkley E. Bailey, Sr. and Mother Alfredia Bailey have faithfully and selflessly served the Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a deep love for God’s people. Their lives have been a testament to steadfast faith, humble leadership, and sacrificial service, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives throughout the Kingdom of God.

United in Holy Matrimony on August 12, 1979, Bishop and Mother Bailey have devoted their marriage to advancing the work of Christ. Together, they have exemplified what it means to serve with dignity, faithfulness, compassion, and excellence, demonstrating that effective ministry begins with a Christ-centered home and a shared commitment to God’s calling.

Bishop Bailey was ordained as a Deacon in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (COOLJC) in 1982, faithfully serving in that capacity for ten years. In August 1994, he was ordained as an Elder, continuing to distinguish himself as a dedicated servant and spiritual leader. Having proven himself faithful and worthy of greater responsibility, Bishop Bailey was elevated to the office of Bishop in August 2005 during the 86th International Holy Convocation of the COOLJC in Columbia, South Carolina.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Bailey has remained committed to preaching the unadulterated Word of God, equipping believers, and building a ministry that continually adds souls to the Body of Christ. His vision is to develop spiritually mature disciples and sound leaders who faithfully teach Apostolic doctrine and carry the Gospel to communities around the world.

Together, Bishop and Mother Bailey have modeled a life of unwavering faith, perseverance, and servant leadership. Their faithful example has inspired generations to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and to serve Him with humility, love, and excellence. Through decades of dedicated ministry, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to leading God’s people to greater spiritual maturity while faithfully advancing the Kingdom of God.

Bishop and Mother Bailey are the proud parents of four adult children—Barkley, Jr., Barlencia, Aaron, and Asa ( wife Kristin). They are also the cherished grandparents of eight grandchildren: Chloe, Barkley III, Allie, Abby, Austin, Karson, Asa, Jr., and Klover. Their greatest joy continues to be serving God together while leaving a legacy of faith, family, and faithful service for generations to come.

“I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 3:15
Vision for the Diocese

A Diocese steadfast and growing

The vision for the Illinois-Missouri-Wisconsin Diocese is one of steadfast faith and healthy growth: churches anchored in the unchanging Word, leaders equipped to serve, and believers united across three states in worship and mission.

It is a vision of local congregations that thrive, of auxiliaries that strengthen the body, and of a Diocese family that stands together — unshaken in an ever-changing world.

Leadership Priorities

Where we are giving our strength

Spiritual Growth

Calling every believer to deeper worship, prayer, and rootedness in the Word.

Strong Local Churches

Supporting congregations so they are healthy, faithful, and fruitful in their communities.

Leadership Development

Equipping pastors, ministers, and auxiliary leaders to serve with wisdom and integrity.

Unity Across the Diocese

Strengthening the bonds of fellowship among churches in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

Faithful Service

Serving our neighbors, families, and communities with the compassion of Christ.

Grounded in the Word

Keeping Scripture at the center of every gathering, decision, and ministry.

Bishop Bailey · Diocese Address

Office of the Diocesan Bishop

Diocese Headquarters

Bibleway Church Complex

10741 Vorhof Drive
St. Louis, MO 63136

Additional official contact information for the Office of the Diocesan Bishop will be published by the Diocese office. For the most current details, please reach the office through the contact form.

Theme · 2026 Diocese Meeting

Honoring Faithful Service

Moments from the 2026 Diocese Meeting, where Bishop Bailey recognized pastors, first ladies, and servant leaders across the Diocese for their faithful work.

Pledge 30

A pledge that strengthens the whole Diocese

Pledge 30 invites members, churches, and friends of the Diocese to give faithfully toward the shared work we carry together — the annual Diocese Meeting, leadership development, auxiliary ministries, and support for our congregations.

What it is

The commitment

Details to be confirmed. Pledge 30 details — pledge amount, term, and how funds are applied — will be published here once finalized by the Diocese office.

Who can join

Every church, every member

Pastors, auxiliary leaders, members, and friends of the Diocese are all invited to participate. Churches may also pledge as a congregation.

Give online

Pledge 30 · Square

Secure online giving through Square. Payment link to be added.

Walk with us in this season

Explore what God is doing across the Diocese, reach the office with a question, or help sustain the work through faithful giving.