Cathedral of Praise New Member Handbook

Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Th.D
Visionary/Senior Pastor
New Members’ Orientation Handbook
Physical Address: 3030 N. Del Rosa San Bernardino, CA 92404
Mailing Address: PO Box 30677, San Bernardino, CA 92413
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Telephone Number: (909) 474-1005
Fax Number: (909) 474-9798
Email: info@copim.org

Table of Contents
Schedule 2
Prelude 3
Meet Bishop Johnson 4
Vision Statement 5
COPIM Way/Mission Statement 6
Church Prayer 7
Officers of the Church 8
Directory of Church Ministries 9-13
Articles of Faith - What We Believe 14-17

Schedule
Sunday
Celestial Praise
8:00 a.m.
Pentecostal Praise
11:00 a.m.
*Children's Church—8:00 a.m.. & 11:00 a.m.*
*Youth Church - 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday at 11:00
a.m.*
Tuesday
Spiritual Vitamin C
6:00 a.m. (Pacific Time Zone)
605.475.3220-868763#
Wednesday
Noon-day Bible Study 12:00 p.m.
Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Page 2

Prelude
The Holy Spirit in the mind, heart, and spirit of Bishop Craig W.
Johnson conceived Cathedral of Praise International Ministries on
December 17, 1994. After much prayer and meditation for direction,
a Bible Study was formed in the home of Pastor Craig on January 17,
1995. A Steering Committee was formed from those in attendance at
the Bible Study and planning began for the birth of this Church fellowship.
On March 28, 1995, Cathedral Of Praise International Ministries organized
as a Church fellowship. Seventeen individuals united at the
Consecration and Commitment Service. On Sunday, April 2, 1995,
the first Sunday Service convened at Bloomington Life Center at 4:00
p.m. After the first service, much was accomplished in the Name of
Jesus! COPIM moved into the Riverside Campus in August of 1995,
and finalized the purchase on February 26, 1996. The last property
improvement to that campus was made on January 26, 1998 – the
paving of the Parking Lot!
After outgrowing the Riverside Campus, services were held at various
locations while we awaited the next move of God. As we planned to
erect a 15,000 square foot edifice, God directed us to our Rialto Campus,
a 32,000 square foot edifice with no financial debt! In January
2004, COPIM planted our first Satellite Campus – the Riverside
Campus.
In 2013, God opened up doors for COPIM to purchase it’s own property.
In June of 2013 we closed escrow and on October 4, 2013, we
officially dedicated our current 27,000 square foot edifice in San Bernardino,
CA.
There are visions of Transitional Living Programs for the homeless
and low income, a school to educate our children, a college to educate
our ministers, and a health spa to keep our bodies fit. The plans of
God are great and many for COPIM, and all we have to do is purpose
in our hearts to remain steadfast, keep our minds stayed on Him, and
worship Him in spirit and in truth. The best is yet to come!
Page 3

Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Th.D
Bishop Craig W. Johnson is a native Californian
born in Riverside. After graduating high school,
Bishop Johnson attended California Baptist University
where he received a BA in Religion and a
BA in Behavioral Science. He continued his education
studying Social Work and Public Administration
at Cal State San Bernardino and Sacred
Literature at Trinity Theological Seminary. In
1999, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
from Pentecostal Bible College. In 2000, he
received an earned Doctorate of Theology from
Pentecostal Bible College. In 2011 Bishop Johnson
received an Honorary Doctorate along with the
Father of Faith Award from Next Dimension Bible
College.
Bishop Johnson has held many secular positions
including that of Peer Group Counselor, Group
Counselor-Probation, Employment Services Counselor,
Social Service Worker, Independent Living
Skills Program Coordinator, Service Program
Specialist, and Social Services Supervisor.
Bishop Johnson previously served as the Chairman of the Southern Counties Independent
Living Skills Network (covering counties from Santa Barbara to San Diego). He formerly
held the positions of Chair of the Family Preservation and Support Planning Body of Riverside
County and Vice President of the Advisory Board of the Black Infant Health Program.
He was nominated to the International Who’s Who of Professionals in 1998 and 2001. He
was installed as Overseer of the Inland~Orange District of the Full Gospel Baptist Church
Fellowship in October of 2000. On July 12, 2005, Bishop Johnson was consecrated to the
holy office of Bishop by the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and faithfully served
as the Southern California State Bishop through January 2010. On March 4, 2006, the
Riverside Chapter of the NAACP awarded Dr. Johnson the Drum Major Award for Religious
Service. In 2007, Bishop Johnson was awarded Premier Membership to the Continental
Who’s Who of Professionals and Executives. In February of 2012, Bishop Johnson
was appointed as the International Bishop of Ministerial Alliance within the Full Gospel
Baptist Church Fellowship under Bishop Paul S. Morton and faithfully served through July
of 2013. In March of 2014, Bishop Johnson was appointed as the Provincial Leader for the
US West Coast for Global United Fellowship under Bishop Neil C. Ellis and was official
installed as such on November 11, 2014.
Bishop Johnson is the Visionary and Overseer of Cathedral Of Praise International Ministries
(COPIM). COPIM was organized in April of 1995 with 17 members. In 21 years, the
membership has grown to over 3500. Bishop Johnson has developed numerous ministries
designed to meet the needs of the people. Along with the church, Bishop Johnson has developed
Harvest Of Praise Ministries, a ministry designed to bring people of all races,
denominations, and creeds together.
Bishop Johnson notes his hobbies as “Peace & Quiet”.
Page 4

Vision Statement
The vision of Cathedral Of Praise International Ministries was stated
by our founder, Jesus the Christ, and recorded in Luke 4:18-19. This
is a ministry of reconciliation ordained to assist the poor, to heal the
hurting, to deliver the captive, to restore sagacity to the spiritually
blind, to set free the oppressed, and to preach and teach the truth of
the Gospel.
We have been commissioned to focus on people rather than programs,
to create a spiritual atmosphere where true worshippers can
praise Him in the freedom of the Spirit, and to break down the walls
of tradition that make the Word of God of none effect.
We are commanded to edify the people of God by demonstrating unconditional
love, by developing a community of believers who give
of themselves so that no one is lacking anything, and by sowing the
Word of God in our lives that a harvest of spiritual fruit might blossom
forth.
Page 5

COPIM Way
Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
As “One Man”, we agree to operate in the Spirit of our
Visionary Leader by operating “The COPIM Way”.
According to Judges 6:16;20:8; Psalm 133
“Service with a smile, filled with sacrifice and always
focused on success!”
Smile = good attitude;
Sacrifice = going the extra mile;
Success = goal (not process) oriented
~ Mission Statement ~
“To operate in unconditional love, assisting individuals and families
in reaching their destiny as planned by God and learned
through the knowledge of God’s Word and kingdom principles.”
Page 6

Church Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come into Your presence thanking You
for Cathedral Of Praise International Ministries.
You have called us to be saints in the Inland Empire and around the
world. As we lift our voices in one accord, we recognize that You are
God, and everything was made by and for You. We call into being
those things that be not as though they were.
We thank You that we all speak the same thing; there is no division
among us. We are perfectly joined together in the same mind. Grant
unto us, Your representatives here, boldness to speak Your Word,
which You will confirm with signs following. We thank You that we
have workmen in abundance and all manner of cunning people for every
manner of work. Each ministry operates in the spirit of love and intercessions.
We have in our Church the ministry gifts for the edifying of this body
till we all come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a mature person. None of our people will be children,
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine. We
speak the truth in love.
We are a growing and witnessing body of believers becoming 5,000
strong. We have every need met. Therefore, we meet the needs of people
who come spirit, soul, and body. We ask for the wisdom of God in
meeting these needs. Father, we thank You for the ministry facilities
that will more than meet the needs of the ministry You have called us
to. Our Church is prospering financially, and we have more than
enough to meet every situation. We have everything we need to carry
out Your Great Commission and reach the Inland Empire area for Jesus.
We are a people of love as love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit. We thank You that the Word of God is living big in all of us and
Jesus is Lord!
We are a supernatural Church, composed of supernatural people doing
supernatural things, for we are laborers together with God. We thank
You for Your presence among us and we lift our hands and praise Your
Holy Name!
Page 7

Officers of the Church
Senior Pastor: The Senior Pastor shall be the Shepherd, Spiritual
Leader, and Worship Leader of the Church. The Senior Pastor shall
preach and teach the gospel, administer the Ordinances of the Church,
watch over the Membership, promote the spiritual interest of the
Church, organize the Church Ministries as lead by God, and serve as
Moderator of all Ministries and Business Meetings.
Executive Pastor: The Executive Pastor shall serve as a right
hand to the Senior Pastor and shall assist in carrying out the ministry
of the church.
Youth Pastor: The Youth & Children’s Pastor shall serve as an
assistant to the Senior Pastor and a liaison between the Youth & Children’s
Ministries of the church.
Senior Elder: The Senior Elder shall serve as an assistant to the
Senior Pastor and a liaison between the Senior Pastor and all ministries
of the church.
Elders: The Elders shall in every way assist the Senior Pastor in his
work. Elders are to assist the Senior Pastor in the guidance, direction,
and protection of the ministries and members of the Church.
Administrator: The Administrator provides full-time, on-site management
of the following business operations: daytime staff, facilities
and property, financial management and contract administration, administrative
support, risk management, oversight of office operations,
technology, and church-related communications.
Page 8

Directory of Church Ministries
Biblical Ministry
Deacon Ministry
The Deacon Ministry assists families within the Church with various
needs, both spiritual and temporal. Members are encouraged to consider
their assigned Deacon as the first point of contact when assistance
of any kind is needed.
Ministries
AOK
This ministry focuses on Youth ages 12-18. Youth are encouraged to
reach within by touching the lives of others through Acts of Kindness.
Armor Bearers Ministry
The Armor Bearer’s are a team of individuals who are compelled of
God to serve the men and women of God.
Assimilation Ministry
Team of spiritually mature individuals who assist in building unity in
the Church through the introduction and integration of new members
in to the local body.
Bereavement Ministry
This ministry provides comfort and loving care to members of
COPIM upon the transition of an immediate family member.
Children of Promise
Children of Promise (Ages 3-12) teaches children how to live both
spiritually and practically.
Children’s Hunger Fund
This ministry provides Food Paks to individuals and families who
express a need. Food Paks are delivered to each household in an effort
to build a spiritual connection.
Page 9

Directory of Ministries Cont’d...
Counseling
This ministry provides Spiritual Guidance to individuals and/or couples
who are experiencing challenges.
Dance
This ministry seeks to minister to the congregation through dance and
flags.
Educational Advocacy
This ministry partners with the local K-12 schools to provide support
to children and their families when behavioral or educational matter s
arise.
Evangelism
This ministry works to restore hope and provide opportunities for
others to become all that God intends for them to be. This ministry
reaches out to the lost within communities in order to share and
spread the love of Christ to the world.
Fellowship
This ministry provides planning and coordination assistance for assigned
church-wide activities.
Greeters
This Ministry encourages and enhances the lives of each person walking
into the doors of COPIM through welcoming and supporting.
Health
This ministry works to educate the congregation and the surrounding
community in healthy life choices and preventive health practices.
Page 10

Directory of Ministries Cont’d...
Helping Hands
This ministry builds Kingdom connections with those who are experiencing
temporary hardships through the provision of clothing and
consumables on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month at 8:00 a.m.
Intercessors
The task of the Intercessors is to encourage those who are seeking
deliverance, healing, or salvation and to provide comfort and consolation
to those who are experiencing a move of the Spirit.
Manna
This ministry provides and in-depth study of God’s Word in a classroom
setting. Classes are developed based upon the needs of the
membership.
Marriage Ministry (M.U.S.T.)
Married United and Standing Together is the focus of this ministry.
Those who are married or marriage minded receive tools to strengthen
their relationships .
Media
This ministry is responsible for assuring those in attendance hear the
Word with clarity. This ministry also works to ensure a video presentation
of our worship experiences for those who are unable to be present.
Men
This ministry focuses on reconciling men back to Christ, and fellowship
one to another.
Mothers Ministry
This ministry is designed to honor the mothers of COPIM who are
over the age of 62.
Page 11

Directory of Ministries Cont’d...
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry seeks to minister to the congregation through
music by ushering them into the presence of the Lord and preparing
hearts to receive the Word.
Parking Lot Ministry
This ministry is setup to ensure that the ministry complex and property
is an organized environment upon arrival and departure.
Pastoral Support Ministry
This ministry is designed to assist in meeting the spiritual needs of the
Senior Pastor and First Lady.
Protocol Ministry
This ministry is designed to keep services moving according to the
established timeline.
Security Ministry
The Security Ministry provides comfort, security and care to those
who minister, the membership, and those participating on ministry
outings.
Singles Ministry
The Singles Ministry is designed to provide focused attention on
those who are not married. Their activities are both spiritual and social.
Social Media
This ministry is designed to utilize Social Media (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, etc.) to advertise the services/events of COPIM while
providing a platform for members to remain electronically connected.
Page 12

Directory of Ministries Cont’d...
Theatrical Arts Ministry
This ministry is designed to spread the word and love of God through
plays, skits, spoken word, poetry, dance, signing and instruments.
Ushers Ministry
The Ushers Ministry provides order in the area of the congregation by
making the Worship Experience as comfortable as possible.
Visitation Ministry
The Visitation Ministry assists the Bishop by providing Pastoral support
during the time of crisis.
Women
This ministry is designed to empower and unite Women of COPIM.
Young Adult Ministry
This ministry is designed for individuals ages 19-35.
Young Mothers
This ministry is designed to encourage spiritual, parental and personal
growth.
Youth
This ministry teaches youth ages 13-18 how to live spiritually and
practically.
Page 13

Articles of Faith
I. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired,
and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its
author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for
its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us,
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human
conduct creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
II. THE TRUE GOD
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living
and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah,
the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious
in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and
love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection,
and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of
redemption.
III. GOD THE FATHER
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Father is equal to the other
Members of the God-head in the nature and extent of His attributes.
In relation to the other members of the God-head, the Father is the
Generator of the Son, and the Spirator of the Holy Spirit. The Father
is the creative Source from whom all things, except sin, proceed. All
creatures are under His authority, by His determinate and benevolent
rule, he is carrying out His decree.
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Articles of Faith Cont’d ...
IV. GOD THE SON
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is God, the
Second Person of the holy trinity and that all that can be said of God
can be said of Him. Acting with the other members of the Godhead,
the Son was the Father's Instrumental Cause in the creation of all
things. Born of the Virgin Mary, He became God-man to atone for the
sins of mankind. Having completed the divine purpose for His condescension
and humiliation, He was exalted to supreme majesty by the
Father. He is now distributing the benefits of His atoning work to
those who trust Him as their Savior, according to the promise of the
New Covenant. Upon His second advent, His house will be exalted
above all others, and His rule will be without parallel in human history.
V. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit is equal to the
other Persons of the Godhead in His nature and in the extent of His
attributes. He proceeds from the Father through the Son. He is the
means by whom the Son carries out the will of the Father. Together
with the other Members of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit was active in
formulating the divine decree. The Holy Spirit is currently active on
earth in restraining evil, ministering to the lost, and working in the
lives of His people.
VI. THE FALL OF MAN
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness,
under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from
that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are
now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void
of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to
evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without
defense or excuse.
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Articles of Faith Cont’d ...
VII. SALVATION
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is
wholly of grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God.
By the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son, we are justified,
sanctified, and will be glorified. Justification includes the pardon of
sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; it is
bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which
we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood. Sanctification
is the process by which according to the will of God, we are
made partakers of His holiness. It is a progressive work that is begun
in regeneration and carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence
and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the
continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self
-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. Glorification is
the process by which true believers who have endured to the end will
reign with the Father in Heaven.
VIII. THE CHURCH
We believe the Scriptures teach that the visible Church of Christ is a
congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith
and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ;
governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges
invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are
Bishops or Pastors, Elders, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims
and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Page 16

Articles of Faith Cont’d ...
IX. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion
in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, and Son, and
Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our
faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our
death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the
privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which
the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are
to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always
by solemn self-examination. We believe in open communion.
X. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the
Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious
purposes, by committing ourselves to the praise and worship of God,
by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and
public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people
of God.
XI. THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching;
that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise
the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation
will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment,
and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will
fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness.
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~ Notes ~
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