ABOUT US
HISTORY
In January 2020, after some preliminary work, Archbishop Dr. Sterling Lands II and Archbishop Dr. Van Gayton launched the International Conference of Bishops, Inc.
Archbishop Dr. Lloyd Battieste, Archbishop Lazarus Selahle, and Archbishop Dr. Robert Wilson were invited to join the launch team. Bishop Dr. Larry Palmer and Bishop Dr. Carson Wise were invited to join the International Council of Bishops’ Leadership Council.
The International Conference of Bishops (ICOB) was incorporated in the state of Texas, USA and received an official Certificate of formation April 2020.
WHO WE ARE
The International Conference of Bishops, Inc. is an interdenominational Christ-centered body devoted to preparing, promoting, and preserving individuals for the episcopacy and Church Leadership. We aim to identify and unify fellow laborers whose core values and beliefs are Christ-centered and consistent with an Afro-centric hermeneutic without regard to denomination.
The International Conference of Bishops is leading the charge in confronting current global pulpit challenges and doctrinal compromise. We are committed to bringing inspired biblical scholars and theologians together to ensure that the International Conference of Bishops remains at the cutting edge of Church Leadership development. We are aggressively pursuing our commitment to Advance a well-researched Afro-centric Hermeneutic and Post Colonial Theology to prepare Bishops to serve at the highest level of excellence. We advise, mentor, and coach Bishops and develop generational godly leaders. The International Conference of Bishops is committed to overcoming the current and continuing challenges that are unique to Bishops of African descent beyond the obstacles of historical conditioning. Any person considered for elevation by the International Conference of Bishops, Inc. must have a work significant enough to show proof of their ministry and inspired leadership.
We affirm the authority of the Holy Scripture and emphasize preaching and teaching the Bible. We profess the historic confessions of faith. We proclaim and attempt to model the Gospel in our preaching, teaching, and in our walk, seeking to reach the lost for Christ. ICOB bishops are in full valid Apostolic Succession. We approach the sacraments as instruments used by God to minister His Truth to the world and to "act out" the work of Christ. We depend on the Holy Spirit to fill and empower this Conference and we submit to His control. As a Conference, we are in full communion with Christ-centered Church Leaders and we are not limited to a specific geographical area. We have the vision, knowledge, expertise, experience, and faith in God to accomplish a great work for our Lord. Bishops, pastors, and preachers are our greatest asset today and tomorrow. We are committed to excellence in our pursuit of godliness and servant leadership.
VISION
We envision Apostolic Leaders raising the standard of excellence generationally. The International Conference of Bishops, Inc. (ICOB), is a Christ-centered interdenominational Communion organized to provide apostolic oversight and covering, training and preparation, accountability, and standards of excellence, for Bishops and Church Leaders committed to the pursuit of godliness and who desire to model the unity of the body and proper ecclesiastical order while serving the Body of Christ.