The Greater Bible Way Temple Mission Statement:

"The Greater Bible Way Temple  stands for truth, the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Apostolic Doctrine, and an exceptional level of service to the community.  This includes housing, employment, consulting and supports as determined appropriate in fulfilling our mission."

Suffragan Bishop Ira Combs, Jr. is a native of Westland, Michigan, born fifth child of ten children to Ira Sr. and Hazel Combs on March 21, 1958. He attended Inkster High School and later moved to East Lansing High School where he completed his high school education. He then matriculated to Michigan State University, pursuing a bachelors of science degree in business marketing.  While studying at Michigan State, he was active in numerous student government organizations including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, President of the National Pan Hellenic Interfraternal Council, the Student Media Appropriations Board, the ASMSU Policy Committee, voting member of the ASMSU Board, appointed member of the President's Board (during the Clifton Wharton & Edgar Harden Administration.)   Suffragan Bishop Combs was filled with the Holy Spirit while attending Greater Love Tabernacle of Detroit under the ministry of Bishop Rimson.  Upon the call of God to ministry, Suffragan Bishop Combs was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on May 14, 1978 under the ministry of Bishop David L. Ellis while attending Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan.  Shortly thereafter, Suffragan Bishop Combs was sent out to Pastor in 1980 under the auspices of District Elder William Warren of Christ Temple Church, Lansing, Michigan.

In the fall of 1980, Suffragan Bishop Combs came to the City of Jackson and founded the Greater Bible Way Temple of the Apostolic Faith in a small building located at 327 W. Monroe Street which seated approximately 35 people.  As the church family began to grow, an addition was built to the original structure in 1984 and was dedicated to God by the Diocesan Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal Diocese, R. P. Paddock.   In the spring of 1990, the current modernized octagon-shaped sanctuary and office addition was completed, with a sanctuary seating capacity of 400, and dedicated by the late Bishop William Burrell, Sr., who succeeded the late Bishop R. P. Paddock as Diocesan Bishop of the State of Michigan.  In 1994, an Executive Board Room and Pastoral Office was added to the complex.

Our Outreach Ministry under Suffragan Bishop Combs' administration is extensive and includes Starlight Academy, which was founded in 1998, by Sis. Charlotte Love. The Academy is currently housed in the annex, and has structured programs meeting the needs of children and parents alike.

The Greater Bible Way Temple complex also houses the executive office of Christ Centered Homes, Inc., founded in 1989 by Suffragan Bishop Combs.  Christ Centered Homes, a non-profit corporation that provides human services to developmentally disabled adults and others, currently employs over 300 employees in group home, community living facilities, respite and supported independence programs throughout the State of Michigan.

Suffragan Bishop Combs continues on the God-given vision for the Greater Bible Way Temple church family.  The church  has completed a 13,000 square foot expansion project which  includes the preschool and activity/recreational facilities.  The building houses a gymnasium, library, barber and beauty salon, as well as numerous lounges.

Suffragan Bishop Combs can always be found performing his God-given charge to "Feed the flock of God," working to minister to the total man.  His genuine love for people, concern for the family structure, and ability to motivate and cultivate human life has benefited many.  His compassion for people and the less fortunate has led him to give to many organizations and needy families in the city of Jackson and to work untiringly to serve his community.

The awards and accolades of Suffragan Bishop Combs are numerous, including a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from Indiana Bible College.  He has received the Outstanding Young Men's Award from the National Jaycees (1982), and was named four years consecutively in the Marquis Who's Who in America, as well as the distinction of Who's Who from the International Business Association (1994).  In 1995 he received the Jackson Y Center, Manual Fields Memorial Outstanding Black Citizens Award, and was recently voted into the renowned Oxford Club in Oxford, England where he studied Business Finance for one week taught by world famous financiers on the campus of Oxford University.

Suffragan Bishop Combs is married to Kimberly Loretta (Marshall) Combs, his life mate and devoted companion who has served tirelessly with him in ministry to the people of God.  First Lady Combs continues to serve the community and Greater Bible Way Family.  Suffragan Bishop and First Lady Combs are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Sarah and Ira Combs III.

The Bible says "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."  Certainly God has ordained Suffragan Bishop Ira Combs to build up a house that has affected the entire community of Jackson.   The family of the Greater Bible Way Temple are blessed of God to have a Pastor who is also an entrepreneur and believes in community development.