Founder and Pastor,
Bishop France Edward Holmes Sr.
Born on April 15, 1943, in Ozark, Alabama to the late King and Eliza Holmes, France Edward Holmes was one of 12 children born to this union. He later moved to Michigan where he met and married Linda P. (Reed) Holmes on February 22, 1964. For over 40 years, their union was a testament to love, commitment, and shared experiences.
Ed Holmes accepted Christ as his savior, became born again and began his journey. His vision for ministry started as he began teaching bible study to the youth of his family including his nephews and nieces. On January 1,1977, France Edward Holmes Sr., became the founder and pastor as he held his first service with 12 members at the Danberry Park Manor Clubhouse on MacArthur Blvd under the name of The People's Community Church of God in Christ.
Through the years the church building, adjacent furniture store and two acres of land were purchased and paid off by the church. With the labor, hard work and sacrifice of Pastor F. E. Holmes and the members, the ministry is debt free.
His legacy extends and includes his profession at Ford Motor Company where he retired after 30 years of service.
In 1997, Pastor France Edward Holmes Sr., was ordained by Bishop C.L. Morton, Jr., and became Bishop France Edward Holmes Sr. Through his vision to serve and unite God's people he founded the International Fellowship Association (IFA) in 1997. With the establishment of the association the church's name was changed to Word of Deliverance Church/IFA. He continued to minister at his local church in Ypsilanti until he was called home on March 25, 2005. Mother Linda Reed continues to attend and support her husband's ministry to this day.
Following his death, his brother and long-time spiritual confidant, John Holmes Sr. assumed the pastoral role in 2005. Bishop John L. Holmes pastored for over 10 years until he passed away in 2015 and his son John L. Holmes Jr., assumed the pastoral position. Pastor John L Holmes Jr., served for more than 8 years until his demise in February of 2024.
The ministry of Bishop F. Edward Holmes Sr. continues today under the pastoral service of Elder Donald B. Campbell, his nephew and a long-time member/leader at The Word of Deliverance.
Indeed, we have witnessed the word of the Lord in Revelations 14:13 - "Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them".
Bishop F.E. Holmes and Mother Linda are the parents of six children, Terrie Burnett, Vickie Livingston, Laura Holmes, Dana Holmes, Donielle Holmes, France Holmes, Jr. They are grand and great grandparents also.
