ABOUT US

Dr. John Craddox, currently Presiding Bishop and Pastor at Praise Temple Ministries in Neptune, NJ, has a rich history of service and achievement. His journey began at Freehold Church of God, where he served as a church musician before excelling in academics and athletics at Freehold Boro High School. With notable achievements in football and wrestling, he continued his success at Trenton State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and becoming an NCAA All American Wrestler. Dr. Craddox then pursued a career in education, coaching wrestling at Trenton State College and Freehold Township High School, later becoming a Health & Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director in the Lakewood District. Recognized for his contributions, he received the Athletic Director of The Year Award from the Shore Conference of Schools.
Following 38 years in education, he retired in 2015 but remains active in the community as a Board Member of Ocean Health Initiatives Medical Center and as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University. Ordained as Bishop after years of service at Praise Temple Ministries, Dr. Craddox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities for his dedication to the ministry. He shares this journey with his wife, First Lady Linda, and their five children, all committed to serving with him in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

First Lady Craddox, a native of Mississippi, graduated from Calhoun City High School in 1976 and Mississippi Valley State University in 1980 with a BA in Political Science. She later pursued postgraduate studies at New Jersey City University, earning various certifications and degrees, including Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate in 1993, a Master's Degree in Special Education in 1998, and a New Jersey Supervisor's Certificate in 2004.

Throughout her career spanning over 25 years, she received numerous awards, including the New Jersey Governor's Teacher Recognition Award in 2007 and recognition as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Teacher by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1333.

First Lady has been deeply involved in education and ministry, serving in various capacities at Praise Temple Ministries. She founded "Daughters of The King," a ministry addressing women's issues, and initiated the "I'm Still Standing!" Women's Conference. Currently, she serves as President of Praise Temple's Women's Ministry, alongside her husband, Bishop John Craddox, and their congregation

Our Promise

Mission Statement

Our ministry has been founded on the basic pillars of love, family, giving and kindness. We believe that it is essential for us to be nice if we are professing salvation. John 13:35 states, "By this shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." 

Therefore we will share the love of Christ in the Jersey Shore area and become a beacon of hope for all that we reach. We are an extension of the hand of God in the earth.  We will demonstrate the authentic Love of God in the things that we say and do. We will love our fellowman and teach them the word of God.

Our Vision

Praise Temple Ministries is on a mission empowering women, men, boys, and girls to reach their fullest potential. We will promote spiritual, education, and economic excellence to those who we minister to.