“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24

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Over the years, I have come to understand that not everyone shares the same definition of friendship. Some relationships are seasonal, some are convenient, and others are built on circumstance. Yet Scripture reminds us that there exists a deeper, more enduring bond—a friendship marked by loyalty, consistency, and genuine love. Proverbs teaches that there are friends who prove to be more faithful, more present, and more reliable than even family. That kind of friendship is not common; it is a divine gift. I count it as one of life’s greatest blessings to have experienced that level of connection through my relationship with Vice Chief Bishop Aaron Scruggs.

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For more than forty years, Bishop Scruggs and I have walked together through seasons of ministry, growth, challenge, and triumph. Though we have had our moments of disagreement, we have never allowed those moments to disrupt the foundation of mutual love and respect that binds us. I have had the unique privilege of serving as his overseer, and now I am honored to serve alongside him as Chief Bishop. Our relationship has never been defined by titles or positions, but by a shared commitment to please God and faithfully serve His people. Bishop Scruggs has been a big brother, a trusted counselor, and a steady source of wisdom in my life. His integrity, humility, and sincere heart for ministry distinguish him as an exceptional servant of God. I am both proud and deeply blessed to call him not only a colleague in ministry, but a true and faithful friend.