Pastor Greg Rodman (Founding Pastor)
Pastor Greg Rodman, founding Pastor and previous head pastor of Cathedral of Praise INC, was actively in the ministry since 1961. After doing evangelism, he pastored churches in California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona. Before his introduction to the full gospel realm, Greg Rodman was doing apostolic work in the Southern Baptist denomination, vitalizing anemic churches and starting new works within the denomination.
In the late 1960's, Greg had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and his ministry began to take on a new dimension with signs and wonders following. When he converted his Baptist church in California into a Pentebaptist / Bapticostal church he was strongly urged by the denomination to do apostolic work in another denomination---permanently.
Pastor Rodman, formerly a marine in the Korean War, earned a B.A. degree at West Texas State, he financed his education in part by riding in rodeos. Later, at Howard Payne University, he received a B.S. degree in Bible, English, and Speech. His masters degrees from Arizona State University include the areas of mental disturbance, mental retardation, and learning disabilities. He is a former public school coach (with multiple state championships in two sports), as well as a teacher and public school administrator. He has administered Cathedral Christian School since its inception in 1981 - 2009, as well as Cathedral Of Praise INC church since its inception in 1977, until the Lord called him home.
Pastor Aaron Thrower
Pastor Aaron Thrower was born and raised in the Mid-West between Milwaukee, WI and Brooklyn Park, MN. Forever grateful that his grandmother and great grandmother introduced his entire family to the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit as early as his memory serves. Growing up in Minnesota he met a close friend whose father was a pastor and introduce him to the Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was confirmed, prayed the “sinners’ prayer” for the first time and there after baptized. Not yet fully comprehending true repentance during this season in his life, he ran from God's call, struggling immensely in every aspect of life during middle and high school years while in between, serving in a nondenominational church as a youth leader, usher and lead in youth camp.
It wasn’t until the age of 19 that Aaron personally had an authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit after consistently searching the scriptures that caused great conviction, overwhelmingly guiding his heart to repentance. Shortly after he was filled with the Holy Spirit, experiencing the Lords mercy and grace like never before, Aaron began to understand the call God had on his life started with a change in him first as the Lord began to direct his steps.
God’s love and patience transformed Aaron's heart and mind in ways never thought possible by so many, even himself back then. Eventually leading him to Arizona where he found his best friend, our worship leader at C.O.P., and his precious wife, Kandy. Who soon after introduced him to our late Pastor, Greg Rodman who showed by word and deed a true example of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Aaron continued to study scripture leading to his official ordainment under Cathedral of Praise INC.
"Comment from the pastor"
Over 10 years in various roles of service within the ministry of the church and has not been a perfect nor a traditional path yet it’s been more than an honor, privilege and blessing to witness The Lord’s grace and mercy at work in the lives of so many including myself. I’m, passionate about preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and applying scriptural examples to everyday living focusing on pleasing God first. Demonstrating love through action, not merely by word and walking in wise counsel. Though there will be trials and tribulation, we should experience the life He has for us relying on sound doctrine and keeping to a fertile heart. Renewing our minds continually through His supernatural word we have in the bible and The Holy Spirit. Only in Jesus is this possible, we must abide in Him. Though this is a challenging transition we face at this time, I am confident that God is with us, leading us according to His will and His good purposes for His glory. I am so very grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from Cathedral Of Praise INC and embrace the opportunity of serving as our new Pastor.
Our Beliefs
- There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God The Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is one Spirit. His Spirit dwells in the glorified body of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of the God The Father, dwells in the glorified body of Jesus. "Colossians 2:8-10"
- Jesus was and is the only begotten Son of God and is our Lord and Savior.
- Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died for the sins of the world, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven to the right hand of God The Father and will return to earth for His Church personally in power and glory.
- All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for personal salvation. You must be "born again".
- Man can be justified (receive salvation) only by faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, apart from works.
- That the redemptive work of Christ provides healing for the whole man; body, soul, and sprit.
- We believe in the doctrine of baptisms plural: salvation (baptism into Christ), water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), and the subsequent experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- We believe in speaking in tongues, modern day miracles, laying on of hands, divine healing, the availability of deliverance from demon possession, and freedom from demon oppression for the believer. We believe in the present-day manifestations of all of the charisma gifts as listed in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12.
- In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling presence the believer is enabled to live a godly life which manifests the fruits of the Spirit.
- Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exist and will continue to until the body of Christ comes into the unity of the faith.
- We believe in the reality of heaven, hell, angels, demons, and our enemy Satan.
- We believe in the future resurrection of all who lived both saved and the lost. For the saved to everlasting life, and the lost to eternal judgement.
- That the Bible is the infallible Word of God, given to men by the inspiration of God.
- We remember the Lord's death in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. His blood purchased salvation for us. His body purchased healing for us.
Cathedral of Praise Inc.
Nondenominational Christian Church
Email: worship@copraise.com
Mailing Address: 270 E Hunt Highway #16-324
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Cathedral of Praise Inc.
Nondenominational Christian Church
Email: worship@copraise.com
Mailing Address: 270 E Hunt Highway #16-324
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143