Des Moines, IA- December 3, 2025: In an era where any community in the country is struggling to stay afloat, be it food insecurity, mental health issues, or a lack of access to resources, one leader will still shine through it all, in the right areas. Bishop Dwight A. Reed, the pastor of Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc. (CAT) in Des Moines, is not just leading a congregation; he is inspiring a whole city with kindness, deeds, and passion towards people.
To Bishop Dwight Reed, serving people is not only a church ministry but a lifetime calling. He was born on the 15th of August, 1958, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and grew up in a family where compassion was the keystone to all. Being the son of the former Bishop Jeremiah Reed and Dr. Willie Mae Reed, he was taught at a young age that true leadership does not consist of serving oneself, but serving those who are in need. The conviction continues to lead him in his day-to-day life

Bishop Reed came back to Des Moines in December 2017 to continue the legacy of his father at Christ Apostolic Temple following his pastorate of two churches in Louisiana. He now leads in Iowa the largest African American-dominant church, but his influence goes way beyond the church walls.
A Leader Who Shows Up to His Community

Upon assuming leadership in 2017, Bishop Dwight Reed established one thing: the church should be the place where all people are helped, hope, and supported. The Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services (CATCOS) has become one of the giants in service programs, under his leadership, that reaches out to thousands of lives annually. Whether it is food drives, mental health services, youth programs, or job assistance, Bishop Reed has created a community based on dignity, kindness, and practical solutions.
Nourishing Famine and Fighting Hunger.

Many have to live with the pain of food insecurity, and Dwight A. Reed is not willing to leave his society to endure it.
Through CATCOS:
Food pantries continue to operate weekly.

Fresh products are supplied via a collaboration with Costco.

There are doorstep food deliveries to senior citizens and people with disabilities.
With Walmart 360, they distribute free school supplies, home goods, appliances, and clothing. CAT is a Toys for Tots distribution center that makes hundreds of children happy every year. All these will make sure that no family feels neglected.

Homeless Community Support with Respect and Care

Bishop Reed believes that all people should be accorded dignity. The CATCOS teams come to the homeless camps twice a month and provide hot, nutritious meals and winter supplies, including coats, socks, and gloves. The needy students in schools are also provided with winter clothes, and winter is spent by the kids in the cold months of Illinois.

Assisting People to Recover and Heal

Knowing that healing is not limited to physical requirements, Bishop Dwight Reed developed the programs that are concentrated on emotional and personal healing:

Road to Recovery: A weekly collaboration with the Iowa Department of Corrections, helping individuals with an addiction fight their problem using a 12-step program.

Living Above Anxiety: A mental health class taught by a NAMI-trained instructor, which will provide the tools to overcome stress, fear, and emotional difficulties. These programs offer a non-judgmental, safe growth environment.

The Next Generation Empowerment

One of the best things that Bishop Reed loves is education. It is the continuation of the vision of his parents, and he has restructured JW Reed Christian Academy (JWRCA), which managed to become accredited last year. Counseling and mentoring that assisted six JWRCA students in receiving complete college scholarships in the previous year. Bishop Reed is of the view that empowering the youth makes the entire community prosper.
Opening the Door to Opportunity for Returning Citizens.

Bishop Reed assists people getting back into the community through CATCOS, which offers a chance to find employers interested in giving people a second chance. This program has proved to be a savior to men and women who want to re-establish their future.

Bringing Wellness and Healthiness to the Community.

Health equity has also been a major initiative by Bishop Reed. During the pandemic, CAT collaborated with the State of Iowa and various organisations to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. In the present day, the church also provides Diabetes Prevention Workshops by collaborating with Telligen.

To make the ministry accessible to everyone, Bishop Reed initiated the American Sign Language (ASL) classes, which allowed the deaf and the hard-of-hearing population to experience the church services to the fullest.

An Episcopal Message of Bishop Dwight Reed.

We serve not because we are obliged to serve, but it is our duty to elevate others, and this is what Bishop Dwight Reed says. My mother and father made me understand that being nice is empowering. Whenever we feed a family, sponsor a student, or help someone to start over, we transform their life and even save their life.

About Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc.

Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc., located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a community-centered church dedicated to spiritual growth, outreach, education, and empowerment. Through its outreach arm, CATCOS, the church serves thousands of residents each year with programs focused on food security, youth development, health, and economic stability.

Visit: https://dwightareed.wordpress.com/