Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. is the founding and Lead Pastor of the Center of Praise Ministries of Sacramento, California.

Bishop Lovelace was born to the parents of Parnell M. Lovelace, Sr., and Eara E. Lovelace on March 29, 1962 in Montgomery, Alabama. He accepted Christ in March of 1970, and in March of 2008 observed 30 years of public ministry. Whereas, Bishop Lovelace received his passion for social justice and advocacy for the disenfranchised, the poor, the elderly, the youth, and the marginalized from his beloved parents; he received his spiritual tutelage from individuals such as Pastors Willie P. Cooke, Robert B. Holman, Sr., Bob Yandian, Ron Mehl, and his mentor Dr. Jack W. Hayford.

The Center of Praise Ministries began with a twelve-member congregation. After careful planning and much prayer, the first public worship gathering was held in February 1990.

Bishop Lovelace has earned an Associate of Arts degree (American River College), a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (Oral Roberts University), a Master of Arts in Social Work (University of Oklahoma), and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology; with High Honors (Oral Roberts University). He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry degree (Oral Roberts University).

The bishop served for nearly eight years as a social worker and advocate within the children’s foster care and medical profession. He was a recognized pediatric medical social worker at the renown University of California at Davis Medical Center. Prior to his services there he was the Sacramento supervisor of Koinonia Foster Homes. He is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations recognizing his civic expertise and spiritual leadership within the community and abroad.

He is frequently called upon to share and facilitate open dialogue regarding issues of reconciliation, moral ethics, and economic and social development. He has served as past Vice President of the Center for Aids Research, Education, and Services (CARES), Sacramento, CA He is a charter member of the Oral Roberts University Ministers Alliance, founder of Renaissance Community Development Corporation, and spiritual advisor to several pastors and congregations throughout the nation and internationally.

He is happily married to our illustrious first lady, the former Dianna LaChell Richardson of East Palo Alto, California. They are the proud parents of one son, Mycole Tyell.

As always, it is the privilege of our shepherd to serve all; proclaiming Redemption, Justice, and Empowerment.

Dianna L. Lovelace (aka Lady Di) resides in Sacramento, California with her husband of 12 years, Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. She is the mother of a 9-year-old son Mycole Tyrell Lovelace.

Dianna is a very creative, motivational speaker. She has ministered at Women’s Conferences, Fellowships and Brunches. She is currently nurturing a Women’s Ministry in the Greater Sacramento Area.

Dianna has been a Christian for 29 years and actively serving in ministry for 20 years.

• Serves as Women’s Ministry Director for the past 10 years
• Overseen and taught numerous Fellowships & Conferences
• Trained leadership
• Retreat and event speaker
• Assisted and consulted with developing other Women’s Ministries

Lady Di, as she is affectionately called by many, has a contagious zest for life and a true excitement for the Word of God. As a Motivational speaker and teacher, she has an ability to balance exhortation and revelation from God’s Word with practical application. She calls this the "Just Do It" clause. Her approach is to be honest, vulnerable, and transparent with her audience.

Lady Di’s passion is to see people make a conscious effort to change from brokenness to wholeness, through the Word of God. She inspires and challenges you to first look inward and then upwards for God’s direction. Her greatest motivation is to see people walk in the fullness of their gifts, calling and God-given dreams.