Stuart Bishop was born in California and grew up in a Christian home. He was born again at an early age and by the time he was 17, recognized that God had a call on his life. In 1968, Stu met and married his wife Elaine, and after completing his obligation to the United States Marine Corps, they raised a family of four boys, and now enjoy three daughters and four grandchildren as well.

Stu and Elaine were each licensed and ordained through the Association of Faith Churches and Ministries (AFCM) in June of 1993. Serving as Regional Directors for AFCM, Stu and Elaine assist and oversee the numerous churches and ministries throughout Northern California, Nevada and Arizona. Together, they pastor Joy In Him Christian Fellowship which is located in Castro Valley, California.

Joy In Him is a thriving Word of Faith ministry, which has realized over 20,000 salvations since its establishment in November of 1994. Stu, as the Senior Pastor, has a passion to see people live in the fullness that the Word provides for them. The focus of the ministry is to heal the brokenhearted, preach the uncompromised Word of God, teach people how to live victoriously through the Power of the Holy Spirit and reach out to the lost.

Many and various local outreach ministries through Joy In Him Christian Fellowship emphasize Pastor Stu’s heart for evangelism. This includes a Saturday church for kids, an ongoing jail ministry, a vital ministry to the elderly in convalescent homes and a neighborhood evangelism team that evangelizes the lost and the brokenhearted on the streets each week.

On an international level, Joy In Him reaches into the nation of Brazil, by sending teaching teams several times a year to help train local ministries to minister to the more than 12 million street kids residing throughout the nation. Additionally, Joy In Him provides monthly financial support to the Brazilian ministries to assist in their efforts to reach the unsaved in Brazil.

Pastors Stu and Elaine are excited to see how the Lord is working through the people of Joy In Him; fulfilling the vision that He gave them to “heal, preach, teach and reach” the world with His heart of compassion and love. It is their heartfelt desire to see the Body of Christ grow and mature in the love and character of God, and take the Word of Faith message around the globe. In short, as each part of the body does its share, we are seeing God's glory revealed throughout the earth.