When it comes to community leadership, few names stand out like Dwight Reed. As the Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc., Iowa’s largest predominantly African American church, Pastor Reed has dedicated his life to uplifting people through faith, education, and service. His story is one of commitment, compassion, and a vision for building stronger communities.

A Legacy of Leadership

Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Dwight Reed’s roots are deeply tied to both his family and his faith. He followed in the footsteps of his father, continuing a ministry that has touched countless lives. With a Master of Theology from JCAA and decades of pastoral experience in Louisiana and Iowa, Pastor Reed has combined spiritual guidance with practical community support.

Since 2017, he has led Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc., transforming it into a hub not just for worship but for life-changing programs that address real needs in the community.

Faith in Action

Pastor Dwight believes that faith is more than words—it’s action. Under his leadership, the church launched CATCOS (Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services), a powerful platform for serving people from all walks of life.

Through CATCOS, the church organizes:

Food drives to help families in need
Toys for Tots events to bring joy during the holidays
Financial literacy classes to promote economic empowerment
Youth coding workshops to prepare the next generation for future careers
Road to Recovery addiction support to guide individuals toward healing and stability

These programs show that Pastor Reed’s ministry extends beyond the pulpit—meeting people where they are and helping them rise.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

Strong community work often requires strong partnerships, and Pastor Dwight has built relationships with organizations like Walmart, Costco, and local agencies to make outreach more impactful. These collaborations have allowed Christ Apostolic Temple to provide essential resources such as:

Food and diaper distributions for families with young children
Homeless outreach offering meals, clothing, and support
ASL ministry to serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing community

By working with businesses and non-profits, Pastor Reed has expanded the reach of the church far beyond Sunday services.

Investing in Education

One of Pastor Reed’s greatest achievements has been the revitalization of JW Reed Christian Academy. Under his leadership, the school earned accreditation and began offering full scholarships to students, ensuring that children receive quality education regardless of their financial background.

He understands that education is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunities for the next generation. His work in this area reflects his belief that faith and education go hand in hand in building a strong future.

A Heart for the Underserved

Pastor Dwight Reed’s ministry is rooted in compassion for the underserved. Whether it’s a single mother in need of groceries, a child seeking mentorship, or an individual struggling with addiction, he approaches every situation with empathy and a desire to help.

His leadership style combines spiritual teaching with practical solutions, showing people that they are not alone in their struggles. By addressing both spiritual and physical needs, Pastor Reed embodies the idea that ministry is about holistic care.

Why Dwight Reed’s Work Matters

In today’s world, community challenges can seem overwhelming—poverty, education gaps, and social divisions affect countless lives. Leaders like Dwight prove that change is possible when people come together with a shared mission.

His impact can be seen not only in church attendance but in the hundreds of families who receive food each month, the students who gain access to quality education, and the individuals who find hope after hardship.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pastor Reed is also deeply invested in mentoring young people. By offering youth programs, leadership training, and skill-building workshops, he is preparing the next generation to lead with integrity, compassion, and faith.

He encourages young people to see themselves as leaders, capable of creating change in their own communities. This focus on youth empowerment ensures that his legacy will continue for years to come.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Pastor Dwight plans to expand the church’s outreach, develop new partnerships, and create more educational opportunities. His vision includes increasing support for mental health programs, expanding digital literacy training, and launching more initiatives for economic development.

For Pastor Reed, the goal is simple: to empower people through faith and equip them with the tools to thrive.

Conclusion

Dwight Reed is more than a pastor—he’s a community builder, educator, and advocate for those in need. His leadership at Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc. shows how faith can be a driving force for positive change. Through programs that address hunger, education, homelessness, and personal growth, Pastor Reed is making a lasting impact on Iowa and beyond.

His work is a reminder that real leadership is about service—and that when faith meets action, entire communities can be transformed.

Empowering Communities Through Faith: Dwight Reed’s Impact