About Us > STAFF
Meet Our Church Staff
At Holy Temple, our staff is made up of dedicated, Spirit-led individuals who are passionate about serving God, loving people, and advancing the Kingdom. Each team member plays a vital role in helping our church fulfill its mission—to lead people into a dynamic and loving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Whether they’re preaching the Word, leading worship, organizing ministry efforts, or supporting behind the scenes, our staff is committed to walking alongside you on your faith journey.
What We Do:
- Lead with vision and integrity
- Serve with humility and excellence
- Equip the body of Christ for ministry
- Build a culture of love, worship, and discipleship
Apostle James Tilghman Jr.
Apostle James Tilghman Jr., a native of Princess Anne, Maryland, is the devoted son of Shirley M. Tilghman and the late James Tilghman Sr. He is the third of five children. His Christian journey began at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Weldon Johnson of New Life Ministries Church, Cambridge, MD.
Apostle Tilghman graduated in 1980 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1977, he encountered the late Chief Apostle Julia Williams during a summer revival in Baltimore, Maryland. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, he joined the Holy Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, where he faithfully served and assisted Chief Apostle Williams in establishing three additional churches.
In 1981, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop and diligently served in that capacity for over 30 years. In August 2008, Apostle Tilghman was affirmed to the sacred office of Apostle. With more than 45 years of ministry experience, he has traveled internationally, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in countries such as the Bahamas, Germany, and France.
Apostle Tilghman is a beacon of light and a guiding example to both congregants and leaders. He is deeply committed to mentoring senior church leaders across the country, helping to strengthen and grow ministry leadership.
He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Holy Temple Holiness Church in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, he is the General Overseer and Presiding Prelate of the Holy Temple Holiness Churches of Deliverance, Inc., which encompasses ministries throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Despite his extensive ministry work, Apostle Tilghman’s greatest joy comes from his family. He has been blessed to share over 47 years of marriage with Elect Lady, Senior Pastor Greta Tilghman, who faithfully serves alongside him in ministry. He is the devoted and proud father of Dr. Jaqueta (Ph.D)., Shantese, Malika, Lynia, and Lyndora. Apostle Tilghman is also a loving grandfather to more than nine grandchildren.
His life is a testament to faith, service, and unwavering commitment to God's people.
Senior Pastor Greta Tilghman
Senior Pastor Greta Tilghman, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is the beloved daughter of the late Chief Apostle Julia Williams, the esteemed founder of the Holy Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, Inc. From an early age, the Spirit of God began shaping her destiny through trials that would forge great spiritual resilience and strength. As the only surviving daughter of Chief Apostle Williams, she endured profound loss but remained steadfast in her faith.
Her anointing became evident when she relocated with her mother to Baltimore, Maryland, where the first Holy Temple church was established. Under the mentorship of her mother, Pastor Tilghman began to grow in the prophetic and healing ministries. Her deep understanding of health and healing was further cultivated during her nursing studies at Church Home Hospital in Baltimore.
Pastor Tilghman has faithfully served the church in various roles throughout her ministry, reflecting a heart of humility and a wide array of spiritual gifts. She is known nationally and internationally for her powerful preaching, prophetic insight, and healing ministry. Her calling has taken her across the United States and abroad, where she ministers the spoken Word of God and prophetic healing to countless lives.
In 2007, she was honored at the Theologian Awards in Houston, Texas, as one of the outstanding women in ministry. In 2011, she became co-author of the third installment in the Fullness of God series, titled “And He Still Sees,” compiled by Overseer Trena Stephenson.
Senior Pastor Tilghman currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Holy Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland, where she leads in partnership with her husband Apostle James Tilghman Jr. Together, they form a dynamic ministry duo. She also serves in the esteemed role of Elect Lady of the Holy Temple Holiness Churches of Deliverance, Inc., offering spiritual leadership to churches across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Though widely recognized for her ministry accomplishments, Senior Pastor Tilghman finds her greatest fulfillment in her family. She is a devoted wife of over 47 years to Apostle James Tilghman Jr. and loving mother to her daughters Dr. Jaqueta, Shantese, Malika, Lynia, and Lyndora. She is the grandmother of over nine grandchildren. She is also a cherished spiritual mother and mentor to many.
Senior Pastor Greta Tilghman is a true woman of God who encourages the body of Christ to remain anchored in the promises of God. Her guiding message is simple yet powerful: “A family that prays together, stays together.”
Associate Pastor Jaqueta Tilghman, PhD