Bishop Craig N. Coates

Fresh Start Church, Inc.

Bishop Coates, the founder and senior Pastor of Fresh Start Church, Inc. was licensed as a minister in 1987 under the National Baptist Conference. He answered the call to Pastor in 1994 under the leadership of Bishop Wilbert Baltimore. While Pastoring the Rapture Church with two locations, he was ordained to the office of Bishop in January, 2002 under the Holy Christian Orthodox church. In 2008, he was appointed to the executive board of the King’s Apostle Church Worldwide Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Wilbert Baltimore.  He is currently serving as Secretary General for the as well as Diocesian Bishop of the 3rd Episcopal Diocese, overseeing churches in Harrisburg, Pa., Hagerstown, Baltimore, and Annapolis.

Bishop Coates is currently pursuing a degree in African American Studies at the University of Maryland, where he remains on the Dean’s List. He serves as a student lecturer on appointed occasions pertaining to community and faith-based partnerships.  Having established My Brother’s Keeper Barbershop, the only African American- owned business on the main corridor of downtown Annapolis, Bishop Coates is passionate about entrepreneurial ventures and opportunities. 

With over thirty-three years in music ministry, Bishop Coates has also been instrumental in facilitating Praise and Worship workshops for various churches on the East and West coast. His passion is the Lord’s Presence.

The next project for Bishop Coates will be to publish his dissertation on African-centered education. He is also in the process of publishing a two books entitled, When Christians Go Crazy and Method Meets Madness- A Critical Look at the Church Convergence  Theory.  Bishop Coates enjoys sharing the gospel and teaching principles of church growth and development.  A lecturer to the Church body, he is able to present practical insight and strategies that assist in the growth and development of today’s church community.