Bishop Clifton Jones was born on September 21, 1940 to Robert Lee Jones and Anner Grayer Jones in the township of Belzoni, Ms. He attended and graduated from the McNair High School in Belzoni as a member of the Class of 1960. He did enroll at the Alcorn State University and later transferred to Mississippi Valley State. However, he was unable to continue, as he learned later that God had a higher calling upon his life.
In the late Summer of 1961, he responded to an invitation to migrate to Columbus, OH. After arriving in Columbus, he responded to an invitation to attend a young people meeting which was held on Monday night, it was at that meeting that God commenced to do exactly what he had in mind for him coming to Columbus. He was baptized and spirit filled on September 18th, 1961, just three days before his 21st birthday.
The church was the Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith under the leadership of Bishop Karl F. Smith.His pursuit of higher learning was seemingly put on hold until God gave him what he needed the most and that is true salvation. The following September he enrolled at the Aeneon Bible School located in Columbus. This time he was equipped to stay the course, he graduated with the Class of 1966 and then was allowed by God to return to Mississippi to engage in his life’s work. The journey back to his home state led him to Philadelphia, MS, the most troubled spot in the state at the time. However, it was God’s divine plan for him and the people of Neshoba County and the State of Mississippi.
The Jerusalem Temple Church received him with a question mark, the feeling which was later expressed, he is too young. However, that was soon put to rest. After graduating from Bible School, he joined in marriage his dream wife whom he met while at Aenon. On October 1st, 1966 the two became one and its yet working. To this union was born three children, Byron, Carmen and Charmaine. He continued to demonstrate his interest in learning this pursuit earned him degrees from the following: a Master of Ministry from the Bethany Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Theology from the Baptist Christian University. He was given an Honorary Doctorate from his beloved Aenon Bible College. He is presently a member of the board of directors of Aenon Bible College his first love in higher learning.
Bishop Clifton Jones did diligently serve as Pastor of Jerusalem Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in Philadelphia, MS, from June 1966 until June 2006. He is the diocesan Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of The World Inc. Bishop Jones is an anointed preacher, inspired teacher and a prolific writer. He has published more than 25 books at the present with others in the making. Bishop Jones has carried the Word of God through the United States and into many foreign countries; he has also played a major role in the organizing of several churches within the district. Bishop Jones' ministry has been effective outside as well as inside. He has conducted many tent revivals over the years and open air meetings that drew many souls to the Lord.
