Bishop Dr. Bruce E. McAlister is a native of California’s Central Valley and the Founder and Pastor of Saints Community Church of God in Christ, established in March 1994. A visionary leader and faithful shepherd, he has devoted his life to preaching, teaching, counseling, and community transformation for over three decades.

On February 16, 2026, Dr. McAlister was consecrated as a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and received the episcopal assignment as Prelate of the California Valley Jurisdiction. In this historic elevation, he now provides apostolic oversight, spiritual covering, and administrative leadership to pastors and churches throughout the jurisdiction, while continuing to faithfully serve as Pastor of Saints Community COGIC.

Bishop McAlister holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling from the National Christian Counseling Association and Ecclesia University of Divinity. He also earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Fresno, where he served as a Licensed Psychotherapist and Professor.

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Pastoral Christian Counselor with over 30 years of private practice experience. His counseling ministry has impacted countless individuals and families, blending clinical excellence with biblical wisdom.

Prior to his episcopal assignment, Bishop McAlister faithfully served the Church of God in Christ in numerous leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to Bishop J.W. Macklin, Dean of the Nor Cal Leadership Forum, and Superintendent of the Fresno Metropolitan District. His leadership is marked by integrity, theological soundness, and a deep commitment to developing pastors and strengthening churches.

His decades of service extend beyond the sanctuary into education and community advocacy. Bishop McAlister has served on numerous local boards, including Evangelicals for Social Action, the NAACP, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Committee. In 2015, he was inducted into the African American Museum of the San Joaquin Valley in recognition of his lasting contributions to the community.

Married for over 52 years to Lady Shirley McAlister, they are the proud parents of Jonathan (Tiffany), Brittney, and Ashlee (Brandon) Lofton, and grandparents to Chrisette, Zahara, Jonathan, and Blessing.

Bishop McAlister’s ministry continues to reflect a life devoted to God, family, church, and community — a shepherd called not only to pastor a congregation, but now to serve as a spiritual father and episcopal leader across the California Valley Jurisdiction.