Apostle Dr. James W. McGrady Jr., is the founding Pastor of Jesus' Peace Ministries in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He has served in this capacity for over the past 40 years.

A true visionary, Apostle McGrady's overall goal is to win souls into the kingdom of God. The vision that God has given to him is "For the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.” His mission statement addresses, "Christians providing outreach, education, rehabilitation, and soul saving, by applying and proclaiming God's word, while making a difference through Jesus Christ.

Apostle McGrady pursued educational opportunities, studied diligently and completed a Doctorate Degree in Theology, which specializes in Church Administration and Biblical Studies. He received a second Doctorate Degree in Psychology, which specializes in Christian Counseling. He is a certified Therapist with a Doctorial Diplomat Certification from the American Society of Christian Therapists.

According to Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some apostles, and some, prophets; and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” The word further acknowledges, "For promotions cometh neither from the east, nor from the south, but God is the judge.” Apostle McGrady has operated under the leadership of the Holy Ghost in the prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, as well as the teacher realms. In November 2003, he was elevated to an Apostle as identified within the five-fold ministry. Apostle McGrady is a committed, highly anointed shepherd after God's own heart with a genuine love for ministry and the body of believers at Jesus' Peace.

God has allowed his vision of a New Sanctuary with a 500 seating capacity and the JPM Youth Ministry to come to fruition. Like Nehemiah, he refuses to come down off the wall. In 2018, through him speaking vision into the body of believers, Adopt-A-Highway and a Bookstore has come to fruition.

In addition to shepherding, he owns and manages McGrady & Sons Motor & Repair, LLC, and the Multicultural Resources Center. He spends his leisure time boating and riding his motorcycle. He and wife Co-Pastor Marshella have been married for 40 years. They have two sons, James(Robin) and Andre, daughter, Letita (deceased), and several grandchildren and two greatgrandson..

  Co-Pastor Marshella McGrady, a native of Fayetteville, NC, accepted the call to ministry in 1999. Over the years God developed her ministry and is still elevating her in the word, faith and anointing. Evidence of this can be witnessed through her teaching, preaching and powerful moves of the Holy Spirit since its inception: from teaching to preaching and finance to administration. Regardless of the task, it was never too great nor too small, for her to support the church.

Co-Pastor Marshella McGrady currently serves as the Church Administrator and Director of the Women's Ministry. The Body of Jesus' Peace Ministries admires and aspires to be the well-rounded and refined woman that she exemplifies. Being given a mandate to empower women of God, Co-Pastor founded the Women of Rose Ministry. Women of Rose ministers to spiritual, emotional and physical needs of women in the body of Christ. Additionally she helps oversee all ministries and church functions.

Co-Pastor Marshella McGrady is known for her truthfulness sense of humor and faithfulness. Her motto is "God first then family." Her diligent support to her husband in church and with his businesses for the past forty years. She has strong leadership abilities and carries herself with grace. Co-Pastor is a supportive and loving mother of two sons and one deceased daughter and a devoted grandmother to several grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. As a wife, mother, Elder, and business woman she understands the demands and pressures of the 21st century.

  In 1992, Apostle McGrady, along with his wife, Marshella, started a Bible Study group of three people, in their home. At that time, James McGrady Jr. was still under the leadership of, Vice-Bishop D. W. Elliott, the pastor of his home church. As time went on, the Bible Study grew and the members felt it was time to start a church. At first, James McGrady Jr. hesitated, but later answered the call into obedience from God and the blessings from his pastor.

The name Jesus′ Peace was given to Apostle McGrady, from God while, his former pastor, Vice-Bishop Elliott exhorted the congregation. Ironically, he kept exclaiming, ″We all need Jesus′ Peace!″ Apostle McGrady purposed within his spirit, if those words were repeated once again, particularly ′Jesus′ Peace,′ that would be the name of the church. As fate would have it, Vice-Bishop Elliott stated them again, and James McGrady Jr. was assured that it was of God. Over the next year, the Bible Study group grew and God made provisions for services to be held in the personal garage located in their backyard. In order to accommodate the people, many of the expenses came out of his own pockets. The Word was taught and subsequently, the services continued.

One day, there was an interruption that affected the body of believers. James McGrady Jr. received a notice from the City of Fayetteville about parking. They informed him that he would have to move the church due to complaints in the neighborhood. As a result, the ministry was relocated swiftly to 2814 Murchison Rd., his father′s personal place of automotive business. It was at that location that the church continued to thrive until God allowed them to find property to build the next phase for ministry. We had our groundbreaking ceremony in January 1997 for our next sanctuary located at 980 Kennesaw Dr. The cost of construction was $375,000 and the church was completed in August 1997. As the church continued to grow, Pastor McGrady and men from the church, built a Fellowship Hall without any assistance from financial institutions.

God has given Apostle McGrady vision and prosperity throughout the years. Under his awesome leadership, Jesus′ Peace has experienced growth both economically and numerically. God has brought Jesus′ Peace Ministries a long way. Apostle McGrady has ′broken traditions,′ constantly teaching and preaching the Word of God under the anointing of an apostolic ministry.

In June 2004, the sanctuary fifteen year mortgage note was paid off, in seven years along with the purchase of ten acres of land. During October of 2004, the church purchased additional property, located at 980 Kennesaw Drive.

As a means of servicing the community, our Van Ministry is available to pick up those who are desirous of attending Sunday Worship Services, Bible Study and any outside speaking engagements.

Expansive growth launched us into our next building phase. In April 2006, we began constructing a new sanctuary to house at least 600 people. Currently, that building phase has been completed.

In 2024 we became a faith-base church with the Bill Hefner School.