09/03/2026
Before there was Walking in the Word Prophetic Ministries, there was The Temple of Timothy Chapel. And before there was Timothy Chapel, there were two servants of God willing to answer His call: Bishop Walter Joyner Sr. and Apostle Rosa Joyner.
Their story is more than the history of a church—it is the story of a God-given vision that has continued for more than five decades.
Bishop Walter Joyner Sr.’s journey in ministry began at English Chapel Cathedral of Miracles, where he joined in 1959 after hearing Bishop Jonathan Powell preach, “When I Make Up My Jewels.” He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the Male Chorus, served as President of the Pastor’s Aide and was ordained a Deacon.
But God was calling him higher.
In 1963, he preached his initial sermon, “Let the World See Jesus in Your Life.” From there, he traveled evangelizing from Boston throughout North Carolina, preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ—with his wife, Rosa, faithfully working by his side.
In 1974, God called Bishop Joyner into full-time pastoral ministry and gave him a vision for a church. That vision became reality when Bishop Walter and Rosa Joyner founded The Temple of Timothy Chapel UFW Baptist Church at 75 Columbia Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
🗓️ On Sunday, August 11, 1974, the very first service was held, and thirteen members were received that morning.
The building had formerly been a drugstore—a place that once provided medicine for the body. Through their obedience, it became a church that would provide medicine for both the body and the soul.
From those thirteen members, the ministry began to grow. Ushers were established, choirs were formed, deacons and trustees were appointed, ministers were elevated, souls were saved, and a church family was built.
Bishop Joyner’s influence extended far beyond Timothy Chapel. He was consecrated to the Bishopric in 1976, and in 1988, after hearing God say it was time to “MOVE OUT,” he and Reverend Rosa Joyner founded the North East Annual Conference. He served the body of Christ for decades as a preacher, teacher, pastor, Bishop, conference leader and visionary.
And standing faithfully beside him throughout the journey was a trailblazer in her own right.
Apostle Rosa Joyner received her calling to preach the Gospel in 1973 under Bishop Jonathan Powell. When she joined Timothy Chapel in 1974, she served faithfully—not allowing her position as First Lady to keep her from being a worker in the ministry.
She was ordained an Elder in March 1984, elevated to Assistant Pastor in 1985, and continued growing in leadership and ministry.
In 1991, Bishop Joyner’s vision for a new sanctuary came to life when a new building was erected at the same 75 Columbia Street location. Then, in 1995, after 21 years of pastoral leadership, Bishop Joyner announced that God had instructed him to place the church into the hands of Pastor Rosa Joyner.
The mantle was passed—but the building never stopped.
Apostle Rosa continued the vision, eventually incorporating Walking in the Word Prophetic Ministries in 2010. In 2011, she was confirmed in her operative calling of Apostleship, and in 2014, the former North East Conference transitioned into Walking in the Word Holy Assembly, Inc. Her leadership expanded the ministry and provided oversight to churches and leaders both locally and abroad.
What Bishop Walter and Apostle Rosa Joyner built together was never simply about a building or a church name.
It was about souls, service, holiness, the Word of God and generations yet to come.
From a former drugstore…
to 13 members…
to Timothy Chapel…
to a new sanctuary…
to Walking in the Word Prophetic Ministries…
and now to another generation carrying the vision forward.
52 years later, we are still standing because they were willing to start.
This Sunday afternoon, we invite YOU to come help us celebrate 52 years of faith, ministry, sacrifice, legacy and impact! 🙌🏾❤️
Come worship with us as we honor the foundation laid by Bishop Walter Joyner Sr. and Apostle Rosa Joyner, celebrate what God has done through the generations, and look forward with expectation to everything He still has in store for Walking in the Word Prophetic Ministries.
This isn’t just an anniversary—it is a celebration of 52 years of God keeping the vision alive.
Their labor became our foundation.
Their faith became our legacy.
And the story is still being written.
Join us THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON as we celebrate the legacy and give God glory for 52 years of Walking in the Word! 🎉🙌🏾
