About Us
About us
The story of Imani is both inspiring and compelling! It all started when Bishop Jelani Kafela and his wife, Kathy, returned to Pomona, California, after a fruitful 17 years in Des Moines, Iowa. In May 1998, they formed an eight-member vision committee with a mission to create a dynamic Christian fellowship in Southern California. On July 19, 1998, Imani Temple Christian Fellowship launched its inaugural worship service at the home of founding member Muriel Cloyd, who is also Bishop Kafela's mother. The name "Imani," which means "mighty hope for the future," encapsulates the essence of our vision. As both Bishop and Teacher, Bishop Kafela passionately spreads hope throughout the Inland Empire. At Imani, we come together around three powerful spiritual goals: (1) Worship that resonates deeply with the heart of God (Psalm 15); (2) Integrity in both preaching and teaching (Ephesians 4:11); and (3) Relevant ministries that engage the community (Ephesians 4:7-16). Our mission is to transform lives and deepen connections with the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2012, we proudly changed our name to Imani Christian Cathedral, marking the consecration of Bishop Kafela. To support future leaders, he launched the Bridge Network Covenant Fellowship in 2010, focusing on training and development. In July 2021, Imani Christian Cathedral took a bold step by relocating to San Bernardino, rebranding as Imani at the Center. At Imani at the Center, we uplift and empower one another in a flourishing network. Celebrating 27 years of transformative ministry in July 2025, we invite you to join us on this meaningful journey as we continue to spread the hope that changes lives!
Core beliefs
Imani is a Sincere Church Model and is committed to the vision of being a faithful living center of Christ, where the wounded are welcome and the faithful have fellowship through an experience of the grace of God and the saving work of Christ in their lives. Imani is a Spirit-filled ministry that engages in Spirit-filled worship, touching the heart of God and equipping the Saints to do the work of Jesus Christ, while synergistically sharing the Christian life and evangelizing the world.
• The Sincere Church Model is based on 1st Timothy 1:5 – Christ-life Maturity, Partnership Ministry, Master-life, Preparation, Priesthood, Faith-life, Prayer Membership.
• The Mission is Leadership Community, Equipped Community, Caring Community, Faith Community, and Purpose, with a Nurturing Network Church, Body-Soul-Spirit, and lastly, a Power-life training for the Empowered Church.
Bishop Kafela
Bishop Kafela’s inspiring journey is deeply rooted in a rich family heritage that spans seven generations of dedicated ministers and spiritual leaders. Since May 1998, he has embraced his calling to uphold the remarkable legacy of his ancestors as a vibrant, visionary protector and messenger of the gospel.
Jelani Faraja Kafela, now affectionately known as Bishop Kafela—which beautifully translates to “mighty hope for the future, for whom one has died”—is the pioneering senior pastor of Imani Christian Cathedral. He is also the Presiding Prelate of the Bridge Network Covenant Fellowship, which supports a thriving community of associated churches and independent ministries.
Bishop Kafela is not only a well-educated and passionate shepherd but also an accomplished author of seven inspiring books that resonate with spirituality and personal growth. These works include:
1. Laugh Out Loud in the Face of Your Swagga Jackers
2. Pursuing the Mystery of Perfection: Growing in Grace and Knowledge
3. The Theology of Focus
4. I’m Just Saying: The Confessions of a Condemned Christian Servant Leader
5. The Prayer Cave
6. Following the Oil
7. Rethink The Journey: Reigniting The Spiritual Fire
Additionally, he has authored several manuscripts dedicated to advancing spiritual growth. His Sincere Church Model offers a thoughtful framework for integrating the sacred and sincere dimensions of faith, while maintaining a strong commitment to community service.
In collaboration with Promise Christian University, Bishop Kafela contributed significantly to the establishment of the Shelter T. White Institute of Biblical Study (SWIBS). This certificate program serves both ministers and lay leaders, supporting more than 40 active ministries and fostering a network of 22 ordained ministers and 18 deacons and deaconesses. Furthermore, the Imani Economic and Community Development Corporation, an extension at Imani, administers the Invisible Hands Food Ministry program. This initiative consistently provides sustenance to hundreds in the community each month.
The transformation of Imani Temple Christian Fellowship Inc. into Imani Christian Cathedral during its nineteenth year marked a significant milestone. Although the onset of COVID-19 led to the closure of physical services, it sparked the birth of the Encounter, which has flourished for nearly six years. This uplifting meeting, facilitated by Bishop Kafela every Monday through Friday at 6:45 a.m., has become a beloved ritual for many. In July 2021, Imani proudly relocated to downtown San Bernardino, where it now thrives as Imani at the Center. Today, Imani has blossomed from its humble beginnings into a vibrant fellowship of believers, united in faith and dedicated to nurturing a network of churches and ministries under Bishop Kafela’s wise and compassionate leadership.
Bishop Kafela’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious honors, including:
– The 13th Living History Award from Jack and Jill, Inc.
– The President’s Award from the NAACP, Des Moines Chapter
– The Community Service Award from the National Black Child Development Institute
– A Master’s “Hersetha” Award (Teacher) from The Institute for the Study of Black Family Life & Culture in Oakland, CA
– Pastor of the Year from Inland Valley News
– An Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Promise Christian University
– A valued member of Promise Christian University’s Board of Regents
Bishop Kafela’s journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and community service, inspiring countless individuals to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ while actively serving those around them.
Seeking the Divine Connection
Prayer Requests
- 909-383-8200
Address
- 468 W. 5th Street Suite 103, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- godsfaithhouse@gmail.com
since 1998
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