Bishop Earley Dillard, DDiv.
6th in Succession

Bishop Dillard was born in Axton, Virginia to the late Jesse and Prudencie Dillard. Bishop Dillard grew up in the Martinsville/Henry County area of Virginia. He was educated in the Henry County public schools. After graduating high school, he enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served for four years. His tour of duty included a year in the Republic of Vietnam and Saigon. He received a degree in Aircraft Repair from Aircraft Tech School, Amarillo, TX. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, he became a Professional Truck Driver, receiving a Professional Truck Driver’s Certificate from the Virginia Carolina Truck Driving School, Martinsville, VA. He also continued his education with studies at the Virginia Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Bishop Dillard became a member of Shiloh Way of the Cross Church of Christ at the age seven. He was baptized in the name Jesus by the founder and Pastor, Bishop H. C. Eggleston, and was filled with the Holy Ghost shortly afterwards. After straying away from God for seven years (age 15 to 22), he rededicated his life to the Lord on November 17, 1969. He was called into the ministry in 1970. He preached his first public sermon “Prayer Is The Answer” on March 14, 1972 at Shiloh WOTC Church. He faithfully served under the leadership of Bishop Eggleston where he taught the teen Sunday School Class, sang in the Adult Choir, was President of the Youth Department, and was overseer of the Transportation and Travel Department.

On August 21, 1971, he was married to Janice Dodson of Martinsville, VA. They have a daughter and a son-in-law, Elder and Mrs. Eric (Tonia) Cannady of Stone Mountain, Georgia; two grandchildren, Lincia Brooke Cannady and Christian Dillard Cannady. In November 1984, after the death of Bishop Eggleston (who was also the 3rd Presiding Bishop of the Way of the Cross Organization), Bishop Dillard took the torch, continued to run the race, laboring to bring the church on forward to higher plains in Christ Jesus. He was formerly consecrated Pastor of Shiloh Way of the Cross Church of Christ on June 8, 1985. The greatest blessing during his ministry and teachings has been the spiritual growth of the church, and for this, we are eternally grateful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some of his greatest sermons include: “A Diamond In The Rough, The Evening News, Water On A Duck’s Back, Give It Up and Turn It Loose, If you Can’t Run With the Big Dogs—Stay On The Porch, Taking Care Of Duck Business (Pull The Wagon), and many, many more.

In August 1996, Bishop Dillard was promoted to the office of Bishop with the Way of the Cross Church of Christ International in Largo, Maryland. After becoming Bishop, he was given collateral duties placing him the State Bishop of Alaska where he visits once or twice a year. He is currently serving the Organization on the Executive Board of Bishops, Chairman of the Pastoral Council, Trustee Board Member, Foreign Missions Auxiliary Bishop, Virginia State Diocesan, Bishop over the Way of the Cross Churches in Africa and the United Kingdom. Bishop Dillard has served as Secretary of the National Board of Trustees, Auxiliary Bishop of the National Youth for Christ, Vice Chairman of the Pastoral Council, and President of the National Youth for Christ from 1991-96. He received his Doctorate in 2006 from the School of Bible Theology Seminary and University, Riverside, California. He is an active member of the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship (AWCF) Organization, and the AWCFSE Conference.

Bishop Dillard has been an inspiration in many others coming to Shiloh WOTCC and into the Way of the Cross Church Organization. He is a World Traveler, visiting and leaving his apostolic footsteps on every continent including Antarctica.

Bishop Dillard is APOSTOLIC ALL THE WAY! Believing and preaching the baptism in Jesus name—a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! His motto: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” –Proverbs 3:6

The Office of Presiding Bishop Administrative Staff