Dr. Talmadge & Rebecca French
Bishop
Dr. Talmadge L. French earned his Ph.D. from the prestigious University of Birmingham in England in December 2011. His groundbreaking 140,000-word doctoral thesis, Early Oneness Pentecostalism, G. T. Haywood, and the Interracial Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (1906–1931), is the first of its kind to explore the foundations of the Oneness Pentecostal movement at a major university. Supervised by renowned scholar Dr. Allan Anderson, the research uncovers valuable historical insights, particularly the vital role of G. T. Haywood and other early leaders in shaping an interracial movement that has grown into a global fellowship of over 30 million. Plans are currently underway to publish the work with a major academic press.
Dr. French holds multiple degrees, including a B.A. in Ancient Language (Greek), an M.A. in New Testament Theology, and a four-year degree in Pentecostal Studies. He studied at the Apostolic Bible Institute, Crichton College, Wheaton College and Graduate School, and Indiana University. His earlier M.A. thesis, Our God Is One: The Story of the Oneness Pentecostals, published in 1999, gained national recognition and remains a best-selling resource on the history of the movement.
In addition to academic contributions, Dr. French authored the doctrinal pamphlet series Steadfast in the Apostles’ Doctrine, with titles including The Oneness and Jesus’ Name Baptism.
He began his ministry in 1976, evangelizing for four years before serving as assistant pastor in West Memphis, AR, and later planting a church in Wheaton, IL. He has served on the Illinois District Board of the UPCI and held leadership roles at Indiana Bible College, including Dean of Biblical Studies and Executive Vice President. He also served as Provost of the Apostolic School of Theology in California, where he developed accredited online courses in theology and biblical languages—now being made available through the Oneness Studies Institute.
In 2011, after completing his Ph.D., Dr. French and his wife, Rebecca, moved to Georgia, where he became Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle in July of that year. On June 22, 2025, he was officially installed as Bishop of Apostolic Tabernacle. Talmadge and Rebecca have been married for 45 years and are proud parents of three sons.