On August 13, 1965 Alvin R. Foley was born in Houston, Texas to the proud parents Dr. Sam & Esther Foley. He came to know Jesus Christ as his personal savior at a young age, and was very active in church. After he graduated from Jesse H. Jones high school, he attended Prairie View A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology and Texas Southern University where he earned a Masters in Public Administration.

In 1984, God spoke and summoned him to preach the gospel. With a desire to learn more about God, he went to Seminary and earned a Masters of Theology from Inter-Baptist Theological. In the spirit of continued preparation. Pastor Foley has studied at Harvard, and Yale, Divinity Schools and received certification in Pastoral and Congregational training. Pastor attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Pastor has recieved a Doctorate in Ministry with emphasis on evangelism from Southern California Bible Institute in San Diego, CA.

He served as the Senior Founding Pastor of the Community of Faith Church of Southern California, and the present Pastor Emeritus of the Mountain Fellowship Church in Houston, TX. Pastor Foley is the former District Overseer of the Inland-Empire for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. On July 8, 2007 Overseer Alvin R. Foley, Sr. Was Consecrated to the office of Bishop in the International Churches of Praise.

Bishop Alvin R. Foley, Sr., is a man of Passion, Vision, Power, Perseverance, Faith, and Integrity. His favorite Scripture is Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask are think according to the power of Christ that worketh within us. Bishop Foley is married to Dee M. Foley and the father of Paris J. Foley, Allia R. Foley, and Alvin R. Foley II.