The Bishops’ Wives organization originated with remarkable women dedicated to public service, including the Church of God In Christ founder’s wife, Mother Elsie Mason, alongside Mother O.T. Jones, Sr., and Mother A.B. McEwen. These esteemed women set a high standard of excellence, prioritizing community impact over personal gain. Their influence was far-reaching, inspiring the unmotivated, comforting the disheartened, and activating those in despair towards productive endeavors.

Leadership transitioned to Mother Deborah Mason Patterson, under whose presidency the Bishops’ Wives Circle intensified its commitment to charity and benevolence, notably establishing scholarship funds.

In 1985, Mother Mattie McGlothen officially christened the group as the "Bishops’ Wives Circle." Following Mother Patterson's passing, Mother Daisy Sherman was appointed president in May 1986 during the International Women’s Convention, having previously served for years by carrying the Circle's international banner. Mother Sherman faithfully led the Circle for 30 years until her passing in 2016.

In January 2017, at the National Leadership Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, then-General Supervisor Mother Willie Mae Rivers appointed new officers. Mother Willie Mae Sheard became the first President in the Circle's history not to be named "Mother Deborah," alongside Mother Sharon Bordeaux as Vice President, Mother Sherel Lee continuing as Executive Secretary, and Mother Yolanda Bryant continuing as Communications Secretary while also taking on the role of Financial Secretary. Mother Sheard served diligently until her passing on April 19, 2020.

From April 19 to July 1, 2020, the Bishops’ Wives Circle observed a period of mourning and remembrance for President Mother Willie Mae Sheard. On July 1, 2020, General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, after prayerful consideration, initiated a nomination process to fill the presidential vacancy. Four nominees were interviewed on September 8, 2020, by Mother Lewis and a committee of facilitators and Bishops' Wives. On September 17, 2020, Mother Yolanda Bryant of Houston, Texas, was appointed the new President. Shortly thereafter, on September 26, Mother Virginia Collins of Savannah, Georgia, was appointed Vice President. Concurrently, Mother Lewis established The Widowed Bishops’ Wives Circle, an independent extension of the organization, appointing Mother Sherel Lee of Dallas, Texas, as President and Mother Delores Williams of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Vice President. Both Circles now operate with unity as their guiding principle.

Under the current presidency, the Bishops’ Wives Circle has expanded its digital presence, launching a dedicated website and official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. A significant initiative is The Bishops’ Wives Induction Academy, designed to prepare the wives of newly appointed Bishops for their roles in ministry. Additionally, the Circle now proudly features an official seal, embodying its motto, “Diversified, Blooming, Fragrances,” and its mission statement: "We endeavor to promote love, unity, spiritual enrichment, wholesome fellowship and friendship in the sisterhood.”

As the Bishops’ Wives Circle moves forward, it embraces an all-inclusive vision, providing every Bishop’s Wife the opportunity to share her diverse gifts, flourish her talents, and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma.The Patterson/Sherman Scholarship The Bishops’ Wives Circle Scholarship, named the Deborah Mason Patterson Scholarship, was started under the direction of Mother Daisy Sherman in 1985. Mother Patterson was the wife of our first elected Presiding Bishop. In 2017, the President of the Bishops’ Wives Circle, Mother Willie Mae Sheard, along with the committee in St. Louis, Missouri, changed the name of the scholarship to The Patterson/Sherman Scholarship. By doing so, the Circle not only recognized the legacy of Mother Deborah Mason Patterson but also the dedicated service of Mother Daisy Sherman, who was the president of the Circle for more than 30 years. As Bishops’ Wives and leaders in our church, we hold the firm conviction that higher education is critical to the success of our families, churches, and nation. Under the current leadership of the Bishops’ Wives Circle, Mother Yolanda Bryant, we continue the same standard to assist deserving female students with funds that will aid in the completion of Graduate School degrees, encourage academic achievements, and help ensure career excellence throughout the Church of God in Christ.