As the battle for control of Jericho City of Praise plays out in court, the Landover megachurch’s pastor asserted his authority Sunday over the ministry, a report says. A week after a shoving match broke out at the end of the Sunday service, the Rev. Joel R. Peebles sought to dismiss the rumblings of conflict over the church’s leadership. In a rousing sermon, Peebles said plainly that he is in charge.