Bishop Stephen R. Harper

Bishop Stephen R. Harper, a native of Philadelphia, grew up in the Mount Airy community. He attended local area public schools and is a graduate of Dobbins High School. He went on to pursue higher education at Northeastern University, School of Criminal Justice, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from New Hampshire College.

In 1974, he was filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and was baptized in the Name of Jesus, under the college ministry of Apostle Henry A. Moultrie. Under Apostle Moultrie’s tutelage, he received his training and call to the ministry. Recognizing and nurturing the anointing and calling upon his life, Apostle Moultrie appointed him to various offices and positions within the Church, including Deacon, Minister, Elder, Outreach Director, and Associate Pastor.

Following years of preparation, God released Pastor Harper to start his own ministry. Bishop Stephen R. Harper founded the New Life Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in 1993. Through his teaching, the church strives to be a blessing in Central Falls and its surrounding communities. With members from all over the United States and many different countries, Pastor Harper’s ministry fosters a cohesive community that is welcoming of all cultures.

Pastor Harper is the Executive Assistant to Apostle Moultrie, the Region I Apostle of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC). He is also the Acting Corresponding Secretary for the International Board of Bishops under the chairmanship of Bishop David Maxwell.

Pastor Harper is a man with ‘broad shoulders’ who is a true friend to many. He is a caring pastor, a devoted husband to his wife Ingrid, the loving father of two daughters (Erika and Jacquelyn), and son-in-law (Pastor Audi Lynch), and the grandfather of three grandsons (Audi, Aiden, and the third on the way). His ultimate desire is to see people fully embracing God’s love and walking in victory and power while experiencing the fullness of God’s promises.