The Reverend Joseph Stephens was born on August 16, 1958, in Wayne, Michigan. He is the founding Pastor of the New Birth Baptist Church which has been in existence since January 1989. He was called by God and licensed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in January 1985. He preached his first sermon on January 27, 1985, at Greater Mission Baptist Church. Our Pastor graduated from Robichaud High School in 1976 and married his high school sweetheart, Veronica Huguley in 1977. They have 3 children, Tongina, Carrie, and Joseph Jr., 10 grand and 3 Great Grand.
Reverend Stephens worked at Emery Air Freight for 10 years and AAA for 14 years. He left AAA in February 2001 to be obedient to God and accept the call to full-time ministry. Reverend Stephens attended Eastern Michigan University, Wayne County Community College, Madonna University, completing the Doctoral program at Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He is a Spirit-filled pastor and an anointed Preacher/Teacher. He is bold in speaking the truth and lives the life he preaches, and preaches the life he lives. He has a genuine love for Christ, God’s Word, and people. There is absolutely no pretense about him. He is down to earth with a heavenly mandate.
He labors faithfully in the Word of God and is a man of prayer and deep conviction. He has led the New Birth Baptist Church while working full time, raising a family, and pursuing a Christian education. He has proven to his congregation that he has a vision for the ministry and that Christ leads him. His congregation is committed to following him as he follows Jesus Christ.
Pastor Stephens was President of the Inkster Ministerial Alliance, which is dedicated to the coming together of the clergy in the Christian community to affect projects that target physical well-being and promote spiritual growth. He is also on the Inkster Task Force, which allows him to have input on concerns regarding the youth of the community, as well as developing programs to help the citizens and secure funding for these programs.