Pastor's Biography
Pastor's Biography
A community advocate, humanitarian, businessman, entrepreneur, gifted teacher, and expositor of God’s Holy Word, Dr. James Heard is the visionary of New Destiny Ministries.
As a senior Federal Official and Field Office Director for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s St. Louis Office and Faith Based Liaison for the Department, Dr. Heard often speaks on national platforms regarding federal programs to benefit churches and not-for-profit organizations which could stabilize and transform their communities. In June 2011, Dr. Heard served on a special task team to rebuild the Joplin, Missouri community.
Dr. Heard has been married to his college sweetheart, Lady April, over 38 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren, and they are residents of North St. Louis County, Missouri.
A “Magna-Cum-Laude” graduate, Dr. Heard received his undergraduate degree in Business Management with a minor in healthcare and a Masters’ Degree in Business Management, with a special emphasis in gerontology from Webster University. He also received his Doctorate Degree of Theology from Midwest College of Theology.
Dr. Heard’s call to ministry came at his young-adult age of 26 while serving under the leadership of Supt. Benjamin Kelly. Being led by the Spirit of God, he joined his father, the late Pastor James Heard, Jr. in February 1999. Upon his father’s passing a year later, he was appointed Sr. Pastor of New Psalmist Church of God in Christ under Bishop William Scott.
Under Dr. Heard’s leadership, the Lord prospered and blessed the ministry. In January 2008, the church moved into a newly built edifice. Shortly after, the ministry united with Bishop James Bolden of Evangelistic Ministries Church. New Destiny College of Theology opened in September 2011 with a high-record enrollment. The college also received top honor “Satellite School of the Year Award” from the parent organization, Midwest College of Theology, in its first year of operation.
DR. JAMES HEARD
A community advocate, humanitarian, businessman, entrepreneur, gifted teacher, and expositor of God’s Holy Word, Dr. James Heard is the visionary of New Destiny Ministries.
As a senior Federal Official and Field Office Director for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s St. Louis Office and Faith Based Liaison for the Department, Dr. Heard often speaks on national platforms regarding federal programs to benefit
churches and not-for-profit organizations which could stabilize and transform their communities. In June 2011, Dr. Heard served on a special task team to rebuild the Joplin, Missouri community. Dr. Heard has been married to his college sweetheart, Lady April, over 38 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren, and they are residents of North St. Louis County, Missouri.
A “Magna-Cum-Laude” graduate, Dr. Heard received his undergraduate degree in Business Management with a minor in healthcare and a Masters’ Degree in Business Management, with a special emphasis in gerontology from Webster University. He also received his Doctorate Degree of Theology from Midwest College of Theology. Dr. Heard’s call to ministry came at his young-adult age of 26 while serving under the leadership of Supt. Benjamin Kelly. Being led by the Spirit of God, he joined his father, the late Pastor James Heard, Jr. in February 1999. Upon his father’s passing a year later, he was appointed Sr. Pastor of New Psalmist Church of God in Christ under Bishop William Scott. Under Dr. Heard’s leadership, the Lord prospered and blessed the ministry. In January 2008, the church moved into a newly built edifice. Shortly after, the ministry united with Bishop James Bolden of Evangelistic Ministries Church. New Destiny College of Theology opened in September 2011 with a high-record enrollment. The college also received top honor “Satellite School of the Year Award” from the parent organization, Midwest College of Theology, in its first year of operation.
LADY APRIL HEARD
Born and raised in Jefferson County, Missouri Lady Heard grew up with her four sisters. Every Sunday morning, she attended church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and assumed the role of church secretary. Unbeknownst to her, God was positioning her to become a First Lady someday. Lady Heard graduated high school with honors and immediately enrolled in a business school to further her education in the secretarial field. It was there in a rural Illinois town she met the love of her life Dr. James Heard. She has been a devoted wife over 38 years ever since. Together they have one son, with the Lord, four adult children and eight grandchildren.
Walking alongside her husband she efficiently assists with managing the affairs of the church. Her commitment to excellence is recognized by the many events she spearheads in the ministry; the Annual Ladies Tea, Breakfast with Santa and Comedy Show are a few. However, the one dearest to her heart is visiting the residents in the nursing home to bring gifts and sing carols at Christmas. This act of compassion brings great joy to the residents and her as well. Family is of the utmost importance, and she cherishes the time spent with them.