5 Shocking Reasons Bishop Stephen A. Davis Resigned From New Birth Megachurch And His Current Ministry In 2024
Apostle Bishop Stephen A. Davis: Complete Biographical Profile
Bishop Stephen A. Davis is a respected spiritual leader, author, and charismatic speaker whose ministry spans decades and continents. His life and career have been characterized by a dedication to church growth and apostolic impact.
- Full Name: Stephen A. Davis
- Wife: Darlene Davis (Married 1989)
- Family: The couple has three daughters and three grandchildren.
- Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
- Education: Graduated from Pinson Valley High School. He completed studies in Seminary and Church Growth.
- Early Ministry: First served as Pastor in 1997 at what was then Pinson Valley Worship Center, which later evolved into The Refiner's House, and subsequently New Birth Family Church.
- Spiritual Covering: Fervently entered into covenant under the spiritual covering of the late Bishop Eddie L. Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in June 2006.
- Current Ministry: Senior Pastor of Refresh Family Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and founder of Apostolic Global Impact.
- Media Presence: Host of the "I Am The One" podcast and active broadcaster on YouTube and Facebook.
The Turbulent Transition: From Successor to Resignation at New Birth
Bishop Davis's most scrutinized period of leadership began with his appointment as the successor to the late, controversial Bishop Eddie L. Long at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. This role was one of the most high-profile positions in the American megachurch landscape.
Following Bishop Long's death in 2017, Davis was named the Interim Senior Pastor of the massive Georgia church. His arrival was seen as an attempt to stabilize the ministry following years of controversy surrounding the former leader. He officially took over the senior pastor position, bringing with him his own congregation from New Birth Birmingham (formerly The Refiner’s House).
However, the tenure was short-lived and fraught with internal conflict. In 2018, less than a year after his official installation, Bishop Davis announced his resignation.
The 5 Core Reasons Behind Bishop Davis’s Controversial Departure
The sudden nature of Bishop Davis's resignation from the prominent New Birth pulpit was a major shock to the religious community. While he initially cited a need to focus on his home church, New Birth Birmingham, he later made a much more explosive statement that provided the real reason for his exit.
Here are the five key takeaways from the events surrounding his departure, based on the information Davis provided:
1. Allegations of "Corrupt Leaders"
The most compelling reason for his resignation was his direct statement that "corrupt leaders" caused him to step down. This pointed to deep-seated issues within the church's administration or board, suggesting an environment of moral or financial impropriety that he could not reconcile with.
2. Internal Resistance to Change
Taking over a megachurch like New Birth, which had a long history and established culture under Bishop Long, is inherently difficult. It is widely speculated that Davis faced significant internal resistance from long-time church figures or board members who opposed his vision or attempts to implement new structural changes. The "corrupt leaders" may have been those who actively sabotaged his efforts.
3. Focus on His Birmingham Ministry
In his initial statement, Bishop Davis emphasized the need to dedicate his full attention to the New Birth Birmingham family (now Refresh Family Church). This suggests that the demands of the Georgia megachurch were pulling him away from his home congregation, which he felt needed his direct, focused leadership.
4. The Shadow of Bishop Eddie Long’s Legacy
Davis inherited a church reeling from the long-term controversies surrounding Bishop Long, including civil lawsuits and public scandals. The pressure to reform the church while simultaneously navigating the established power structure that remained from the previous administration likely created an untenable situation.
5. A "Wave of Terror"
While not a direct quote from Davis, one report noted that his departure came amid a "wave of terror" at the church, further suggesting a hostile and unstable internal environment that led to his decision to leave.
Bishop Stephen A. Davis’s Current Ministry and Global Reach in 2024
Since leaving the tumultuous environment of the Georgia megachurch, Bishop Stephen A. Davis has successfully re-centered his ministry at the Refresh Family Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
The physical location of the church is 117 12th Court NW, Birmingham, AL, but its influence extends far beyond the local community.
His ministry has embraced a robust digital platform, allowing for a truly global reach. He broadcasts live worship services every Wednesday and Sunday via both Facebook and YouTube.
In 2024, his messages and sermons, such as "How Will God Expand You In 2024," continue to be streamed widely, demonstrating his continued relevance and impact on the lives of his followers.
Entities like Apostolic Global Impact, which he founded, demonstrate his commitment to developing ministry leaders and expanding the reach of his apostolic vision internationally.
Bishop Davis's ability to navigate a very public, controversial exit and immediately pivot to a thriving, forward-looking ministry showcases his resilience and dedication to his core mission. His powerful speaking style and charismatic delivery continue to attract followers seeking a bold, uncompromised message.
His story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of megachurch leadership and a testament to the power of returning to one's roots to rebuild a ministry with integrity and renewed purpose.
Detail Author:
- Name : Layne Borer III
- Username : presley60
- Email : frida64@witting.com
- Birthdate : 1994-11-29
- Address : 53217 Stehr Forks Henritown, MI 47213
- Phone : (949) 606-9142
- Company : Russel-Kuhn
- Job : Fence Erector
- Bio : Id dolorum nobis non officiis veritatis necessitatibus aut. Modi sit odio dolores sint nisi. Voluptatum dolore temporibus distinctio quis nihil. Dolor fugit aperiam non.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@ablick
- username : ablick
- bio : Aut recusandae libero incidunt recusandae voluptas.
- followers : 2283
- following : 878
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/alenablick
- username : alenablick
- bio : Minus magnam quis magnam recusandae est. Animi animi in et nihil quam.
- followers : 5384
- following : 1719
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/alenablick
- username : alenablick
- bio : Et ratione dicta libero dolorem quidem numquam omnis.
- followers : 1511
- following : 902
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/alena1988
- username : alena1988
- bio : Illum eligendi et delectus sunt ut et.
- followers : 2780
- following : 332
