“Write the vision…” Pastor Gerald Bess is a firm believer in the power of these words. Faithfully adhering to the continual commandment to love God’s people, the ministry of New Commandment Christian Church is rooted in true agape love. He is a favored visionary on a mission to serve God’s people.

Pastor Bess is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and graduate of William Raines High School. He attended Tuskegee University in Alabama, and later was recruited to play for the Hamilton Tigercats of the Canadian Football League.

God placed a special call on Pastor Bess’ life in 1986 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Shortly thereafter, he retired from football and began to seek God’s will for his life. Under the guidance of his spiritual parents, Pastor Samuel and Mrs. Phyllis Benvenuti, he matured in his walk with Christ. As a member of Ridgecrest Southern Baptist Church, he assisted the pastor, taught Sunday School, and served in various ministries in the church. He was a dedicated member of Athletes in Action, an organization for Christian athletes. While living in Canada, he also attended Southern Baptist Seminary.  Soon after, he became a sought-out speaker and motivator. He also served as guest chaplain for the Cleveland Browns.

After relocating to Atlanta, Pastor Bess faced several obstacles that fostered an even stronger commitment in his relationship with the Lord. A more devout faith manifested within his spirit which led him to encourage others to seek a personal relationship with God—one of true spiritual intimacy.  While working for a major corporation in the area, he instituted a lunch time Bible Study where many people accepted Christ and transformed their lives. These years proved to be the foundation of his ministry.

While under the leadership of Pastor Jerry D. Black at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Bess accepted the call to preach the Gospel.  He was licensed in 1996 and ordained in 1998. After serving at Beulah, he was called to pastor New Shield of Faith Christian Ministries. The ministry flourished under his leadership for six years.  Members were compelled to engage in spiritual intimacy and practice the principle of unconditional love.

In 2007, God directed Pastor Bess to start New Commandment Christian Church where he currently serves.  The principle of unconditional love continues to resonate in this ministry as well, for he firmly believes that is what draws people to Christ—God’s agape love which transcends our humanity and elevates our spirits to love as He has loved us. A true faith walker, Pastor Bess greatly anticipates all that God will do with and through New Commandment Christian Church.

Various sources of support have nurtured Pastor Bess in ministry. Among them was his mother, the late Sister Betty Bess. She engaged in fervent prayer for her son after realizing early in his life that God had ordained him for such a time as this. Prior to her death, they experienced a divine closeness as a result of her receiving the Holy Spirit. When he’s not serving in his pastoral role, he’s serving his lovely wife, Angela, whom he wed in 1995. They are the proud parents of Tanisha, Giles, Alexess, and Gerald Isaac.