Our Pastor

Rev. Steven D. Shepard Sr.

Steven D. Shepard, Sr. was born Tucson, Arizona and grew up in San Bernardino, CA. After graduating High School (San Bernardino High), he moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he accepted his call to the ministry in June of 1986 and attended the Birmingham Baptist Bible College and South Eastern Bible College to further his education and ministry.

In 1988, Reverend Shepard enlisted in the United States Army where he acquired the Rank of Sgt (E5), and was honored with numerous commendations and awards, 

Reverend Shepard served as senior pastor in the 12th Episcopal District (St. Mark, Kingfisher, St. John, Wewoka, and St. Paul, Frederick), and the 5th Episcopal District (Fountain of Hope, Las Vegas, Nevada, Resurrection AME, Richmond, California,  Walker’s Chapel AME in Oceanside, California, St. Paul, Witchia, Kansas and St. Peter, St. Louis, Missouri). 

Reverend Shepard’s grandfather (The late Reverend Wm. Jacks) and uncle (The Reverend Jewel B. Dewitty) also served as Presiding Elder’s for the African Methodist Episcopal Church (5th Episcopal District). Rev. Shepard’s Father In-Law (The late Reverend Dr. Charles H. Belcher) also served the AME Church and was the founding Pastor of the Resurrection AME Church in Richmond, California.

Now as the  Pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Bernardino, California, Reverend Shepard Sr. continues to provide nurturing and spiritual pastoral leadership.

Reverend Shepard Sr. is the blessed husband of Lady Sheila Davenport-Shepard and they are the proud and loving parents of six children and 7 grandchildren.