Pastor Lionel Roberts

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Pastor Lionel A. Roberts was born in Tylertown Ms. August 4, 1960. He
is the fifth child born to James and Sarah Roberts. Pastor Roberts grew
up in the St. Bernard Housing Development of New Orleans seventh
ward. He was an accomplished athlete who was respected for playing
against bigger and older opponents. Based on the guidance of his
Mother Pastor Roberts received Christ at an early age and joined
Greater Asia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Martin.
After an honorable High School career at John McDonough High School
Pastor Roberts received a Baseball Scholarship to college to attend Alcorn State University, an HBCU.

While attending Alcorn State, Pastor Roberts received the call to the
ministry however, gripped in fear, Pastor Roberts avoided his calling for 10 years. Consequently under the anointed preaching of Bishop Darryl S. Brister at Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Roberts finally embraced his call. Pastor Roberts preached his first sermon in 1996 and was licensed in 1998. Immediately Pastor Roberts was named youth Pastor. At the end of 1999 Pastor Roberts
became the Pastor of St. Bernard Baptist Mission. On April 2, 2000 Pastor
Roberts was Ordained in a joint ceremony of both Memorial Baptist
Church (SBC) and Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church (FGBCF).
Under Pastor Roberts respected leadership St. Bernard Baptist Mission
established itself for both giving and baptisms. When Katrina devastated New Orleans in the summer of 2005 the Church was a viable growing debt free ministry. After Hurricane Katrina, Pastor Roberts returned to New Orleans with the help of the Southern Baptist convention and First Baptist Church of California, Missouri. Many changes were made to the ministry including the name
to the Holy Anointed House of Prayer. Still community minded Pastor Roberts moved forward earning recognition as a Head Football and Baseball Coach at his Alma Mater John McDonogh. He received the Humanitarian Award from Willie Hall Playground and a Leadership Award from Women on Assignment. He is active in advocating for the underserved in criminal court and a member of the Mayor's community support team.

Pastor Roberts has launched community programs such as Operation
Oyster (Overcoming Your Surroundings Through Educational Retreats)
and Operation Stand (Survivors Teaming Against Neighborhood Destruction). He has also published a few writings such as "You Owe It to the King" and "In Your Heart You Knew They Were Right". Early in 2017, Pastor Roberts retired from the New Orleans School System after
twenty five years of teaching and coaching to devote more time to the
ministry. The Flee (Fulfilling Love Embracing Excellences) after school
program and summer camp are set to begin in 2021. Recently Holy
Anointed House of Prayer completed the construction of it's new building located at 1447 Senate Street. Pastor Roberts has been married to Naomi Lynn Paris for over 35 years and together they have 3 sons: Azuree, Lionel Jr., and Joshua. Additionally they have eight grand children: Alonzo, Andre, Ahmad, Italy, Kamron, Lionna, Abe Ryland and Jaden.

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