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Gregory L. Clarke, the son of the late Louis Clarke;
and Eva Clarke, was born in Bessemer, Alabama. He earned a Bachelor’s
Degree from Birmingham Southern College, Post-Graduate Study
at Harvard Divinity School, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity
from the Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. In 1986,
by Divine appointment, he became Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church,
Birmingham, Alabama (second location began Nov, 2001). Dr. Clarke
has proven to be, not only an anointed preacher and teacher,
but a skilled administrator known for his financial knowledge,
Bible centered convictions and a compassionate spirit. Within
the organizational structure of the church, he has incorporated
ministries to strengthen, encourage and support the membership
as well as the community: e.g., Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels,
Clothes Closet, Prison and Elder Care Ministries, Drug Rehabilitation,
Senior Recreation Center, Youth and Recreational Ministries,
and Radio and T.V. Broadcasting.
During his tenure at New
Hope Baptist Church, the church has consistently experienced
spiritual, numerical and financial growth, along with progressive
leadership and innumerable accomplishments. On November 4, 2001,
New Hope became one church with two locations by adding New Hope
at South Avondale. The addition of this property increases the
total assets of the church to over $5 million.
Consequently, Dr. Clarke is much sought after to conduct seminars
on topics relating to Church Growth, Developing Church Leaders
and Financial Planning. He has preached in some of America’s
most noted and renowned pulpits: Goodstreet Baptist, Dallas,
Texas, Dr. C.A.W. Clark, Pastor; Hunter Street Baptist, Atlanta,
Georgia, Dr. Ralph Abernathy, Pastor (deceased) and Sixth Avenue
Baptist, Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. John T. Porter, Pastor (retired).
In addition he has had sermons published by local newspapers.
He has preached on four (4) continents. He has experienced memorable
baptismal experiences such as: baptizing fifty-eight (58) persons
in the Jordan River in Jerusalem; gang leaders in Birmingham,
and was a part of the very first baptizing ceremony of the National
Baptist Convention Baptismal Service-1995 (115th Annual Session).
His ministry mission travels include: Trinidad, Israel, England
and Africa.
Dr. Clarke has received considerable recognitions for his
leadership and philanthropy: Outstanding Young Men in America-1988;
Who’s Who in Greater Birmingham-1989; YMCA Outstanding Leadership
Award-1990; Chairman of Musical National Baptist Convention,
U.S.A.-1995; NAACP Award of Merit for outstanding African Americans-1996..........and
the list goes on!
Actively involved in the community, his civic affiliations
include: Trustee-Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. He
also serves as Superintendent of New Hope Christian School (pre-school
in two locations) that extends from childcare, preschool, to
grades 1-8. He is President of New Hope Community Development
Federal Credit Union (two locations) and SWAN (South West Area
Network) two non-profit community organizations dedicated to
providing assistance to the elderly and underprivileged. He has
served on the Governor’s Commission of National and Community
Service and also on the Judson College Board of Governors.
Despite, numerous responsibilities and a busy schedule, Dr.
Clarke is a devoted husband (Regina) and father to four children.
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