A. R. Bernard is one of the most influential religious leaders and transformative visionary. He leads one of the largest congregations in the United States, with 40,000+ members. Bernard enjoyed a successful career in finance before following his calling and opening a small storefront church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is now the Founder, President and Senior Pastor of Christian Cultural Center (CCC).
Once a Nation of Islam follower and teenage civil rights activist, A. R. Bernard’s secretary introduced him to Christ and invited him to a Nicky Cruz crusade where he surrendered his life to Christ. From that point forward, Bernard has been a student of history and the Bible — educating, nurturing, and equipping his congregants to navigate their faith with sound values and biblical principles.
Today, he is a premiere thought leader in Christianity and American History/Race Relations and has been featured on many media platforms such as Fox News, CNN, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, CBS News, etc. Bernard embraces radio, TV, social media and other forms of communication as a way to share his message and bring Christ to the culture on a regular basis. His transformative messages are also shared in his books, Happiness Is... and Four Things Women Want from a Man.
Rev. Bernard has a Master of Professional Studies and a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Wagner College, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Nyack College/Alliance Theological Seminary.
His wife, Karen, resigned from her career with the Queens County Supreme Court and accepted her calling to co-pastor with her husband. Together they have successfully experienced 48 years of marriage, 42 years of ministry, raised 7 sons and are blessed with 24 beautiful grandchildren.