Dr. Paul D. Stevens, Sr. is a native of Westlake, Louisiana. He is fourth-generation preacher born to the late Rev. Willie Stevens, Jr., and Rose Lee Stevens. As the son of a long-time pastor, Dr. Stevens accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. From both parent he learned the value and importance of prayer, education, hard work, and determination.

Dr. Stevens is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and went on to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in Religion from Houston Graduate School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Kairos University. He is also a certified Pastoral Care Specialist from the Ecumenical Center of Religion and Health, San Antonio, Texas.

In 1983, Dr. Stevens began his professional career in retail grocery sales with General Mills, Inc.  In that capacity, he fostered relationships with grocery chains/retailers in Houston, San Antonio, and Southwest Louisiana, ultimately rising to the position of Sales Manager during his sixteen year tenure.

In 1984, Dr. Stevens accepted his call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at the Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Houston, Texas under the leadership of the late Rev. J.D. Johnson. Three years later, Dr. Stevens received his first pastorate, Bethel Baptist Church, in McAllen, Texas. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the congregation grew from 25 in number to over 85 members in two years. That was remarkable as only 1% of the population in McAllen is African American. Pastor Stevens had to leave Bethel because of a job transfer, plans for a new sanctuary were set forth and the church was financially sound.

Dr. Stevens and his wife Belinda, organized Friendship North Baptist Church in Houston in 1994 in their home. Pastor Stevens and Sis. Belinda, sought to disciple those who joined the church and encourage them to fully develop as followers of Christ. As such, it was intentional that the church would grow slowly. Over the course of two years, the church grew to over 50 members. By Friendship North’s fourth year, worship attendance averaged over 150.

In 1998, Dr. Stevens was called to San Antonio, Texas to lead the newly organized New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Upon arrival there were approximately 60 congregants in attendance. In over 25 years, New Covenant has grown from 150 members on the roll to over 3000 members. Under Dr. Stevens’ leadership, the following has occurred:

• Purchased and paid for over 8 acres of land.
• Built and paid for a $1.5 million church with sanctuary, classrooms, fellowship hall, a commercial kitchen.
• Purchased 3 additional properties, one of which ended up being remodeled and converted into the Youth Building.
• Weekly average of 300 in attendance at midweek services.

Dr. Stevens is a prolific teacher, preacher, and lecturer, with an emphasis on discipleship, stewardship, and staff development. He is the past President, Baptist Ministers Union of San Antonio and Vicinity. He serves on many local boards and agencies in the San Antonio area. He is also a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Stevens served as the Executive Director of Campus Ministry at St. Philips College from 2002 to 2012. In that capacity, he was responsible for coordinating and fostering Ecumenical and Interfaith Outreach for the student body, faculty, and staff. Ultimately, Stevens resigned after a decade of leadership to focus more on the ministerial needs at New Covenant.

Dr. Stevens also authored four books: Pastor, Preachers, Leaders, and Teachers, Don’t Quit on Monday: Living Between the Sundays (2020), Where Do Pastors Go to Cry: Practical Principles You Won’t Learn in Seminary (2012), Your Church Can Be Healthy Too: Not Size but Substance (2009), and Finding a Pastor in the African American Church (2007).