A Voice in the City: Sam Chand talks with NYC church planter A.R. Bernard

Last issue, I introduced the Founding Faith section, featuring conversations with founding pastors (who also happen to be friends of mine) in which I explore the origin stories of the churches they planted, perhaps identifying some of the common threads that have defined their success. I don’t ask questions as a voyeuristic outsider, but as someone who has observed and admired, from close proximity, their integrity and leadership skill. I hope their stories will inspire and challenge you in your own leadership journey.

In this issue, I want to introduce readers to my friend Dr. A.R. Bernard. Few can articulate an elaborate and even complicated leadership thought as succinctly and clearly as Dr. Bernard. He is internationally acclaimed for his wisdom, biblical teaching and pragmatic application of that wisdom.

I recall meeting him for the first time many years ago when we were both invited speakers for Dr. Dale Bronner in Atlanta. I had heard of Dr. Bernard, but when I saw and heard him communicate thought leadership, I was not just impressed but wanted to know him better. Now, over the years we stay in touch. I’m richer for it.

A.R. Bernard is the founder the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, New York. Before entering ministry, he had a successful 10-year career in banking. However, in 1979, Bernard left his position at a major New York bank to pursue full-time ministry alongside his wife, Karen

What began as a small Bible study has grown into one of the largest churches in New York City. The Christian Cultural Center now boasts over 37,000 members and occupies an 11.5-acre campus in Brooklyn.

Bernard holds a master of urban studies and a master of divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He has also been awarded honorary doctor of divinity degrees from Wagner College and Nyack College/Alliance Theological Seminary. His influence extends beyond his church, as he has been recognized as one of New York’s 50 Most Powerful People in Brooklyn and dubbed “The Power Pastor” by The New York Times.

Bernard has served in various leadership positions, including president of the Council of Churches of the City of New York, board member of the Commission of Religious Leaders (CORL), board member of the Brooklyn Public Library and board member of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Bernard has founded several organizations, including the Christian Community Relations Council (CCRC) and the Brooklyn Preparatory School.

A.R. and Karen have been married since 1972. They met in high school and have seven sons together.

Bernard is an author of several books, including Four Things Women Want From a Man and Happiness Is . . . : Simple Steps to a Life of Joy. He also hosts The A.R. Bernard Show, a podcast in which he interviews high-profile guests on topics of faith and culture.


Sam Chand: How did you experience God’s call to plant a church?

A.R. Bernard: In July of 1977, after converting to Christianity from a form of American Islam, I experienced an undeniable call to ministry—a “vocare” or divine summons to service. This calling, as described in the Puritan tradition, is a sacred invitation to serve others in alignment with God’s plan. It felt like a second conversion, a deep, inward impression of God’s voice on my soul. This vision—a cross, empty but stained with the blood of Christ, symbolizing His resurrection and the kingdom of God on earth—revealed my role as a shepherd of souls.

My wife, Karen, witnessed this experience and supported me wholeheartedly. On January 1, 1978, we planted our church, The Household of Faith, in a storefront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. From that small beginning, God continued to grow our congregation and mission, solidifying the calling He placed on my life.


SC: Tell us a highlight (and a “lowlight”) of the first few years.

ARB: The early years of our ministry were both rich and challenging. We saw miraculous healings, exorcisms, discipleship and growth. Each time we relocated, we quickly outgrew our space. This expansion, while exciting, also came with pressures—financial needs, growing responsibilities and the complexities of human relationships.

Navigating the demands of a growing church without a mentor was perhaps the most challenging. I carried over a workaholic mindset from my prior career in banking, and the drive to meet everyone’s needs often left my family in the background. My wife’s unwavering faith and shared sense of calling sustained us, even as we dealt with the strain on our marriage and family life.


SC: What do you wish you had known then that you know now? What would you do differently? What would you do the same?

ARB: Reflecting on the journey, I now understand that even a high and noble calling doesn’t exempt us from the realities of life. I would have prioritized building a support system, seeking wisdom from experienced mentors, and structuring accountability within our ministry. A balanced approach, encompassing work and rest, would have tempered my intensity, allowing me to serve without sacrificing family relationships. Looking back, I would still give with the same passion and commitment, but I would be wiser in managing the balance between ministry and personal life. I would ensure I nurtured myself and my family as fervently as I cared for my congregation.


SC: How did church planting affect your family—marriage, children, extended family?

ARB: One of the most painful lessons I learned is that family should never be sacrificed on the altar of ministry. In my case, ministry ambitions created bitterness within my family and hurt our relationships. Thankfully, through God’s grace, mercy and healing, we found a way to reconcile and restore these bonds. This journey taught me that maintaining a healthy family life is foundational for a successful ministry and is a living testament to God’s love.


SC: What would be your top three counsels for those considering planting a church?

ARB: For those who sense a call to plant a church, I offer three key pieces of advice: Get serious. Understand the sacrifices that church planting will demand from you and your family. It’s not an easy journey; it requires a mindset of total commitment akin to a lifelong marriage. Settle in your heart that you are fully committed to this calling. Get smart. Seek knowledge, training and counsel. Surround yourself with mentors and advisers who can guide you through the challenges. Equip yourself with as much wisdom and preparation as possible because you’ll need it. Get going. Don’t linger in doubt or second-guess yourself. If you truly feel the call, trust God and take that leap of faith. Move forward without looking back, confident that He will guide you each step of the way.

Sam Chand is a leadership consultant and the author of numerous books, including his most recent title, Voices: The Power, Pain, & Purpose of Voices. Sam is the founder of Dream Releaser Enterprises and the publisher of AVAIL Journal.