.A Shepherd with Heart:  Elder Robert Murphy, III, AS, BA, ThM, PhD
There are pastors—and then there’s Pastor Robert Murphy, III. A man of conviction, compassion, and a calling as deep as a Mississippi well, Pastor Murphy has walked a journey filled with divine purpose, sacred fire, and unshakeable love for God’s people. Born in 1963 to Deacon Robert and Sister Neila C. Murphy, Jr., young Robert (affectionately known as "Brother Bob") grew up in a home where prayer was the rhythm of life, and faith was more than Sunday best—it was everyday living.

From the jump, education and excellence were sewn into his path. He and his brother Timothy Alan had the blessing of attending Xenia Christian Day School and later, Xenia Christian Academy. Even as a young man, Robert's heart leaned toward the sacred. He was baptized in Jesus’ name on January 21, 1973, by Elder James Hill, Sr., and filled with the Holy Ghost later that summer during a revival led by Evangelist Steve Raperstaud from India—July 29; fire fell, and Brother Bob’s spirit soared.

At Bethel Temple Apostolic Church under the seasoned eye of Suffragan Bishop Dr. Marvin E. Graves, Brother Bob served wherever there was a need—usher, prayer warrior, encourager-in-chief. This early training ground shaped a servant-leader who would later touch lives across continents.

After graduating from Xenia High School in 1981, Robert studied at the University of Dayton. It was there, in 1982, that he fully surrendered to the call of ministry—a “Yes, Lord” that would echo through every chapter of his life. Later that year, under the ministry of Elder Robert Dewberry at Bethel Pentecostal Temple in Dayton, a fresh anointing was poured out, sealing his purpose like oil running down Aaron’s beard.

In 1984, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army, where discipline met devotion. And in 1985, he married his beloved Karen V. Howard—his partner in purpose, ministry, and life. The following year, while stationed in West Germany, he became Pastor of First Deliverance Church in Schweinfurt. There, Pastor Murphy also served as Treasurer of the Fourth Saturday Fellowship. One song—his personal favorite—became a holy anthem among the saints: “Oh Zion, what’s the matter now?” That same joyful cry still follows him today, a soundtrack to a ministry that wakes up the weary and calls the Church to rise and shine.

After honorable service to his country, the Murphys returned stateside. In Columbia, South Carolina, under the leadership of Suffragan Bishop Almeta Adams at the Church of Jesus Christ, the family grew and blossomed. Rhonda, their firstborn, was joined by her sisters Rheve and Richelle. And when Sergeant Murphy hung up his uniform in 1991, a new chapter of ministry was just beginning.

In 1992, Robert began working at Bob Evans Farms, a faithful provider for his family with the same care he gives to his flock. Then in 1993, he was ordained an Elder in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., under Bishop Paul A. Bowers. By 1995, God stirred his spirit once more—this time to plant a new work in Fairborn, Ohio. And so, with just eight faithful souls, New Life Christian Assembly was born. Through every trial, triumph, and tear, Pastor Murphy has continued to pour his heart into the ministry, building not just a church but a spiritual family where healing flows, joy overflows, and truth is told in love.

Education never left his side. Pastor Murphy earned degrees from Clark State College and Carolina University of Theology (BA in Biblical Studies, 1997), a Master of Theology from International Seminary in 2011, and most recently, a PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling from Colorado Theological Seminary in 2022. He’s a member of numerous counseling and ethical associations, reflecting his desire to care for God’s people not just spiritually, but emotionally and mentally—with integrity, wisdom, and grace.

Yet for all the titles, degrees, and accolades, Pastor Murphy’s deepest prayer remains simple and powerful: “That I may serve my generation by the will of God” (Acts 13:36).

This is the legacy of a pastor who didn’t just accept a call—he lives it. Who doesn’t just love the Church—he nurtures it. A father, husband, counselor, teacher, friend, and humble servant of the Most High. Pastor Robert Murphy, III: a bridge-builder, a soul-healer, and a steady, Spirit-led voice crying in the wilderness of a noisy world—“Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”