| Ira V. Hilliard, a native Houstonian, was called at the age of nine to preach God's Word. Having waited one year so that his pastor would know he heard from God, Ira Hilliard preached his first sermon on a Mother's Day night at the age of ten. He married the beautiful Bridget E. Harrison on October 4, 1975, who has co-labored with him in building a dynamic ministry that is recognized around the world.
This dynamic couple co-founded New Light Christian Center Church (NLCCC) in September 1984 and the church was honored as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Churches in America. New Light Christian Center Church has six locations in Texas with over 20,000+ members. The ministry encompasses a nationwide television ministry, an aviation division, a credit union and an early childhood development center. In addition to this, they are the founders of the Association of Independent Ministries (AIM). The AIM fellowship was established to spiritually mentor other pastors and its current membership is 1,000+ churches nationwide. Bishop I.V. Hilliard is an accomplished songwriter and has been recognized for various scholarly honors. He is also the author of many life-changing and thought provoking books. With over 130 part time and full time employees to assist him, Bishop Hilliard is committed to creating and cultivating an authentic church experience that glorifies God and exceeds all expectations. His unwavering compassion for people along with his faithfulness to build into God's people, PURPOSE, POWER, and PRAISE will continue yielding great results in the Kingdom of God. The Hilliard's have committed to the parental oversight of three lovely daughters: Tina Hilliard-Egans, husband - Terry Egans; Irishea Hilliard; and Preashea Hilliard. The Hilliard's are also very proud of their four grandchildren: Ira-Emanuel; Briona Janae; Ivan Harrison; and Jonathan Sean-Michael. All the children and grandchildren have been marked for ministry with all the adult children currently working in full time ministry with their parents. |