Bishop R.J. Burt, Sr. was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he currently resides. Bishop Burt is a lifelong learner; he has earned certification for various studies from Moody Bible Institute and a plethora of conferences. Bishop Burt attended the prestigious Marquette University from which he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and he also holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Logos Christian College.
In 1990, this great man of God was installed as Pastor of Greater New Birth Church where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, Greater New Birth Church provides training to youth and adults in various areas of leadership and outreach ministries that address many social skills in the community, a 6 -module ministers-in- training curriculum, and a staff of more than 120 ministers.
Greater New Birth Church is currently in the fourth and final phase of a multi-million dollar project. This project includes new sanctuary, a family life center equipped with classrooms and recreational space, economic development opportunities and outreach efforts. God’s divine will and Bishop Burt’s leadership have made it possible for Greater New Birth Church to bring God’s vision to reality with no outstanding debt attached to the project.
Bishop Burt not only serves as pastor to Greater New Birth Church, but travels worldwide preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an effort to serve the Body of Christ. He is committed to preaching a message of spiritual, educational and economic empowerment. Bishop Burt believes that “wherever there is an air of expectancy and an aroma of faith, God will do great things.”
In June of 1999, Bishop Burt was consecrated to the office of International Presiding Prelate of Grace International Fellowship (GIF), a training and support ground for pastors and congregations, of which he is the founder. Bishop Burt has a heart for pastors and has dedicated a substantial portion of his ministry time and effort toward shepherding Shepherds.
Bishop Burt is also community sensitive. In addition to the ministerial duties of Greater New Birth Church and Grace International Fellowship, he has served on several community and private organizational boards. Bishop Burt has served on the Board of Directors for TranCenter for Youth, Inc., Hands OFF God’s Property Coalition, the Clergy Amani Association, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Economic Development Commissions. He is also a founding board member of CEO Leadership Academy, now known as Milwaukee Collegiate Academy. Along with all of these things, he is a husband, father and grandfather, working diligently in the service of the Lord with his wife, Pastor Patricia Burt.