Our Leaders
Senior Pastor, Bishop Dr. Derek Pierson, Sr.
Dr. Derek G. Pierson is the Senior Pastor of the Holy Lighthouse Church,
Inc. in New Rochelle, NY. He has served this church since 1997. Under
his prayerful leadership, the church has demonstrated steady growth and
financial stability. Under his careful guidance the church has purchased its
current facility, which is valued at approximately 2 million dollars.
Dr. Pierson was saved at an early age and called to the ministry at the
young age of 12. His ministry has afforded him the opportunity to
evangelize the continental USA and overseas. He has served as the Asst.
Pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church of Brooklyn for approximately thirteen
years under the leadership of the Bishop (Suffragan) Tommy L. Seals.
Before answering the call to full time ministry, he enjoyed a successful
career as a Director for a major insurance company in New York. His
responsibilities included management of several managers and supervisors
and ensuring that over 270 hospitals and facilities in New York State
received reimbursement for services rendered.
Dr. Pierson is an ordained minister affiliated with the Pentecostal
Assemblies of the World, Inc. He has served the New York State Council of
the P.A of W in many capacities for 30 years and remains faithful to his
assignments. In June 2011, Dr. Pierson was elevated to the ecclesiastical
office of Bishop (Suffragan) in the New York State Council of the P.A. of W
under the leadership of Bishop Carl E. Lewis. Dr. currently serves as an
official board member of the Aenon Bible College of the P.A. of W.
In January 2020, Dr. Pierson was elevated to the sacred office of Diocesan
Bishop in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and assigned to the 62 nd
Episcopal District, Uganda District Council. His duties include overseeing a
fellowship of over 80 churches in the Republic of Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Pierson is a community minded person. He has served as the President
of the Interdenominational Pastor’s Council of New Rochelle and currently
remains very active with this organization. He currently serves as the Co-
Chair for the Citizens for A Better New Rochelle, Vice President of the
Coalition for Mutual Respect and Member of New Rochelle Ambulance
Committee. For his contributions to the community, he has received
several awards and citations.
Academically, Dr. Pierson has earned a D. Min and ThD in Counseling
Psychology and holds an Honorary Doctorate degree in Episcopal Studies.
Dr. Pierson also was awarded a Masters in Chaplaincy for his committed
work to helping others in need. Dr. Pierson is known as an anointed
preacher, prolific teacher and holds credentials as a Certified Christian
Counselor and as a Life Coach.
Dr. Pierson is the author of three books entitled, The Master Came Looking
for Me, Persuaded of Better Things and I Give You My Heart – I Give You
My Love. These powerful publications can be obtained by going to the
website www.persuadedofbetterthings.com and via the website
www.igiveyoumyheart-igiveyoumylove.com .
Dr. Pierson has been happily wedded to Lady Sharon Pierson since 1985.
They are the proud parents of two sons, Derek Jr. and Darien. He has one
granddaughter, who he refers to as Princess P, Olivia Pierson.
Together he and Lady Pierson have co-founded Selah Ministries, Inc. Selah
Ministries is a unique teaching ministry which concentrates on assisting the
believer in his Christian growth. They have traveled presenting real life,
exciting and informative seminars to assist couples in their relationships.
Co Pastor, Evangelist Sharon Pierson
First Lady Sharon Pierson is a creative, educated and dedicated young lady. She is a woman of many talents. Her administrative skills have distinguished her as a par excellent administrator. This gift has been recognized both secularly and religiously.
In church arenas she is known as an innovative church administrator. Using her
skills she has successfully brought churches into compliance with government regulations.
Lady Pierson holds a Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Communications and Business Administration. Besides these educational achievements, she is an award winning make-up artist and cosmetologist. She has patented her skill to meet both the elite and the Christian Woman.
She is a gifted writer and has written poems, articles and gospel plays which have paved a forum for many souls to accept Christ. She has been saved since the age of twelve and has always been a lover of words and the Word of God.
First Lady Pierson is an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. She serves her local church as the Administrative Pastor and Assistant Pastor of all Ministries. She has served the New York State and Canada Council in various capacities. She has served as the Council Registrar, Secretary of
the Youth Dept., Assistant Secretary and Vice–President of the Minister’s Wives Auxiliary and most recently served as the innovative President of the Minister’s Wives Auxiliary. Her unique ministry has distinguished her as a sought after Bible and sermon teacher. Her presentation is said to bring a fresh, new and interesting view to pertinent Biblical principles.
Lady Pierson is has been married to Dr. Derek Pierson since 1985 and together they shepherd The Holy Lighthouse Church in New Rochelle, New York. They are the founders of Selah Ministries which reaches souls for Christ through the arts, teaching as well as the written and spoken word. The Pierson’s have two sons Derek Jr. and Darien who assist them in ministry.
First Lady Pierson is an avid reader and enjoys traveling and involvement in the Community. Her involvement has included many prestigious committees in the City of New Rochelle. She was employed for many years as an administrator in the New Rochelle District School System. She now works diligently by the side off her husband to further the kingdom domestically and internationally.
GRACE & PEACE
SCAN FOR A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM OUR BISHOP