Bishop Philip Powell

Bishop Philip Powell is actively involved in a variety of ministries and spiritual endeavors. He is the founder and CEO of The Centre Holistic Development Incorporated, a non-profit corporation developed to address the needs of the whole person.  In this capacity, he ministers to and mentors several pastors in local churches and seven pastors in Ghana, West Africa.  The guiding principal of ministry for Bishop Powell has always been to do ministry over and above the idea of having church as usual.  Bishop Powell has been actively involved with IECAAC (Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches) for numerous years and recently relinquished the role of President after serving two terms.  During his leadership many bridges were created between civic and clergy organizations and the churches voice was heard louder and clearer than it has been in our region.

Bishop Powell also has a heart for International ministry; over the years, he has made seven trips to Africa to spread the Gospel, help build schools, provide clean water, deliver resources and encourage the people.  In his role as Bishop/Pastor of the Centre at Highland, his congregation has also committed to financially aiding and developing resources, assisting local missions’ efforts and foreign missions.  There are plans to partner with Mission Africa to build two thousand churches on the Continent of Africa over the next several years.  

Bishop Powell was the first School Board president of Excel Prep Charter School which eventually merged with New Vision Middle School to become REAL Journey Academies.  The school began with approximately 100 students and with the addition of a new High School, Entrepreneur HS, they now serve almost 1,800 students and employ about 150 full and part-time administrators, teachers, and staff.  Bishop Powell continues to work closely with REAL Journey Academies, working in the newly developed Student Services Department as Student Success Coordinator.

God has blessed Bishop Philip Powell with a wonderful and unique family.  Bishop and Denise have five adult children who have all made their unique mark on the world. Also four grandchildren who are destined to change the world. “Thanks to Denise’s love and humility it has been a great ride.”