Dr. Maynard Sopher, Director
Dr. Carolyn Sopher, Administrator/Lead Faculty
Dr. Maynard Sopher is the founding and Senior Pastor of New Birth Ministries Church of God in Christ. Dr. Sopher is known as one of the most gifted and anointed guitarist throughout his music ministry travels nationally and internationally. He is a member of the International Orchestra Music Department of the Churches of God in Christ (COGIC.) He and his extended family of Detroit, Michigan are widely recognized as the pioneers of the Sacred Steel Guitar music genre; made famous by the Cambell Brothers, Calvin Cooke, and Robert Randolph. Dr. Sopher and his immediate family of 3 generations have a powerful anointed music ministry. Dr. Sopher also teaches and preaches the word of God to individuals that meet them right where they are. His unique style of prophetic ministry penetrates deep into the soul with restoration and healing and yet his keen sense of humor will uplift and inspire you. Dr. Maynard and Dr. Carolyn Sopher have been married 50+ years and their motto is “Live a life that is committed to Christ and a life of great adventure”. Dr. Sopher has an earned Doctorate Degree in Theology/Biblical Studies from United Theological Seminary.
Dr. Carolyn Sopher is the wife of Dr. Maynard Sopher and the First Lady of New Birth Ministries COGIC. They have 3 children and nine grandchildren.
Dr. Sopher devotes herself to ministry alongside her husband. She teaches God’s word in a wholistic and practical way. She has a divine calling and mandate to empower and equip God’s people. Our Pastor’s wife strongly believes that one must minister to the whole person, meeting them right where they are. She has a strong teaching in series ministry. Dr. Sopher works in various capacities in the ministry. She exemplifies the quote ” whatever her hands find to do, she does it with all her might”.
Dr. Carolyn Sopher is also a gospel singer and recording artist and has traveled throughout the United States, Hawaii, Bahamas, Korea, and Canada.
Dr. Sopher established the first and only Home Now Program in Washington State where she served as the Director. The New Birth Ministries Home Now Program was rated nationally as number 7 by the Congress of National Black Churches for assisting individuals in obtaining home ownership through the National Home Now program. She instructed financial literacy classes and counseled first time homebuyer participants in budget and credit management for 5 years through the New Birth Ministries Home Now program. Dr. Sopher is a Hud certified Housing Counselor. She has authored a book entitled , “Paving Your Streets with Gold-Financial Prosperity Based Upon Biblical Principles”. Dr. Carolyn Sopher continues to teach financial literacy classes throughout the community in various venues. She is a school counselor by profession. Dr. Sopher has an BA degree in Psychology from Western Washington University and a Master of Education/Counseling Degree from Seattle University. Dr. Sopher also has a Doctorate degree in Theology from Midwest Theological University and has served as the Administrator and Instructor for Midwest College of Theology and Midwest Theological University from 2014-present .
Dr. Patricia R. Barnes-Sam, Instuctor
Dr. Patricia R. Barnes-Sam is the wife of Brother Lawrence D Sam, Sr.; they are members of the Mount Calvary Christian Center, COGIC under the Leadership of Bishop Reginald C Witherspoon, Sr., and First Lady Laura N Witherspoon. Dr. Patricia is a licensed Missionary and Servant Leader in her church and community.
Her testimony is quoted, “I was lost but now I’m found; Jesus Christ tracked me down. Now, I’m saved and satisfied; I thank God for saving lives. When God called me out of the world, I said, Yes, Lord! I’ve got to tell it…The Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
Dr. Patricia is often referencing this scripture which guides her passion to learn, share and grow, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV.
Dr. Patricia recently graduated from Midwest Theological University, New Birth Campus (Seattle) earning her Doctor of Theology degree. Her dissertation paper titled: The Theology of Reconciliation (2020) has been approved for copyright and is registered as a published manual script with the Library of Congress. While in her doctoral program she taught the Associate Level class for the Midwest College of Theology, New Birth campus as the Associate Level instructor.
In addition, Dr. Patricia received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington, and currently works as a counselor at Seattle Central College.
She loves the Lord and her ultimate goal is to share the Love of God in every relationship she encounters.
Kimberly Sopher-Dunn, M. Ed., Instructor
