Founding Pastors

Meet the visionary leaders who founded Brand New Life Christian Center

Apostle Dr. Earl Palmer and Apostle Prophetess Dr. Maria Palmer

Apostle/Bishop Dr. Earl Palmer

In 1993, under the leading of the Lord, Pastor Earl Palmer founded Brand New Life Christian Center in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. In 2001, the ministry relocated to Germantown, where it continues to thrive. Dr. Palmer was ordained as an Apostle in 2012 and later consecrated as a Bishop in 2014. Over the years, he has planted churches in Kingston, Jamaica; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and Southwest Philadelphia. He also provides oversight to churches in Norristown, Northeast Philadelphia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Germantown.

With a divine mandate to establish churches worldwide, Apostle Palmer is often described as a "pastor's pastor." His wisdom and discernment have guided many spiritual leaders through the complexities of ministry development and church governance. He is the founder of Taking It Back Ministries International, a global ministry dedicated to training, equipping, and empowering apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers to fulfill their callings with greater effectiveness.

Dr. Palmer is a frequent speaker at workshops, seminars, and conferences, addressing a wide range of ministry-related topics. He has also shared his message through radio and television broadcasts. His academic background includes studies at Jamison Bible Institute, The Center for Theological Studies, and the Christian Research and Development Institute. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University. In 2017, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Degree in recognition of his years of service, benevolent leadership, and significant ministerial contributions.

He is the author of Crazy Faith, a powerful testimony of his spiritual journey, emphasizing the limitless possibilities available when walking by faith and not by sight.

Apostle/Prophetess Dr. Maria Palmer

Apostle/Prophetess Maria Palmer has faithfully served alongside her husband in ministry since the founding of Brand New Life Christian Center in 1993. She has been ordained as Pastor, Elder, and in 2013, as Prophetess. Currently, she serves as Director of Christian Education for both adults and children, Women's Ministry Leader, and Instructor at the Brand New Life Bible Institute. In addition, she plays a vital role in church administration and in training leaders for effective ministry.

Renowned nationally and internationally, Apostle/Prophetess Palmer has ministered with a message that encourages believers to "speak life" and to engage in prayer with boldness against the enemy. Her teachings emphasize the power of God's Word to heal, deliver, and set free. She also ministers prophetically through song and warfare dance, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Her theological training includes coursework and certifications from the Evangelical Training Association, the Summer Pastors' School at Campbell University (North Carolina), Covenant Institute of Philadelphia, Bethany Baptist Church (New Jersey), and the Elisha Company School of the Prophets in Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Howard University and a Master of Science from Columbia University. In 2017, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Degree from Calvary's Cross Institute in Florida, recognizing her decades of leadership, commitment, and service to the Kingdom of God.

Together in Ministry

Married since 1975, the Palmers are the proud parents of three adult children. Together, they are a powerful ministry team who live and teach "crazy faith," preach the uncompromised Word of God, and inspire believers to walk in the fullness of all that God has promised for their lives.