Reverend Jeffrey A. Richardson was born September 20, 1963, in the city of Reading, PA.  Born into a musically talented family, there was little doubt that music would impact his life.  He started playing the piano at age 7, and wrote his first song at age 10. Greatly influenced by a Godly mother, he accepted Christ at an early age and fell in love with God and His people.  He started playing the piano and organ for The North 8th Street Church of God, in Reading, PA, at the age of 10 and was directing the adult choir by age 13.  He accepted his call to the preaching ministry at age 14, and preached his first sermon in the Spring of 1977.  He began voice lessons at age 16 and received a full scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music, in Philadelphia, PA, at age 17. 

 

He moved to Los Angeles, CA, in December of 1982 and joined in fellowship with the First Church of God, Inglewood, CA, under the leadership of Bishop Benjamin F. Reid, where he served in various capacities, musically and on the Pastoral Staff.  In 1985, he received an Associates Degree in Computer Accounting.  It was in Los Angeles that he was exposed to some of Gospel Music’s greatest artist’s.  He has worked with the Late Reverend James Cleveland, Tramaine Hawkins, Andre Crouch, Jennifer Holliday, Linda Hopkins, Douglas Miller, Reverend Daryl Coley, the Late Minister Thomas Whitfield, and in 1989, wrote and recorded two songs with The LA Mass Choir; “The Battle Hymn” and “Make a Way”.  He was the organist for Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux, 1983-1986, ministering in various workshops and television appearances. It was in Spring of 1988, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, and leadership of Bishop Reid, that he accepted the call to the Pastoral ministry.  He attended the Southern California School of Ministry and received his Bachelor of Theology Degree and was Ordained in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) on October 26, 1992.

 

He was called and sent to the City of Cleveland in November of 1992. He and his wife served the Church of God of Cleveland for 7 1/2 years. In March 2000, led of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Richardson along with his wife began a new church congregation in the Cleveland area, and thus, The Barak Bible Fellowship Church was born.  Started with eight people in their living room, this new church work has grown to over 100 dedicated people who are excited about God's power to promote positive changes in their personal lives. This spring, Pastor Richardson will celebrate 28 years of preaching ministry.  Nationally, Pastor Richardson served as a Music Coordinator for the National Inspirational Youth Convention (‘94-’97).  Locally, he served as the chairman of the Cleveland Unity Fellowship of the Church of God (‘96-’99).  Pastor Richardson continues to serve the church-at-large as a revival speaker and music workshop clinician. 

 

He has been happily married to one wife, Carmela for 19 years.  They have been blessed with two sons, Jayson, 18, and Caleb, 12.