Leadership
Our Leadership
Join us in experiencing the power of God and the spirit of unity at New Life Church.
ARCHBISHOP ROBERT JOEL ROCHFORD SR.
Senior Pastor
Archbishop Robert Joel Rochford Sr. is a native of Brooklyn, New York. Handpicked by God from amongst a family of great ministry gifts, he accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 14 and began preaching the Gospel at just 15 years old. As a visionary, pastor, preacher, musician and author, Archbishop Rochford has dedicated more than half of his life to fulfilling God’s will and is a living testimony of the power of God at work in the life of His beloved.
In the early years of his ministry Archbishop Rochford was groomed by his eldest brother, the late Apostle Norman Rochford and he traveled extensively ministering at crusades with his brother Dr. Milton Rochford and sister Dr. Lavonne Burno. His passion for preaching and his love for the word of God continued to grow, as did his reputation as a man of God. In 1979, Bishop Rochford answered God’s call to leadership and established New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. He has served faithfully as the senior pastor for over 35 years and the ministry continues to flourish. Archbishop Rochford is presently commissioning local pastors to establish satellite churches in the metropolitan area. The first of four new ministries was birthed in Queens, New York in 2007. The second ministry was birthed in Brooklyn in 2010.
As a leader who understands the power of submission, in 1990 Archbishop Rochford joined the Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc. under the leadership of Archbishop Roy E. Brown. In 1994, he was consecrated and elevated to the episcopacy. In 2012, after 22 years of service in the Assemblies including 17 years as the First Assistant to the Presiding Bishop, the Lord released Archbishop Rochford to establish the Dunamis Covenant Connection, an organization through which he provides Apostolic oversight to pastors and churches. He was installed as the Chief Prelate of Dunamis in 2013. On July 8, 2016, he was officially elevated to the archbishopric.
- Phone:(718) 342-7641
- Email:[email protected]
DR. MELAINE R. ROCHFORD
Executive Pastor
Dr. Melaine Rochford is a much sought after communicator, author, scholar, and singer who utilizes her multi-faceted abilities in service to God and humanity.
A firm believer in the power of education, Dr. Melaine most recently earned her Doctor of Ministry degree at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. She is a graduate of Hofstra University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree in Communication. She is also a graduate of Drew University Theological School, where she earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology, as one of the Inaugural Sampson-McCann Social Justice Scholars. During her time at Drew, Melaine was able to study in Ghana, South Africa, and South Korea.
A lover of music and a performer from her youth, Dr. Melaine has been a featured soloist on ABC, BET, TBN, and The Word Network and has lent her musical talents as a supporting vocalist for the likes of Mariah Carey, The Cheetah Girls, Joss Stone, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Donald Lawrence. She has been featured as a lead vocalist with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Jules Bartholomew and JudaCamp, the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Superbowl Gospel Choir and many more. After years of supporting various music ministries, Melaine released her solo debut project, Live from New Life Cathedral: The Experience, and continues to minister through music.
A gifted author, Dr. Melaine has self-published five books, The Very First Christmas, Jesus Is Alive, When You Pray Journal, Launch Time: The Fast Guide to Making Your Career Takeoff!, and Got Faith or Nah?, a 31 day devotional for youth.
With a heart for valuing the lives of the next generation, Dr. Melaine through her work with The Lois E. Rochford Foundation Inc., provides scholarships to young people pursuing higher education. Additionally, she has partnered with the NYC Department of Education to create D.O.L.L.S. (Daughters of Lady Lois Succeed) a mentorship program for young girls.
Dr. Melaine is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a participant in the The R.E.A.L. Black Women In Ministry Thrive Mentorship Program as envisioned by Ambassador Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook. Most recently, Dr. Melaine was inducted into the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Melaine is an ordained Elder and currently serves at New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY, alongside her brother Elder Robert Joel Rochford II as an Executive Associate Pastor under the leadership of their father, Archbishop Dr. Robert Rochford Sr.
Melaine’s greatest desire is to inspire people to live a life full of faith and purpose.
- Phone:(718) 342-7641
- Email:[email protected]
PASTOR ROBERT JOEL ROCHFORD II
Executive Pastor
Pastor Robert Rochford II, affectionately known as Pastor Joe, is the Executive Pastor of New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, where he was ordained as Executive Pastor and Elder in 2022. Alongside his pastoral duties, Pastor Joe works in the medical field, where he oversees processes that enhance patient outcomes and streamline healthcare services, ensuring the highest quality of care and support. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Politics, Economics, and Law from SUNY Old Westbury in 2014, and completed his Executive MBA from Virginia Union University in 2024. His interests include workforce development, young men's mentorship, business development, and exploring the intersection between ministry and commerce. Pastor Joe is happily married to Tremaine Rochford, and they are proud parents to their daughter, Olivia Lois Rochford.
- Phone:(718) 342-7641
- Email:[email protected]