Bishop I.V. Hilliard Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements
Bishop I.V. Hilliard is the founding pastor of New Light Christian Center Church, a major non‑denominational megachurch headquartered in Houston, Texas. Renowned for his powerful preaching, strategic leadership, and expansive ministry reach, Hilliard has built a legacy spanning decades of influence.
Quick Facts about Bishop I.V. Hilliard
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | September 7, 1952 – Houston, Texas |
| Age (2025) | 73 years old |
| Spouse | Pastor Bridget Hilliard (married 1975) |
| Church | New Light Christian Center Church (founded 1984) |
| Senior Pastor | Dr. Irishea V. Hilliard (appointed 2018) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10–22 million |
| Property | 24-acre parsonage estate listed at ~$15M (tax-exempt) |
| Key Ministries | AIM conference, Strategies Conference, TV ministry, credit union |
| Recognition | Top 50 Influential Churches (2007); daughter as successor leader |
👤 Who Is Bishop I.V. Hilliard?
Dr. Ira V. (I.V.) Hilliard is a celebrated American pastor and spiritual leader who co-founded New Light Christian Center in 1984 with his wife, Pastor Bridget Hilliard. Today, the church has multiple campuses across Texas and ministries extending through conferences, television, and community initiatives.
🎂 Early Life & Age
- Born: September 7, 1952, in Houston, Texas
- Age in 2025: 73 years old
Hilliard felt a divine call at age nine and gave his first sermon at ten on a Mother’s Day evening. That early start shaped a life committed to ministry.
👨👩👧 Family Life
- Married: Bridget E. Hilliard (née Harrison) on October 4, 1975
- Children: The couple raised a family together and their daughter, Dr. Irishea V. Hilliard, now serves as Senior Pastor of New Light Christian Center—a historic transition in 2018 after ten years of mentoring.
🏛️ Ministry & Career Highlights
- Founded New Light Christian Center Church in 1984 with just 23 members in Houston; today it boasts over 20,000 congregants across multiple campuses in Houston, Beaumont, and Austin.
- In 1995, launched the annual Church Development Strategies Conference, now recognized nationally as one of America’s top ministry growth events.
- Founded the Association of Independent Ministries (AIM) in 2001, which now includes over 1,000 pastors.
- Confirmed as a bishop in February 2007 by the Lord’s Church and later ordained a bishop in African‑American Pentecostal leadership circles.
- New Light was honored in 2007 as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Churches in America.
💼 Net Worth & Assets
- Estimated Net Worth: $10–22 million, depending on source—typical estimates range near $10 million as of 2024.
- Personal and ministry assets include an expansive 24-acre tax-exempt parsonage compound in Spring, Texas, once listed for sale at approximately $15 million. The property features multiple residences, a banquet hall, conference facilities, and leisure amenities, leveraged as a retreat and event center for New Light ministries.
🏆 Achievements & Recognition
- Led 33 years of ministry before transitioning senior leadership to his daughter in 2018, making history in a male‑led megachurch context.
- Hosted high-level events such as the Church Development Strategies Conference, drawing pastors and church leaders nationwide.
- New Light Christian Center continues its influence through on-site credit union services, media outreach, and strong community involvement.
❓ FAQs About Bishop I.V. Hilliard
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Bishop I.V. Hilliard Biography. Keep on reading dear friend.
1. How old is Bishop I.V. Hilliard?
He was born on September 7, 1952, making him 73 years old in 2025.
2. What is his net worth?
Various sources estimate between $10 million to as high as $22 million, based on ministry scope and property ownership.
3. What church did he found?
He founded New Light Christian Center Church in 1984—a thriving multi-campus megachurch in Texas.
4. Who is the current senior pastor of New Light?
His daughter, Dr. Irishea V. Hilliard, took over as Senior Pastor in January 2018 after a 10-year mentorship under her father.
5. What are the signature ministry events he leads?
He initiated the Church Development Strategies Conference and founded the Association of Independent Ministries (AIM), both widely respected in church leadership circles.
✅ Conclusion
Bishop I.V. Hilliard’s legacy is one of visionary leadership, spiritual depth, and generational transition. From founding New Light Christian Center to empowering his daughter Dr. Irishea as successor, his life reflects a blend of enduring ministry influence and strategic innovation. With a ministry still thriving and expanding through conferences, global outreach, and media, his impact resonates far beyond Houston.
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