Stephen Reed

March 25, 1963 ~ November 12, 2025      62 Years Old

Bishop Stephen Reed peacefully entered eternal life on Wednesday November 12, 2025 at The Center For Hospice Care, Mishawaka, IN. 

On March 25, 1963 in the city of South Bend, Indiana the late Clyde and Irena M. Bolton Reed announced to family and friends the birth of twins Stephanie and Stephen.  Bishop Reed was a homegrown product of the city and his life of ministry began at an early age.  God richly blessed him with an anointed musical gift.  His debut was at the tender age of 5 years old when he was called to minister in song to console a bereaved family in the tragic loss of their young child in Elkhart, Indiana.  

Bishop Reed was reared in the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church and was baptized by the Rev. George A. Stewart. He answered the call to the ministry of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, preaching his first sermon on July 11, 1987 at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Henry L. Giden, Sr. On August 19, 1995 he was united in holy matrimony to Denise Doaks. 

Bishop Reed earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master Degree of Public Affairs and Health Care Administration from Indiana University at South Bend, where under his leadership of the Black Student Union, it awarded its first Minority Student Scholarship. He was an advocate for the cause of campus diversity which opened the doors for an increase of minority faculty, minority student enrollment and a more diverse academic curriculum. He also founded the Indiana University Gospel Choir and was a member of the I.U.S.B. Minority Council.   

Never one to settle for mediocrity, Bishop Reed took the reins of leadership at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in October of 1991 where under his leadership some of the world’s greatest gospel legends embraced its ministry inclusive of noted gospel singers: Robert Turner & the Silver Hearts, Cassietta George, Mark Hubbard, and the Voices of Faith; Inspiring preachers:  Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, Bishop Lester L. Williams, Bishop Larry Trotter, Bishop Tavis Grant, the Bolton Brothers, Rev. Rickey Harvey, Rev. Timothy White and others.  

In 1993, when Bishop Paul S. Morton sent out a clarion call that would bring Pentecostal Baptists together from across the country, Bishop Reed was one of the first to hear and heed the summons of God to help change a generation. He stood boldly and rapidly became the local icon of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship movement in the region and was installed by Bishop Tavis L. Grant as Indiana North Central District Overseer. 

Spiritual elevation and promotion was quite evident in the life of Bishop Reed.  His passion and love for mankind and community evolved into a greater spiritual efficacy, whereas in the year of 2004, at the Apostolic Chancery of the Community Churches of Christ International he was duly consecrated to the Office of Bishop by the Right Reverend Lester Lorenzo Williams, Presiding Bishop of the Community Churches of Christ International and called to serve on its Apostolic Board. He served in various capacities of the fellowship inclusive of the South African Missions, where he preached the Gospel on the homeland soils of Johannesburg and surrounding areas. He also served on the Apostolic Board of the Kingdom Destiny Fellowship International under the Right Reverend Derrick Robinson, Presiding Prelate. 

At a time when most men are content to rest on their laurels and look back over their life with contentment and satisfaction, Bishop Reed was a man willing to blaze new paths and pioneer a new movement. In 2008, in obedience to the Holy Spirit, Bishop Reed launched out into the deep to establish the Rhema Word International Outreach Ministries. There he served faithfully to the call and mission of the ministry, taking it to higher dimensions of glory!  

Bishop Reed was an icon in the community serving in various capacities of social services and ministries. He served as Associate Chaplain of St. Joseph and Cass County Jail Ministries; AIDS Assist of Northern Indiana; St. Joseph County Real Services Advisory Board; Indiana Liaison of Operation Rainbow PUSH; Member of CPRHE (Clergy and Providers for Racial Healthcare and Equality); Indiana State Expo Youth Corps; Executive Producer of the Hour of Hope Television Ministry and the New Hope Radio Ministry. Never one to vie for titles, recognition, or positions, he was one who often chose to take the lower seat. Yet, he was recognized by many inclusive of: The South Bend Chapter of the NAACP, The Indiana State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Tim Roemer and Tennessee Representative Harold Ford.

Bishop Reed is predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Irena M. Reed; Brothers Lloyd D. Owens, Robert L. Reed, Sr. and Clyde Reed, Jr.  Paternal Grandparents, Robert Oren and Mary Hamilton-Reid; Maternal Grandparents, Douglas and Emma Mae Bomar-Bolton. God parents Charles and Florida Maxwell, and god sister Kimberly Jo Winters.

 He is left to cherish precious memories by a loving daughter, Khalia S. Briggs and grandchildren; Larry Mason of Niles, MI, Khynna Mason of Albany, GA, Khayona Woods of Marrietta, GA, and Cleon Bowens of Albany, GA. Greatgrandaughter, Nova of Hawaii,Sisters: Florine Jennings, Letha L. (Tony) Brown, Brenda A.  Reed and twin sister, Stephanie Reed, all of South Bend; Brother, Lester L. Owens, of South Bend; The Rhema Word International Outreach Ministries and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends whom are too numerous to note. 

Bishop Stephen Reed had several favorite scriptures that gave direction and coherence to his multifaceted ministry.  He marveled in the revelation of David (Psalm 27); His hero was the undaunted Nehemiah—the builder; His Lord and Savior was Jesus Christ (Luke 4). He saw his final benediction captured beautifully in the farewell address of the apostle Paul prior to his execution on Nero’s chopping block (2 Timothy 4:6—8).  “For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness….”

And whereas the tides of time have ceased and life’s blazing sun has set in the life of one gentle soul. We bid farewell to a humble and faithful servant, Bishop Stephen Reed, who now sits at the celestial table of Christ ready to receive his crown eternal.

Until we meet again, farewell!  

In honor of Bishop Reed the family request that donations be made to the Storehouse Pantry, 802 E. Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545

Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford's Mortuary Inc. 

11/14/2025  djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/BishopStephen-Reed