Bishop Dr. Richard Leaphart-Mack is the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Hope Cathedral, a thriving ministry he established in July 2001 after faithfully answering God's call on his life. Guided by the conviction of Holy Spirit, "God placed in my belly a calling to minister a NEW HOPE message to the nations," Bishop Leaphart-Mack has dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, developing leaders, and empowering people to experience transformation through the Word of God.

A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Bishop Leaphart-Mack has been married to his beloved wife, Executive Pastor, First Lady Synetra Leaphart-Mack, since October 1988. Together they are the proud parents of their biological daughters, Senora Ra’Shell and Rachael Angelique Leaphart; loving parental figures to their nieces, Menyada Johnson and Maurita Johnson; and devoted grandparents to their cherished grandson, Aiden Richard Clanton. Their family remains one of God’s greatest blessings and sources of joy.

Bishop Leaphart-Mack was licensed and ordained into ministry in 1997 by Bishop George Hoke at All Nations Church of God. In January 1998, he was appointed Assistant Pastor of All Nations Church of God, where he faithfully served before answering God's call to establish New Hope Church of God, which later became New Hope Cathedral.

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In July 2001, Bishop Leaphart-Mack founded New Hope Cathedral, a ministry centered and grounded upon the uncompromising Word of God.

 

From December 2002 until Bishop Eddie L. Long’s passing, the ministry was under the spiritual covering of Bishop Long and The Father’s House Ministry. As a faithful spiritual son, Bishop Leaphart-Mack was appointed by Bishop Long as an Ambassador of The Father’s House, serving to encourage, strengthen, and shepherd pastors throughout their ministry journeys. 

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Beyond the local church, Bishop Leaphart-Mack is the Founder of R.A.M. Ministries (Richard Angelo Mack Ministries), an apostolic fellowship established to provide wisdom, counsel, encouragement, and spiritual oversight—upon request—to independent pastors and ministries while honoring their autonomy. Because R.A.M. Ministries is not a denomination, its mission is to complement, strengthen, and enhance each ministry's unique Kingdom assignment. Membership is open to qualified men and women who pastor viable, independent ministries, regardless of race, ethnicity, or denominational affiliation.

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Bishop Leaphart-Mack also serves as the Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Kingdom International Consortium (K.I.C.). Under the founder, Presiding Primate Bishop Eric Garnes. His heart for service extends beyond the church through his role as Senior Chaplain of the Stockbridge Police Department, where he provides spiritual care, encouragement, and pastoral support to law enforcement officers, their families, and the community.

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An accomplished author, Bishop Leaphart-Mack penned Honoring God and Each Other: A Guide to True Reverence, a compelling work that encourages believers to cultivate a lifestyle of honor, reverence, healthy relationships, and biblical leadership in every sphere of life.

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For more than two decades, Bishop Dr. Richard Leaphart-Mack has faithfully served as a visionary leader, pastor, teacher, mentor, community servant, and spiritual father. His unwavering commitment to developing disciples, strengthening leaders, and advancing the Kingdom of God continues to impact lives locally, nationally, and internationally. Through his leadership, New Hope Cathedral has become a beacon of hope, healing, restoration, and transformation. His life stands as a testimony of faithful obedience, servant leadership, and an enduring passion to see God's people fulfill their divine purpose. 

 

His life’s motto is simple yet profound: “No one will ever beat me in loving God’s people.” This guiding principle is reflected in every aspect of his ministry, as he wholeheartedly believes that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. It is this unwavering love for God and His people that continues to define his leadership, inspire his service, and leave a legacy of faith, compassion, and hope.

Executive Pastor Leaphart-Mack  was born Synetra Evette Howard on July 14, 1965. She was reared in Atlanta, Georgia by her parents, the late Bishop John D. Howard and Missionary Johnnie Lee Howard. Her parents nurtured her in the ways of righteousness at a very young age. She graduated in the top 10% of her class from D.M. Therrell High School where she was home- coming queen, and very active in several activities during her tenure there. Her post graduate studies, includes but not limited to, an associate degree in Accounting from Atlanta Area technical College as well as certificates in other professional training. She has worked for State government since 1984, where she has continued to grow professionally.

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She’s been the proud wife of Dr. Richard Leaphart, since October 1988 and mother of Senora and Rachel, fraternal mother/aunt of Maurita & Menyada Johnson. She accepted the Lord at the age of sixteen and has endeavored to be faithful and to love the Lord with all her heart, mind and strength.

She co-labored with her husband to found New Hope Cathedral in July 2001. The Lord has inspired her to develop several ministries within New Hope. Including, the Daughters of New Hope, New Members Services and a number of other ministries.

 

At New Hope, Executive Pastor serves as chairperson of the Daughters of New Hope Ministries. She walks fervently beside her husband assisting him in all his endeavors. She is a constant source of great strength, love and empowerment to others. Her Godly and positive influence has brought many to Christ. She exemplifies the gift of wisdom and knowledge in both the body of Christ as well as the world. Her complete dedication and unselfish service reflect the blessed hope of Jesus Christ for the church.