​

The Copelands founded New Creation Christian Fellowship in March of 1985 after faithfully serving as the first black chaplain couple in the United States Air Force.  They were high school sweethearts and have been married for more than 44 years. Bishop and Pastor Emerita Copeland have committed themselves to transforming Lives through Jesus Christ and consider unity their formula for success.

​

Bishop David M. Copeland completed his undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Brockport where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Speech Communications with a minor in Philosophy. He continued his studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned the Master of Divinity Degree in Church Administration.  His seminary training also includes study at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York.  In May 1992, Bishop Copeland completed the Doctorate of Ministry at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

​

Pastor Emerita Claudette A. Copeland received her undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut, where she concentrated her studies in the field of Psychology. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she went on to earn her Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned the Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she also served for several years as a visiting Professor and Mentor for doctoral studies.