Meet the Founders of Dayspring

Drs. P. O. and Barbara Rodgers are the founding pastors of Dayspring Christian Center. What began as a Bible study in their New Bern home grew, through faith, obedience, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, into a ministry dedicated to bringing the light and hope of Jesus Christ to those in darkness.

Since the birth of Dayspring in 1988, Drs. Rodgers have faithfully served New Bern and the surrounding community with a genuine heart for the lost, the broken, and those in need of restoration. Their vision has never been simply to build a church building, but to build people, strengthen families, develop generations, and impact the community through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through every season of growth, challenge, and expansion, their commitment has remained steadfast: to follow the direction of God and lead Dayspring as a place where people can encounter grace, grow in faith, discover purpose, and experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

Bishop P. O. Rodgers, ThD, is the founding pastor of Dayspring Christian Center, where he has faithfully served alongside his wife, Dr. Barbara Rodgers, since the ministry began in 1988. What started as a Bible study in their home grew into a thriving ministry committed to bringing the light and truth of Jesus Christ to those in darkness. Under his leadership, Dayspring has become a place of worship, discipleship, outreach, and service to the people of New Bern and beyond.

Bishop Rodgers is a United States Army veteran and retired Deputy Chief of the New Bern Police Department, where he served for 32 years and became the city’s first African American Deputy Chief of Police. His life of service has been recognized through the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest honors. In addition to his years of faithful pastoral leadership, Bishop Rodgers earned his Doctor of Theology degree, reflecting his lifelong devotion to the study, teaching, and proclamation of God’s Word.

At the heart of Bishop Rodgers’ ministry is a genuine love for God and His people. His desire has always been to see lives changed, families strengthened, and the community reached with the hope of the gospel. With humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith, Bishop Rodgers continues to lead as a servant of God whose legacy is seen not only in the ministry he has built, but in the people he has faithfully loved and equipped to walk in purpose.

Pastor Barbara Rodgers, PhD, is the co-founder and co-pastor of Dayspring Christian Center, where she has faithfully served alongside her husband, Bishop P. O. Rodgers, since the ministry began in 1988. From the early Bible studies held in their home to the growth of Dayspring into a thriving ministry, Pastor Barbara has served with steadfast faith, compassion, and a genuine love for God’s people. Her ministry reflects a heart committed to helping people grow in Christ and experience the transforming power of His Word.

In 1994, Pastor Barbara entered full-time ministry, and in 1995, her foresight, spirit of excellence, and love for children led to the development of the Dayspring School-Age Center. Under her leadership, the program earned and continues to maintain a 5-star rating, becoming a lasting expression of Dayspring’s commitment to children and families in the community. Pastor Barbara also earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling, further strengthening her lifelong calling to evangelize, equip, encourage, and care for the people of God.

Pastor Barbara’s life and ministry have been marked by perseverance, worship, and a deep trust in God. Even during a season when she lost her voice for 12 months, she continued to serve and write songs of faith and encouragement, including “You Are There.” Through her teaching, leadership, compassion, and worship, Pastor Barbara continues to minister with a servant’s heart, helping Dayspring fulfill its vision of bringing light, hope, and the truth of Jesus Christ to those in darkness.