OUR STORY
38 Years of Marriage...Still Having Fun and You're Still the One!
Bishop Dukes - Where It All Began...
Bishop Dukes was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. As part of a military family, Bishop Dukes spent his childhood growing up in various locations, both in the United States and abroad.
Pastor Deborah - Where It All Began...
Pastor Deborah is a native of Washington, DC where she was born and raised and spent her youth and teenage years growing up in this area with her family.
Bishop Dukes - All American Athlete
Bishop Dukes was a naturally gifted athlete from his youth. He participated in several sports - football, basketball, etc. - but it was in track and field where his talent truly shined. Through his hard work, discipline and drive, Bishop Dukes excelled as a leading athlete at Dunbar High School where he won many championships, competed at the state and national level, and became an All-American Athlete.
Pastor Deborah Shined in the Performing Arts
From her early years, Pastor Deborah quickly became a rising star in performing arts. Recognized for her uncommon acting talents, vocal abilities and more, Pastor Deborah starred as the lead role in several productions during her high school years and was sought after for performances beyond the school. With such an amazing gift, it is no surprise that Pastor Deborah has written, produced and directed four live stage plays including "Church Wives", "The #1 Player", "The Sinner's Choir" and "The Wishing Well".
High School Sweethearts - A Match Made in Heaven
The love story of Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah began in the hallways of Dunbar High School. Let Bishop Dukes tell it, when he took notice of the beautiful and talented Deborah Poindexter, he knew she was something very special - and the rest is history. Young Lyle and Deborah developed a beautiful friendship that blossomed into the loving relationship we see today. Little did we know what seemed to be a high school sweetheart connection was God creating a power couple ministry team that would impact countless lives around the world for His Kingdom.
The College Years
Following high school graduation, Bishop Dukes attended Virginia Tech University where he obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Christian Religious Tradition. He then furthered his studies by completing his Masters in Divinity. Pastor Deborah also obtained her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Christian Education from Faith Bible College.
Our Engagement
This is a picture taken on the day Bishop Dukes proposed to Pastor Deborah. They made a day of their engagement. Bishop Dukes made reservations at an elegant exclusive restaurant - it was there where he asked for Pastor Deborah's hand in marriage and sealed the deal to make their loving relationship a forever union.
Our Wedding Day
On Saturday, May 24th in 1986, friends and family gathered from near and far at Ft. Belvoir Chapel to celebrate and witness the blessed union of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Dukes. In a beautiful wedding ceremony, officiated by the late Apostle Rufus Hayes, Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah pledged their love to each other and with great joy said, "I do".
Bishop Dukes Commissioned in the US Army
Bishop Dukes was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served his country as an Executive Officer and Company Commander.
Living in the Legacy of Bishop and Pastor Poindexter
Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah passionately served in the local church under the leadership of Pastor Deborah's parents, the late Bishop Carver E. Poindexter and Pastor Lorene Poindexter - and these years were vital to their spiritual growth and leadership development. The love for God, heart for souls, wisdom, understanding, integrity, leadership, work ethic and more they gleaned from Bishop and Pastor Poindexter prepared them for the great Kingdom work that lay ahead.
Our Family Expands - Welcome Brittany
Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah were blessed to become parents in 1988 with the birth of their beautiful daughter Brittany Dukes.
Answering the Call to Pastor
In 1995, Bishop Carver E. and Pastor Lorene Poindexter were led by the Holy Spirit to send Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah to start a church in Woodbridge, Virginia. With no members, no building and very few resources, Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah stepped out on faith in obedience and said yes to the call to pastor God's people. They held their first service in a music classroom in Potomac High School with only three attendees - themselves and their daughter Brittany.
Our Family Continues to Grow
The Dukes family continued to grow. Their daughter Brittany married Brandon Bryant and they were blessed to have three wonderful sons - Malachi, Jeremiah and Isaiah. Pastor Brittany and Pastor Brandon are a dynamic ministry team. Along with their sons, the Bryant family leads and serves diligently at Harvest Life Church in numerous capacities.
Lyle Dukes Elevated to the Office of Bishop
In 2008, Pastor Lyle Dukes was elevated to the Office of Bishop. This spiritual elevation came as no surprise as Pastor Dukes was widely known as a man of wisdom, great leadership, and integrity who loved God, his wife and family and was driven by a sincere desire to reach souls for Christ.
The Construction of Our New Worship Center
Shortly after purchasing the current location of Harvest Life Church on Telegraph Road and paying off the $5 million dollar mortgage in 3 years, the Harvest Family outgrew the facility and it became clearly evident that a larger space was needed to do ministry. Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah responded in faith with a mind to build and launch the construction of a new 204,000 sq. ft. Worship Center.
Founded a Global Movement - Churches United
Driven by their passion to build strong Pastors and churches that can unite for a greater Kingdom impact, Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah founded Churches United. This powerful organization provides a spiritual covering, empowerment, Pastoral training, leadership development and more to over 500 churches around world - including the United States, Europe and Africa.
Still the One...And Still Having Fun
After 38 years of being together as husband and wife, ministry partners and best friends, Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah have a special union that has and continues to be blessed by the hand of God. The joy they find in Christ and in each other allows them to still say, "You're still the one...and we're still having fun!"
Marriage Retreat
During the Married Couples Retreat, Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah provide an environment where married couples can receive impartation, wisdom and teaching that will strengthen their unity as husband and wife and cause their marriage to thrive in Christ while enjoying a great time of relaxation and fellowship. Details are coming soon.
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