About the Author

Dr. Joseph R. Rogers, Sr. was born and reared in Middlesex, North Carolina. He is the tenth of fourteen children born to the late Willie Rogers, Jr. and Pearlie Graham Rogers. Dr. Rogers received his formal training from the Nash County Public School System (South Nash Elementary and Spaulding High School), Spring Hope, North Carolina, respectively. Dr. Rogers is married to Steppi G. Williams of Spring Hope, North Carolina. They have four (4) children: Joseph R. Rogers, Nicholas Lamont--Raleigh, NC, Ernie Williams of Spring Hope, NC and Sonya Pulley Carr of Wilson, NC. Dr. Rogers served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War (1969-71), stationed at the US Naval Base, Mayport, Florida. He was honorable discharged in May 1975. Dr. Rogers attended North Carolina State University Extension Program; studying Mechanical Drafting. He was employed by the Westinghouse Meter Division Engineering Department as a Senior Design Draftsman for twenty (20) year. Dr. Rogers is a graduate of the American Christian College & Seminary of Bethany, Oklahoma earning: A Bachelor of Arts & Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and A Doctor of The Ministry Degree in Christian Education & Counseling. Dr. Rogers is a member of the Stokes Chapel MBC, Middlesex, North Carolina where the Rev. J. Randolph Barnes is the pastor. At His home church, he served in the "Usher" and "Choir" Ministries. He also serves as an associate minister at the Martin Street MBC, Raleigh, NC Dr. Rogers is Co-Founder/Dean and Instructor of The Raleigh Baptist Bible Institute, which offers a Diploma In Biblical Studies. Dr. Rogers is the former pastor of the Southern Grove MBC, Johnston Piney MBC and the Greater Philadelphia MBC of Kenly, Clayton and Raleigh, North Carolina, respectively. Dr. Rogers is Founder and Executive Director of J & L Outreach Ministers a non-profit (501 [c]) corporation designed to assist the community in all areas of people development, body, soul and spirit. Dr. Rogers is presently serving as Servant Leader of the Historic Mount Zion First Baptist Church, the oldest black Baptist church in Rocky Mount, NC. Dr. Rogers is a lifetime member of the NAACP (The Southeast Raleigh Chapter) and Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Raleigh, NC Dr. Rogers is a contributing columnist for the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina Incorporated monthly newspaper, "The Baptist Informer" which reaches over 500,000 members on a monthly basis.