“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5
Bishop Darryl J. McClary, Sr., who has been described as a charismatic leader, gifted musician, prolific teacher, anointed vocalist, and powerful conference speaker; is a native of Goldsboro, NC. He is the son of Bishop S.E. Saunders, Jr. and Mother Delores M. Jackson. He is the youngest of his siblings.
As a young man, Bishop McClary developed a love for music and for the study of the Word of God. The love of music afforded him the opportunity to attend the Governor’s Magnet School for the Arts and sing on the same stage with gospel greats, both local and international. His love for the Word of God caused him to study at Berea Bible College and Seminary and Regent University.
Bishop McClary is the Senior Pastor of the New Light Church of Chesapeake, VA—affectionately known as “The City of Praise.” He is also the Founding Prelate of Empowering Word Covenant Alliance, which serves as a spiritual covering to pastors, churches, and para-church ministries.
Bishop McClary is married to his high school sweetheart and best friend, the lovely Mrs. Jessica T. McClary, who serves alongside him as the Executive Pastor of New Light. They are the proud parents of three children, Zion, Madison, and Darryl Jr.
Bishop McClary was licensed as a minister in July of 1996 and ordained in August 2004 at New Light Baptist Church, then under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Charles R. Green. By God's providence, in May 2009, he was installed as Senior Pastor of New Light. Again, with a heart of submission to the plan of God for his life, in May 2016, he was publicly consecrated and ordained to the Episcopal office of Bishop by his spiritual father, Apostle Earl C. Hinton, Sr.
Bishop McClary is known by those around him for his wide smile and warm personality. He uses a combination of practical teaching, and compassionate leadership to inspire and motivate those with whom he comes into contact to reach their God-given potential.