First Lady Denise Richardson is a native of New York and was saved in 1971 under the pastorate of Bishop Roy Brown at Pilgrim Church in Brooklyn, New York. After meeting and marrying her soul mate, Gentry W. Richardson, Jr., she relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1981, where she became a member of Bethlehem Temple Church, then under the pastorate of Bishop William Smith. Lady Denise and Suffragan Bishop Gentry W. Richardson, Jr. have been blessed with two sons, Gentry III (Trey) and Brandon, one beautiful daughter-in-love, Devin, and a wonderful granddaughter, Giani, the love of their lives.

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Lady Denise received her formal education in New York. After graduation, she continued her education at Borough of Manhattan College. She also attended Aenon Bible College and received her Bachelor Degree of Biblical Studies from Ministerial Training Institute. She has continued her education in counseling at California University of Theology. Lady Denise is also an entrepreneur, building her Mary Kay business and changing women’s lives.

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As a licensed Evangelist with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Lady Denise serves faithfully with her husband in providing biblical guidance to couples and singles and sees to the needs of all member at Bethlehem Temple Church.

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In the past Lady Denise has served as a Choir Director at Bethlehem Temple Church as well as President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, later renamed LEAD (Ladies Empowered, Anointed and Delivered). She is currently the Director of LEAD and, in this capacity, encourages the women of BTC to grow spiritually and live happy, fulfilled and victorious lives through Christ.

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Lady Denise is an active participant in the "Women in Red Conference," founded by Dr. Angela Brunson, and the First Ladies Relief Retreat, coordinated by First Lady Crisette Ellis. In November 2017, she was elected President of the Ministers and Deacons Wives and Widows Auxiliary of the Central California District Council. She is also an anointed, gifted and dynamic speaker and is requested by many to conduct workshops and seminars for churches and organizations throughout California.

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First Lady Denise Richardson’s "love you to life" phrase expresses her overwhelming and deep affection for her Bethlehem Temple Church family and friends and her commitment to their spiritual growth and development through GOD’s love.