Our Story
A Legacy of Faith in New Bern
For more than a century, St. Peter's AME Zion Church has stood as a beacon of worship, education, and community uplift in eastern North Carolina.
Our History
Rooted. Resilient. Redeemed.
St. Peter's AME Zion Church was organized by faithful members of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion connection — known historically as "The Freedom Church" for its abolitionist leadership and partnership with Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth.
Over generations, our congregation has worshipped, served, taught, marched, and prayed alongside the people of New Bern. Today, we continue that tradition — anchored in Scripture, open in spirit, committed to community.
Our Mission
To love God, love people, and serve the world.
We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of New Bern and beyond — through worship, witness, and service.
Our Vision
A church where every generation finds a home.
Honoring our heritage while embracing every visitor, member, and neighbor as part of God's family.
What We Believe
The Faith We Confess
The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the rule and guide of our faith.
The Triune God
We affirm one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Salvation by Grace
Salvation is the gift of God by grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Church
We are part of the historic African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church — the Freedom Church.
Our Leadership
Serving the Body
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Sterling
Senior Pastor
Min. Patricia Howard
Associate Minister
Dea. Robert James
Chair, Board of Stewards
Sis. Adrienne Cole
Director of Christian Education