About Us
Powerhouse Church of Redemption
Be Restored, Be Healed, Be Whole.
Church Vision and History
Several years ago, the Lord spoke a word into Pastor Robert’s spirit concerning this ministry, and he was given the name Powerhouse Church of Redemption. At first, Pastor Robert was very hesitant because he wanted to be sure that whatever he did was in the Lord’s will and timing. In August 2002, while attending Corner Stone Christian Center’s new church dedication service, where Bishop T.D. Jakes was the speaker, the urging became stronger in Pastor Robert’s spirit. Bishop Jakes asked if anyone had any special prayer requests, and if so, to bring them to the altar. One of Pastor Robert’s prayer requests was for the Lord to bring to pass the ministry in its perfect timing.
In September 2002, the Lord led Pastor Robert to Pastor James T. Elam, Jr. (a co-worker on his job). It was as if the Lord had spoken directly to him to give Pastor Robert the assurance that now was the time to launch out and receive His people from all walks of life. On the 1st Sunday of October 2002, Powerhouse Church of Redemption was birthed in the natural. The first service was held at 405 Maryland Avenue at the home of Pastors Robert and Sheila Lee. The church began meeting at the Hampton Inn the 3rd Sunday in October 2002 and worshiped there until the end of November 2006. From January 2007 through November 2007, the church met at the Hugh Cale Resource Training Center. During this time, Children’s Church Ministry was birthed.
In October 2007, a friend of Pastor Bob’s told him about a vacant church at 2554 Peartree Road, Elizabeth City, NC. He said he felt this would be perfect for PCOR. After seeking the Lord, Pastor Robert met with the owner, and God moved in a supernatural way! He was sure that God had ordained PCOR to be established at 2554 Peartree Road for a new season. Our new location celebration service was held the 1st Sunday in December 2007.
In 2020, services in the sanctuary were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. Services were held via teleconference and Facebook Live. Services are now held each Sunday in the sanctuary and also broadcast via teleconference and Facebook Live.
Over the years, PCOR ministries have included soul winning and sheep gathering, Praise and Worship, Children’s Church, Financial Department, Radio & TV Broadcast, Bible Study, and Food Pantry. Currently, our Food Pantry ministry has partnered with several area churches to provide food for needy individuals in seven counties in northeastern North Carolina.
Pastor Robert has a servant’s heart and is passionate about tending to the needs of God’s people. Under his leadership, the church mortgage has been paid, improvements have been made to the edifice (i.e., new roof and entry doors installed, kitchen area modified), and plans are underway for additional outreach ministries. The words of Micah 6:8 aptly describe Pastor Lee: he strives to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with [his] God.”
Founder & Pastor Robert E. Lee
Pastor Robert E. Lee is a devoted servant of God with more than 30 years of faithful ministry. He was raised at Saint James AME Zion Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where his foundation in faith was established and nurtured from birth through adulthood. Those early years shaped his deep love for the church and his lifelong commitment to serving people. He has served as Minister in Charge of Outreach Services for the Freeway Tabernacle Outreach Ministry, taught Bible study classes at Tabernacle Bible Institute for four years, and served as Assistant Pastor at Faith and Victory Center for three years. For 15 years, he volunteered his services in prison ministry. A U. S. Navy veteran, he attended Elizabeth City State University and College of the Albemarle. He is a retired civil servant and retired Exceptional Children Assistant.
In 2002, Pastor Lee founded Powerhouse Church of Redemption, where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, the ministry has grown as a place of worship, restoration, and spiritual empowerment, impacting lives within the church and throughout the community. Powerhouse Church of Redemption’s Food Pantry has partnered with several area churches to provide food for needy individuals in seven counties in northeastern North Carolina.
Pastor Lee is the devoted husband of his wife, co-pastor Sheila Lee; a loving father to Robert and Joseph, and a proud grandfather to Ian, Jackson, Joie, Parker, and Joel. A man deeply devoted to the Word of God – he studies it, teaches it, and lives it daily - his ministry is marked by a passion for preaching and teaching the Gospel, equipping believers for spiritual growth, and fostering a strong, Christ-centered community.
Pastor Sheila S. Lee
Pastor Sheila S. Lee brightens up every room with her enthusiasm and energy! She is a motivational speaker and self-published author of two books, "Moments To Brighten Your Day" and "WindowHood Not Widowhood". Well known in gospel radio as the host of "Morning Joy" on WRVS 89.9fm, she has over 25 years of on-air experience encouraging listeners with music and motivational messages.
Sheila is passionate about encouraging others - especially those who have been victims of domestic violence or are widowers. This passion sparked the establishment of her unique brand, S4JW, which stands for "Star for Jesus Worldwide". The brand has an apparel and merch line, something else that Sheila is ecstatic about because of her background in fashion and sales.
She and her husband, Robert Lee, pastor Powerhouse Church of Redemption in Elizabeth City, NC. In her free time, Sheila can be found at the beach - her favorite place to be, or spending time with her grandchildren.