ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Many are called, but few are chosen."

It is a great honor to stand in the presence of greatness, class, and divine purpose. This is exactly who God created Apostle Bobby E. Stapleton, Jr. to be—a man of vision, character, and compassion. He was chosen to lead a flock of outcasts, the downtrodden, and those other churches left behind. Just as Jesus did not go to the synagogues to save the lost, but to the broken, the thieves, and the forgotten, Apostle Stapleton follows that same calling. This alone makes him one of the most anointed and humble shepherds on this side of heaven.

 

At the young age of 24, Apostle Stapleton founded Rehoboth International Ministries, located in Pearl, MS.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Wesley College in Florence, Mississippi, and went on to receive a master’s degree in business. His thirst for spiritual growth led him to pursue a master’s in theology, and he is currently working toward his Doctorate in Theology.

He delivered his first message on September 28, 2004, at just 19 years old, and he has been faithfully preaching the Gospel ever since. For over eleven years, he served faithfully as a member, minister, and Director of Music at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Randall. After more than a decade of dedicated service, God instructed him to step out on faith and establish his own ministry.

What began with only ten members has grown tremendously over the years. Rehoboth has outgrown two buildings and is now seeking a new sanctuary to meet the expanding needs of its congregation. Apostle Stapleton has preached across the state of Mississippi and throughout surrounding areas, always carrying the same unwavering message: Jesus saves, heals, and delivers.

 

At the vibrant age of 41, Apostle Stapleton is now the Senior Pastor and Founder of Safe Place Ministries; a ministry rooted in restoration and renewal. His divine assignment is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and obey every command God gives him.

 

In May 2025, God placed a new vision in Apostle Stapleton’s spirit—one that would expand beyond the walls of Rehoboth. God commanded him to create a sacred space where people could worship in spirit and in truth, while embracing their authentic selves without fear or judgment. In August 2025, that vision came to life with the birth of Safe Place Ministries, located in the heart of Riverdale, Georgia.

Safe Place is exactly what its name declares—a sanctuary of freedom, serenity, peace, and refuge. Apostle Stapleton’s passion is to build a ministry where everyone can come as they are and encounter the living God without condemnation. Having personally experienced life’s struggles and judgments, he understands what it means to be broken—and he now uses that understanding to help others find healing. Safe Place Ministries stands as a “No Judgment Zone,” a place where the lost, the weary, and the misunderstood can experience unconditional love and transformation.

Apostle Bobby E. Stapleton, Jr. is not your ordinary pastor. He is known for his transparency and his ability to connect deeply with those he ministers to. He shares openly about his personal journey—his deliverance, his mistakes, and his imperfections—because he knows that his testimony brings freedom to others. He often reminds his congregation, “I’m not perfect, but I strive to be faithful.” One of his favorite scriptures, which anchors his life and ministry, is:

 

“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

He is a devoted husband to First Lady Shirley K. Stapleton, and a proud father of four beautiful children—Shekinah, Nisya, Aubree, and Bobby III. Together, they embody faith, love, and leadership, serving as a living testimony of God’s grace.

Apostle Stapleton’s journey is one of obedience, perseverance, and divine favor. His life reminds us that being chosen isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness.

Minister Lady Shirley K. Stapleton was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, where she discovered her passion for the performing arts at an early age. She studied Dance at Power APAC Performing Arts School for eight years, training extensively in ballet, modern, and jazz. Her years of disciplined study and creative expression shaped the foundation of her ministry and leadership in the arts.

Lady Stapleton went on to establish her own dance company, originally known as iDance Ministries, now rebranded as Promises Academi. Through her company, she has inspired and mentored countless young dancers, helping them use movement as a form of worship and expression. She also faithfully served as the Dance Coordinator for 16 years at one of the largest African American churches in Jackson, Mississippi—using her gifts to lead, teach, and develop worshippers through the ministry of dance.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Lady Stapleton is a graduate of Holmes Community College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science. Her education reflects her compassion for people and her deep understanding of both life and legacy.

Lady Stapleton is joyfully married to Apostle Bobby E. Stapleton, Jr., Founder and Senior Pastor of Safe Place Ministries. Together, they serve in excellence and unity, fulfilling God’s vision for His people. She is the proud mother of one son, Bobby E. Stapleton III, affectionately known as “Tre,” and the loving bonus mother of three beautiful daughters — Shekinah, Nisya, and Aubree.

At Safe Place Ministries in Riverdale, Georgia, Lady Stapleton serves not only as First Lady but also as Head of the Dance Ministry, where she continues to use her God-given talents to usher in His presence through movement and worship.

However, she is far more than a dancer — she is a minister, mentor, leader, boutique owner, author, choreographer, director, and producer. Lady Stapleton embodies grace, purpose, and creativity, serving as a living example that ministry can flow through every form of art when it is offered unto God.