849 South Belmont Avenue
Indianapolis, IN. 46221 Phone: 317-916-8860
Bishop Wilson was born on October 26, 1953 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the eldest of four brothers, all of whom are preachers as well. Bishop Wilson spent his childhood years growing up in Plainfield, Indiana and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1972. He continued his education at Clark Business College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. On June 25, 1977 he married Lady Irma R. Watkins-Wilson and to this union was born one son, Stephen L. Wilson, II.
Bishop Wilson accepted his call to the Gospel ministry in August 1978. He then began his theological studies at Central Baptist Theological Seminary and Indiana Christian University. He later went on to receive his Bachelor of Theology degree from Trinity School of Theology. He received his Bachelor of Biblical Counseling from Christian Bible College and Seminary and most recently received his Master of Biblical Counseling from Christian Bible College and Seminary. He is presently enrolled in the Doctorate program at Master’s School of Divinity. He is also a licensed counseling therapist.
Bishop Wilson served as the organizing moderator of the Progressive District Association of Missionary Baptist Churches for five years and as an instructor for the National Baptist Convention of America Home Mission Board. He has served as an instructor and facilitator across the country in aiding churches in church growth, ministerial development, and reaching the unchurched. He served as Vice-President of the Consolidated Baptist State Convention of Indiana and as Budget and Finance Chairman. He presently serves as an advisory board member of Indianapolis Public Schools Even Start Adult Education-serving as a member of the Market and Development Committee, board member of Citizen’s Health Corporation-serving as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, board member and treasurer of Urban Christian Schools Coalition, board member and secretary of Westside Community Ministries, and president of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation. He has received several civic and educational awards.
His motto is taken from the words of a song that says, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Pastor Ida - Director of Outreach Ministries Pastors Dennis and Ida Johnson have been married for nearly 16 years and have five fantastic children and seven darling grandchildren. Both have a passion for ministry and are members of Cornerstone of Hope Church (COHC) serving under the leadership of Bishop Stephen L. Wilson Sr.
Dennis is the Assistant Pastor and Director of Ministries of COHC. He is instrumental in training and developing ministry leaders and their teams, as well as helping them to identify and develop their spiritual gifts. Dennis also provides technical service for the church and community development center by maintaining the computer networking system, media, and website. Pastor Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Technology, Purdue IN, an Associate of Applied Science from ITT Technical Institute, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Dennis and Ida are both Certified PREPARE/ENRICH instructors. Dennis has served in church leadership for more than 20 years.
Ida is the Director of Outreach for COHC and Project Director for Enriching Marriages in Indiana Project, a government funded program that provides marriage education for the State of Indiana. Ida will graduate in May with a BSW degree from the IU School of Social Work and plans to pursue a Masters degree in Pastoral Leadership. Ida has served in church leadership for more than 23 years and both pastors have completed extensive biblical studies through seminars, workshops, and conferences. Ida serves on the Board of Directors for Citizens Health Center and Arise Ministries Inc. She is an advisory council member for the Rhodius Park Community Center and Alpha Foundation for Youth Inc. Ida is also an advocate for victims of domestic violence and has served as a volunteer counselor for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.
