About

The History of New Vision

 

On November 7, 1999, Pastor and Founder Derek L. Calhoun and his wife Sharron heard the call of God and with a core group of 14 people began New Vision International Ministries.  New Vision International Ministries is a non-denominational Christian fellowship birthed out of the heart of God. 

 

New Vision is a growing, spirit filled, spirit driven fellowship, patterned after the biblical New Testament Church model.  This ministry is called to mend broken vessels and perfect the body of Christ through Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship and Stewardship.
 

 

New Vision “tabernacled” in Norwalk, CT for three years, and on November 8, 2002, New Vision International Ministries purchased this 83,000 square foot campus on Gregory Street in Bridgeport, CT. 

 

In just eight (8) years the congregation grew to over 1000 members.  New Vision has a Kingdom Impact, affecting change not only in the local community, but nationally and internationally in order to draw all people into a right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

New Vision is in full covenant with Covenant Fellowship International, headed by Bishop Vaughn M. McLaughlin, pastor of the internationally renowned Potter's House International Ministries, located in Jacksonville, Florida.  Bishop Vaughn M. McLaughlin and his wife Lady Narlene McLaughlin serve as Co-Founders of New Vision.

 

In October of 2015 a major Kingdom transition occurred in the life of New Vision. Bishop Calhoun was promoted to Overseer of New Vision and relocated with his family to Jacksonville, Florida to assist Bishop McLaughlin directly with Covenant Fellowship International. Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr. was appointed to the role of Lead Pastor with the task of continuing the legacy and engineering what has been pioneered. Pastor Dexter and his wife Lady Lindsey Upshaw serve together for the glory of God.

 

On January 15, 2019 we acquired 35 Benham Avenue, a 60,000 square foot property on the Westside of Bridgeport. This mixed-used facility houses commercial tenants on the first floor, and a state of the art worship center and community development hub on the second floor.

 

History Timeline:

 

• November 7, 1999 - New Vision was founded by Pastor Derek L. Calhoun and Lady Sharron Calhoun with 14 people. Co-Founded with the covering of Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin and Lady Narlene McLaughlin

• November 8, 2002 - New Vision acquired 130 Gregory Street, a 16,000 square foot building in the South End of Bridgeport.

• November 4, 2012 - Bishop Derek L. Calhoun was ordained a bishop in the Lord’s Church as the titular or vicar to Bishop Vaughn M. McLaughlin, Presiding Prelate to Covenant Fellowship International.

• June 8, 2014 - Changed our mission statement to “Love God, Love People, Do the Work of the Kingdom.”

• October 16, 2015 - Bishop Derek L. Calhoun was promoted to Overseer and transitioned to Jacksonville, Florida. Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr. was appointed as Lead Pastor of New Vision.

• February 15, 2018 - Pastor Dexter received a call from a commercial real estate agent about the availability of 35 Benham Avenue, a 60,000 square foot property on the West Side of Bridgeport.

• March 8, 2018 - Bishop Derek L. Calhoun and Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin traveled from Jacksonville, Florida to see 35 Benham Avenue for the first time. That night they met with general leadership and approved the pursuit of the property.

• April 22, 2018 - Pastor Dexter was anointed and elevated to Senior Pastor by Bishop Calhoun during a Sunday morning service.

• January 4, 2019 - New Vision sold 130 Gregory Street to Free Methodist Church, a Portuguese speaking congregation.

• January 15, 2019 - New Vision acquired 35 Benham Avenue.

• January 28, 2019 - New Vision obtained Zoning Approval from the City of Bridgeport.

• March 10, 2019 - New Vision had its final service at 130 Gregory Street.

• March 17, 2019 - New Vision had its first mobile service at Curiale School

• September 8, 2019 - New Vision had its first service at 35 Benham Avenue.