Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.

Famed for an extraordinary vocal range paired with a magnetic stage presence, Bishop Paul S. Morton commands attention whether sharing the spotlight alongside childhood friend Aretha Franklin or guiding Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Church in New Orleans as its senior pastor. In both roles he has advanced the proclamation of “the good news.”

Rooted in a Canadian lineage of ministers—his parents, siblings, and he himself received the call—Morton followed divine instruction to depart the family circle and settle in New Orleans. There, in 1972, he joined the modest Greater St. Stephens congregation. Under his direction the church expanded into Louisiana’s largest African-American house of worship, operating three city campuses. Its outreach encompasses instructional programs, elder residences for “seasoned citizens,” housing projects, and an on-site school. He wed a member’s daughter, Elder Debra B. Morton, who now serves as co-pastor and leads a dynamic ministry of her own; their three children, each musically gifted, contribute actively to congregational life. Pianist Paul Morton, Jr., for instance, composed the stirring anthem “Let Him In.”

Morton’s stature within New Orleans, Louisiana, and national gospel circles is profound. He established the Full Gospel Movement, which rapidly grew into an international force. Committed to drawing excellence from those around him, he adopted the motto “Striving for Excellence,” inspiring numerous daughter congregations that continue to broadcast “the good news.” Full Gospel Fellowship churches now exist across multiple continents.

Leveraging his dual reputation as preacher and vocalist, Morton has pursued the scriptural mandate to carry the gospel worldwide. His daily radio broadcast and nationally televised program extend that reach, while a series of award-winning recordings—Healing Hands, We Offer Christ, Crescent City Fire, Still Standing, Cry Your Last Tear, Best Days Yet, and Legacy: Live in New Orleans—stand as heartfelt offerings to the God he serves. The message, he maintains, resides in the music. Among the most beloved selections are “Your Tears” and “God’s Got Those Healing Hands,” performed with the Stellar Award-winning Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir. He also produced and appears on the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir projects A New Thing and Experience the Fullness. Blending genuine warmth with polished artistry, Morton strives through his exhortations to “change a generation” by urging listeners toward salvation and a life of discipleship.