Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bishop Bruce V. Parham, Sr., Ph.D., is the youngest of three sons blessed to Pastor Arthur and Mother Almeda Parham. From an early age, it was clear God’s hand was on his life—by the age of two, his anointing to sing was unmistakable. As a child and teen, he was a regular soloist at church services, conventions, and convocations with the Mt. Sinai Holy Churches of America, Inc., always encouraged by his grandmother’s words: “Open up your mouth and sing!”

That encouragement bore fruit. By twenty, Bishop Parham had won numerous state and national gospel music competitions and soon received his first recording contract after singing at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in St. Louis, MO. Known as “Philadelphia’s Son of Promise,” he released six solo albums including his latest project entitled, “Your Presence” and has collaborated with many leading voices in gospel music.

But it was the call to preach that truly shaped his destiny. Bishop Parham's unique blend of prophetic preaching and powerful worship opened doors worldwide. Through his ministry, thousands have come to Christ, and countless lives have been impacted by the gospel.

Guided by mentors like his father Pastor Arthur Parham, Bishop Robert Taylor, and Bishop Ralph Dennis, Bishop Parham longed to create a place where people could encounter healing, restoration, and the presence of God. In 1998, led by the Spirit, he founded Oasis of Refreshing Ministries in Wilmington, Delaware—a sanctuary for the weary, a place of hope and transformation.

In 2001, God expanded the vision, birthing the Fresh Fragrance Covenant Fellowship, Inc. A multi-cultural, Spirit-filled fellowship now encompassing nearly twenty churches across the U.S., this movement is committed to preparing the Body of Christ for His return. In 2006, Bishop Parham was consecrated to the Sacred Holy Order of Bishop by his spiritual father, Bishop Wilbert Baltimore.

Bishop Parham continues to serve faithfully as the Presiding Prelate of Fresh Fragrance and Senior Pastor of Oasis, while also walking in his musical anointing—his latest release titled Dwell Together.

He holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Ph.D. in Religion from North Carolina College of Theology (2006) and is passionate about launching a school to equip and empower future leaders in ministry.

At his side is his beloved wife, Elder Janet Parham, a mighty woman of God. Together, they are the proud parents of six beautiful children—Ashley Renee’, Bruce Jr., Jsaniese Lynae’, Alexis Regine, Devyn Marquise, and Jada Chantel—as well as spiritual parents to many more.

Operating

…in the five-fold ministry, “…for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ” – Ephesians 4:12

Assembling

…ourselves together to love, strengthen, heal and restore our church family through fellowship – Hebrews 10:25

Solidarity

…being established in our church by the word of God, which is our foundation and a wholesome Christian experience – II Timothy 2:19

Intimacy

…in our relationship with our God through praise and worship – John 4:23-24

Stretching

…out our arms to embrace our community and the world by the preached word as well as by meeting the needs of the community – Jeremiah 29:7, I Corinthians 1:27; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 25:21