Bishop Robert L. Middleton, Jr. serves as Pastor of New Beginnings Ministries, Inc. (NBC) in Hamden, Connecticut.  He was raised by his mother in a Christian home and was very active in church. Like a lot of young men, Bishop Middleton strayed away from the church as a teenager and became involved in a local street gang called "The Newhallville Dogs".  This lifestyle quickly caused Bishop Middleton to become drawn into several illegal activities which ultimately led to his arrest in 1989 for conspiracy to commit murder.  But God had other plans for Bishop Middleton.  By the grace of God, Bishop Middleton was released and placed on probation and received a second chance.  He began to work in the very system which he at one time had been a part of.  Bishop Middleton became involved in counseling  of young men and women in the Department of Corrections and the Judicial System and has helped to make a difference in many lives. 

Because of Bishop Middleton's childhood foundation in Christ, he soon began attending Church again and gave his life to Christ in 1994 and was called to preach in 1996 under the leadership of Bishop Augustus Pullen, Pastor of Rehoboth Church of God in Christ, and was ordained as an Elder in 1999.  He faithfully served his Pastor and the Rehoboth COGIC congregation for approximately ten years. While under the leadership of Bishop Pullen,  Bishop Middleton diligently severed in any capacity he was needed. From faithfully teaching YPPW to street witnessing to teaching bible study, Bishop Middleton could always be found building kingdom.

In May of 2003 Bishop Middleton answered the commission to Pastor and birth New Beginnings Church of God In Christ.  Bishop Middleton truly has a heart for the ministry as well as a love for souls.  He knows that God has predestined him for a time such as this. Through his obedience to the direction of God he has implemented a five-fold ministry focusing on Evangelism, Missions, Outreach, Worship, Teaching and Development.

Bishop Middleton's commitment to NBC, Inc. extends beyond the pulpit, he teaches bible study, and is active in community based discipleship.  He has the ability to assist members to develop their God given gifts within them and encourages spiritual growth. 

In addition to Bishop Middleton's responsibilities at New Beginnings, he also serves as the Bishop for the United Council of Independent Christian Churches New England Region, under Bishop Laurence V. Plummer Sr., Presiding Bishop.

Bishop Middleton has been happily married since 1993 to Lady Lawanda D. Middleton and is the father of 4 children and the grandfather of 2.

God declares in Jeremiah 3:15 "I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will feed you with knowledge and understanding" and Bishop Middleton is truly that shepherd for the members of NBC.