Bishop Leon Harrell's love and thirst for the Word supplied the zeal to further his education at the Universal Bible Institute, Alamo, Tennessee. From there he graduated with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Theology. For 25 years, Bishop Harrell was a faithful servant to the Refuge Temple Annex, Bronx, New York, as the Assistant Pastor and Minister of Education. Prior to accepting the call to pastor the Greater Refuge Church of Christ, Plainfield, Bishop Harrell spent many years as an Account Executive for several major corporations. In his most recent position he worked as an Admissions Consultant to a Technical School. Through many secular and spiritual experiences God blessed him to be:

Bishop N. Leon Harrell is a native of New York. Through the Apostolic lifestyle of his mother and her nurturing and training Pastor Harrell received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the tender age of 11. At the age of 15, the Lord called him to preach and teach the gospel. A few years later, he was ordained by the Highway Christian Church of Washington, D.C., and appointed an Elder. Bishop Harrell attended the public schools of New York City. After graduation from high school, he attended City College and majored in secular education. Bishop Harrell's list of accomplishments include:

Bishop Harrell has made full proof of his ministry and is committed to the pastoral care and tutelage of God's people. He is a dedicated, faithful, and entrusted servant of the Lord. The Lord has chosen this vessel to stand in the gap of reconciliation to carry out His will and special purpose for His people. His deep faith lies in the Holy Spirit, Who gives him spiritual wisdom and spiritual power. To God be the Glory!!

He is a planter, planting seed in all who seek, that another may water, and the Father may bring forth the increase. He is a builder, building a foundation deeply rooted and grounded in the Word. And he is a warrior, warring against spiritual wickedness. Because of his growth, we grow. Because of his knowledge, we learn. We thank God for him. Bishop Harrell is married to the former Sister Ida Byrd, and they are the proud parents of two sons, a daughter and the grandparents of one granddaughter.