Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Roman And Lady Erika Harris.
Hi Pastor Roman and Lady Erika , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We launched our ministry on October 4, 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. We began online and quickly built an online ministry that touched people not just in the Kansas City area, but also in other states, including Washington, New York, Texas, Georgia, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Alive Church was birthed out of prayer and vision. Roman had a calling on his life to be a Pastor, and we knew God was calling us to create a space that was both spiritual and practical, where people could experience God’s love and also find empowerment for everyday life. Our journey hasn’t been without challenges, but every step has been a testament to God’s faithfulness. Alive Church has grown into not just a church, but a hub for community, family, and legacy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whenever you step into new territory, you will encounter resistance. When we launched Alive Church, there were voices of doubt, but Roman and I chose to focus on God’s voice. We’ve also had to learn that not every closed door is a rejection; it’s often protection. By staying prayerful, prioritizing my family, and leaning into strategy, I’ve turned challenges into stepping stones. It’s all part of the process of becoming. Since we also launched a church during the pandemic, we faced unique challenges. At a time when every church was figuring out how to do ministry online, we had a steep learning curve because it was new to everyone. We had to try many things and also be very creative in how we connected with our members. God was faithful. What once started at our kitchen table with a phone camera and set up, turned into a full studio with top-of-the-line streaming equipment, AV volunteers, and now we are meeting in person weekly at the DNA Community Center in Independence. It’s all about faith and keeping the vision before you. WHen you stand in faith, nothing is impossible,
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Roman- My journey in ministry began as a youth pastor at Canaan Worship Center, where I had the privilege of mentoring young people and helping them develop a personal relationship with Christ. That experience ignited my passion for guiding the next generation and supporting families, not just in their spiritual walk but in the practical challenges of life. From the beginning of my ministry journey, I have carried what many recognize as a Barnabas anointing—the gift of encouragement, of coming alongside others to strengthen, uplift, and affirm them in their faith. Whether mentoring youth, guiding couples in marriage, or shepherding families, my heart has always been to encourage people to reach their full potential as God created them to be. This Barnabas spirit has shaped the vision for Alive Church. I believe God has called us to lead people into a spiritual ‘land’ of promise, to help them discover and dwell in Christ. Our vision is simple yet profound: to lead people to land, and learn to lodge in Jesus. It’s not enough to encounter Him once; we want people to live, remain, and flourish in His presence every day. That is the heartbeat of Alive Church: to build a community where faith is not just experienced on Sunday, but becomes a way of life.
I continue that work through Alive Church, where I now serve as Senior Pastor alongside my wife. I am currently one class away from finishing my Master of Divinity at Liberty University. This season deepened my theological foundation and strengthened my ability to serve God’s people with both knowledge and compassion. Beyond preaching, I specialize in youth mentorship and marriage counseling—walking with couples as they build strong, Christ-centered relationships and helping young people see themselves as leaders of tomorrow. At my core, I am a student of faith and belief, always seeking to grow in wisdom so that I can pour into others. My greatest joy is seeing lives transformed, families strengthened, and faith multiplied.
Erika- My work spans across the ministry, education, and society. Together with my husband, Roman, I serve as the Co-Founder and First Lady of Alive Church, where we are committed to building a life-giving ministry that equips families spiritually, emotionally, and practically. Beyond the pulpit, I am also an educator and coach, specializing in faith-based leadership, feminine refinement, and community impact. I’m known for creating spaces where women and families feel seen, empowered, and prepared to thrive. I meet with women monthly for my Tea with Lady E, where we discuss faith, femininity, refinement, and self-care. What I am most proud of is the legacy we are building—not just for our children, but for the community. I am launching Programs like Proverbial Pearls, which mentors young women in faith, etiquette, and leadership, and The Pearl Legacy Gala, which brings together philanthropy and culture, are extensions of that legacy. These initiatives enable me to integrate ministry with society, positioning women and families to live with both purpose and distinction. I am excited to begin working on a doctoral degree in Higher Education, which will enable me to expand my vision to campuses and teach leadership. What sets me apart is my ability to stand at the intersection of faith and high society. I bring together worlds that often seem separate: the sacredness of ministry, the excellence of education, and the refinement of culture. I believe in not just entering rooms of influence, but building them. My heart is to leave an imprint that is both spiritual and societal, where elegance and empowerment walk hand in hand. I serve on the Family Advisory Board of Children’s Mercy Hospital, a member of The Junior League of Kansas City, Kansas City Symphony Volunteer and Art Lover member at The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. God has called me to be in spaces to represent Him, and bridging the gap in spaces spiritually and culturally.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Roman – When the first snow of the year fell, I will never forget that my family would gather and play football together in the snow. It was a tradition that we observed every year, bringing us together as a family unit. I will never forget the fun times we had and the lifelong memories we created. Now I love creating traditions like this with my children and even our church family.
Erika-My favorite childhood memory was when I was about 9 years old, I remember being with my grandmother in her kitchen as she was cooking, I said, “Grandma, do you think I would be a good teacher?” She stopped and said, “No, dear, I know that you will be a great teacher.” Something inside of me shifted that day, and little did I know that in that very moment, I became a woman of faith. She taught me that whatever I wanted in life didn’t come from just thinking, but knowing. That is how I live my life every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thealivechurchkc.com
- Instagram: @thealivechurchkc
- Facebook: The Alive Church KC
- Youtube: The Alive Church KC
