We honor those who have sown with faith and vision. This is their legacy

Legacy

In February of 1982

a small Hispanic congregation gathered for the first time in the humble building once occupied by the Emmanuel Gospel Center. It was there that Pastor Juan Vergara, together with a young visionary named Roberto Miranda, planted the seeds of what would become a spiritual home for countless families. They called it Central Baptist Church, born from a deep desire to meet the growing spiritual and social needs of the Latino community in Boston.

Red brick church with a tall steeple in winter, traffic lights, street signs for Putnam Ave and Magazine St, and snow on the ground and roof.
Group of people standing in church pews during a religious service, some with their hands raised or singing.

What began modestly grew into a movement of hope and outreach, known today as Congregation Lion of Judah.

A man with gray suit stands on a stage with floral arrangements, facing an audience in a wood-paneled room with flowers and a microphone on a stand.

At the center of this story is Dr. Roberto S. Miranda: Scholar, pastor, and visionary.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the United States, Dr. Miranda excelled academically at Phillips Academy, Princeton University, and Harvard University. Though his early path pointed toward a distinguished academic career, God’s calling redirected his life, leading him into pastoral ministry.

People gathered in a church or auditorium, with speakers on stage behind a wooden pulpit decorated with flowers, in front of wooden panels and organ pipes.
A family at a church service, three people sitting on a pew in the foreground, with other people standing and talking in the background.
Two people, a man with dark hair and a beard wearing a white shirt, and a woman with short dark hair wearing a blue jacket, are sitting together smiling in front of a colorful landscape painting.
Man in a suit holding a book, standing next to a flower arrangement, in a room with candles and a piano.

In 1985

he assumed leadership of a small congregation and devoted himself to building not just a church, but a movement of spiritual renewal and social transformation.

Under his leadership, Lion of Judah became a vibrant, bilingual, and multicultural community that brings together people from more than thirty nations. Its worship and service reflect the beauty of God's Kingdom, where every culture and language has a place at the table.

A man and woman standing outside a brick building, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a white shirt and colorful tie, and the woman is wearing sunglasses, a white shirt, and a brown dress.

Pastor Miranda believed that faith should extend beyond the walls of the church, bringing healing, justice, and restoration to the city. From that conviction, ministries emerged to support immigrants, youth, families, and those in need.

Large group of diverse people posing for a photo in front of a brick building with a large arched doorway. The group includes adults and children, smiling and gathered on the sidewalk.
Group of diverse people walking on a sidewalk, with some smiling and one man raising his fist in the air, during daytime.
People gathered on stage with flags, and a band with drums and guitars playing in the background in a large room with wooden floors.

A decisive moment

came

when Pastor Miranda received a vision: a lion rising over the Boston skyline, embodying Christ’s authority and compassion extending across the city.

The congregation adopted the name Lion of Judah and moved into the heart of Boston, positioning itself as a beacon of light and hope.

Inspired by this revelation

Group of people inspecting construction materials and documents inside a building under construction with exposed metal framing and concrete walls.

The ministry continued to flourish, and acquired new facilities, expanded its outreach, and has become a model of bilingual and multicultural worship and service.

A modern multi-story building with brick and metal siding, large glass windows, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Close-up of a wall made of glass blocks, with some blurred greenery visible outside.
Close-up photo of a smiling middle-aged man with a gray beard and gray hair, wearing a brown blazer and checked dress shirt.

A Farewell That Touched Generations

MAY 2022

When Pastor Miranda went to be with the Lord in May 2022, the city and countless lives grieved the passing of a faithful servant whose life continues to bear fruit across generations. 

Man with gray beard and receding hairline looking out a window, wearing a dark coat and scarf, indoors with wooden walls.

Up to this day

We honor his legacy by faithfully carrying forward the vision he entrusted to us:

  • To lift high the banner of the Lion of Judah

  • To be a church where all nations worship together in unity

  • To raise up and equip new generations of leaders

  • To serve our city and the world with the love, hope, and truth of Jesus Christ

A legacy that transforms lives. Make it part of your life today!

Discover words that transform lives.

Pastor Roberto Miranda’s books are more than just reading: they are guidance, hope, and faith for your walk in Christ and for your affirmation and growth. Get yours today and let God speak to your heart.

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