Pastor zachry tims biography channel
Home / Religious & Spiritual Figures / Pastor zachry tims biography channel
By 2002, the church grew into a large megachurch of over 8,000, moving into its present facility in Apopka. A three-story youth facility offering tutoring, counseling programs, martial arts classes, and more became a cornerstone of NDCC’s outreach efforts.
Tims often emphasized that his past struggles equipped him to connect with people from all walks of life.
The church established numerous ministries catering to diverse groups, including men, women, youth, and married couples. On one hand, he is remembered as a visionary leader who built a thriving ministry from humble beginnings. Riva filing for divorce in 2008, with it becoming finalized by August 2009. By 2011, NDCC had become one of Central Florida’s largest congregations, boasting over 8,000 members.
Tims’ vision extended beyond traditional church services.
From his troubled beginnings to his meteoric rise as the founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC), Tims left an indelible mark on the Christian community. The medical examiner later ruled his death an accidental overdose caused by cocaine and heroin.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the Christian community.
Pastor Zachary Tims was a man of profound influence, a testament to the transformative power of faith, and a figure whose life story resonated with countless individuals. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Zachery Tims
Dr.
Zachery Tims, Jr. (April 18, 1969 - August 12, 2011) was an American Christian televangelist, inspirational speaker, and co-pastor of the New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida. In 1996, they co-founded NDCC in 1998, originally as a storefront church in the Powers Pointe Circle area of Northwest Orlando with a congregation of only six people.
The center aims to support pastors dealing with challenges such as addiction or stress—issues that Tims himself faced during his lifetime.
This initiative reflects the enduring impact of his life’s work: helping others find hope amid adversity. This moment marked a turning point. His struggles with addiction highlight the importance of mental health support and accountability within ministry.
After his death, NDCC continued under new leadership, with Pastor Paula White stepping in as senior pastor later that year.
They are the parents of four children and after moving to Windermere, Florida, Tims, who along with his wife, became heavily involved in the Orlando and Central Florida area community. In addition to his own program, No Limits, which was taped at the megachurch in Apopka, Tims also made frequent guest host appearances on program segment Praise The Lord.
Ministry Work and Recognitions
Tims was a graduate of Maranatha Bible College and Towson University (MD), with degrees in both divinity and accounting.
In addition to serving as the senior pastor of New Destiny, Tims has become a nationally recognized and sought after speaker.
He temporarily stepped down from the pulpit to seek counseling and spiritual guidance but returned three months later. his siblings, and a host of other relatives. Haunted by nightmares and demonic visions, he sought refuge at a co-worker’s home and surrendered his life to Christ. His personal testimony served as a beacon for those battling addiction or feeling trapped by their circumstances.
Zachery and former wife, the former Riva Owens (born October 11, 1970, in Prince George's County, MD), who met in the church where they served, were married on January 8, 1994. This decision sparked debates within the Christian community about accountability and the qualifications for pastoral leadership.
A Tragic End
On August 12, 2011, Pastor Zachary Tims was found dead in a hotel room at the W Hotel in Times Square, New York City.
The gala ribbon cutting grand-opening was overseen by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Commissioner Robert "Bob" Sindler, and covered by all the local TV and radio news media sources.
NDCC's syndicated TV program, NO Limits, has been seen on numerous Christian Networks such as TBN, The Word Network, as well as various internet podcasts and streams and Christian television stations worldwide.
Scandal Controversy
A news story was aired by WOFL-TV, an Orlando area FOX-TV news affiliate on Nov 6, 2007, alleging that Tims had committed "numerous adulterous affairs".