Pastor and founder Elder Arlee Robinson, Jr. was born in Atlanta, GA to Arlee Sr. and Joyce Robinson. He was educated in the Atlanta School system where he graduated from Therrell High in 1978. After graduation, Pastor Robinson joined the United States Army and served for more than 22 years!
Pastor Robinson gave his life to Christ in 1987, under the leadership of Bishop Paul L. Watson Sr. at House of Prayer Church of God in Christ in Ansbach, Germany. In 1991 he accepted his call to preach the Gospel of Christ. In 1982, while stationed at Ft Carson in Colorado, Pastor Robinson met and married his wife of 30 years, Martha E. Smith.

In July 1999, the transition to Atlanta began. Pastor and Lady Robinson purchased a home in preparation for their move to the Atlanta area. However, more than two years would pass before the Robinson’s returned to the Atlanta area. Originally, Pastor Robinson planned to retire in the year 2000, but God had another plan. The retirement was disapproved and delayed for one year. During that year Pastor Robinson received a revelation from God concerning the name for the new ministry – Higher Ground International Church of God in Christ. In November 2001, Pastor Robinson founded Higher Ground International Church of God in Christ in the family room of his home along with four other families. Pastor Robinson has committed his life to bringing God’s people to a place of love, healing and holiness in God. In November 2017, Pastor Robinson was elevated as the first Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop Paul L. Watson, of the Germany International Jurisdiction.

First Lady Martha Elizabeth Robinson realized at a young age she was called to go into the hedges and highways to compel mankind to Christ through the good news. Lady Robinson was born in Salinas, California to Willie and Bennie L. Smith. She was the seventh child of eight brothers and sisters. She is the mother of three sons: Anthony, Jamal and Aubrey. She is also blessed with two grandsons: Jameel and Calvin.

Lady Robinson re-dedicated herself to Christ in 1987 under the leadership of Bishop Paul L. Watson Sr., at House of Prayer Church of God in Christ in Ansbach, Germany. In 1982, First Lady Robinson met and married Pastor Robinson, her spouse of 30 years. In November of 1993, she accepted the calling to the ministry as an Aspiring Missionary at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ under Pastor Benjamin Shaw. Upon returning to Germany, she served faithfully under Pastor Shaw’s leadership. In April 1995, upon the departure of Pastor Shaw, her husband was appointed Pastor of the New Jerusalem Family. In May 2001, Lady Robinson left Germany and accompanied Pastor Robinson to Atlanta, Georgia where she still continues to render selfless service for God and the saints everywhere.

Lady Robinson’s mandate to God’s people is to promote a defined relationship with God through his Son Christ Jesus and distinguishes herself as a praying and devoted woman of God. She has travelled nationally and internationally preaching and teaching God’s word to the lost and to those who seek the more excellent way of life. As one of the founding members of the Higher Ground Church of God in Christ International she continues to be instrumental in spreading the Good News and supporting this growing ministry.