Nathaniel Harpe is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Cleveland area schools. As a young man he was active in the Order of Pythagorans and became Most Valiant Grand Master Counselor for Ohio. He graduated from Chaney High School in 1985 and studied at Ohio University, Maple Springs Baptist Bible College, and Howard Divinity School (continuing education). He moved to Washington, DC, in 1988.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and deployed in Operation Desert Storm. In 1992 he was called to ministry at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, VA, and was licensed and ordained by New Commandment Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Tucker. He served 15 years as an associate minister there, including 10 years as youth pastor and children’s church director. He was also a chaplain at Greater Southeast Hospital for 10 years.

He is a pre-marital and marriage counselor and, with his wife, co-led the Couples Ministry. He volunteered as a mentor with the D.C. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and taught for Jobs Partnership Inc. of Greater Washington.

In April 2010 he became pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Remington, VA. Over 13 years he launched the church’s first website, started a media ministry that streams Bible study and Sunday worship, helped start a dance ministry, oversaw a small fellowship hall renovation, and led the church through its 150th anniversary.

In May 2026, Rev. Harpe stepped into the role of his spiritual father and mentor, Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Tucker, and was unanimously voted as the second pastor of New Commandment Baptist Church.

Rev. Harpe is a retired U.S. government employee with 36 years of dedicated service. He resides in Maryland with his wife, Iva, to whom he has been married for 30 years. In his leisure time he enjoys travel, hiking, photography, and motorcycling, pursuing these interests with enthusiasm and a love of exploration.