Bishop Lindberg Edwards, Pastor
Bishop
Lindberg Edwards is a native of Wayne County, North Carolina and currently
resides in Richmond, VA. He is the fourth of ten children born
to Kirby (deceased) and Estelle Edwards. At the age of 21, he
accepted Jesus as his personal savior.
In 1976, he was one of the pioneers in organizing and establishing New Bethel United Holy Church. He served faithfully in whatever capacity he could to enhance the ministry. Because of his faithfulness, he was ordained a deacon, served as treasurer and Assistant to Bishop Ralph E. Love.
Bishop Edwards became the esteemed pastor of New Bethel United Holy Church on September 7, 1984. (Now New Bethel Christian Fellowship International). He was consecrated to the office of Bishop in July 1994, and served as Vice President of the Virginia District Convocation of the Original United Holy Church International, Inc. In July 1998, he became the Presiding Bishop of the Virginia District Convocation of the O.U.H.C. International and served until the re-unification of the United Holy Church of America and the Original United Holy Church International in May 2000.
He has served in the following positions: Chairman, Board of Presbytery, Board of Elders, Bishop of the General Adjutancy Core, He also served on Council of Bishops of the United Holy Church of America inc.. He was the visionary and chaired the Virginia District Pastors and Leaders Retreat.
His preparation for the ministry includes training at: United Christian College, Goldsboro, NC, Liberty University, Lynchburg, and The Rehoboth School of Ministry, Richmond VA. He is presently pursing a degree in theology.
Bishop Edwards has been married to the former Sylvia Lee Marsh since August 24, 1974, and out of this union they have two daughters, Nicole Devon Smith and Tamara Sophia Boyd. He has two sons-in-law, Roney E. Boyd and Kevin Smith; five granddaughters: Jummai Roots, Jayla and Joi Boyd, Nia and Nayanna Smith, and one grandson, Roney E. Boyd, IV.
Bishop Edwards declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalms 34:1
Elder
Sylvia Lee Edwards, Co-Pastor
Elder Sylvia Lee Edwards is the fourth of six children born to Ms. Ella Marsh and the late Mr. Nero Smith in Richmond, Virginia on May 20, 1952.
Upon graduating from John Marshall High School she attended Virginia Commonwealth University in her home state. She then received a Certificate in Religious Studies from United Christian Institute of Goldsboro, North Carolina and later furthered her studies at the Heritage School of Leadership, which is accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association at Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship.
Elder Edwards accepted Christ at the age of eight and has always had a love for Sunday School. In 1973, she re-dedicated her life to Christ in a very personal way at St. John’s United Holy Church where she served faithfully for three years.
She was called to the ministry in 1997, and ordained in 1999. In June of 2001, she was inaugurated as Co-Pastor of New Bethel United Holy Church (now New Bethel Christian Fellowship International).
As a pioneer of New Bethel Christian Fellowship International she has served faithfully in many capacities during her 31 years of service. Some of her roles have included that of an usher, choir member, children’s choir director, praise singer, Youth President and Sunday School Superintendent, just to name a few. Currently, she serves as chairperson for both the Ministerial Staff and Women’s Fellowship.
Elder Edwards and her husband, Bishop Lindberg Edwards, will celebrate 33 years of marriage on August 24, 2007. They have two daughters, Nicole () and Tamara (Roney), six granddaughters and one grandson.
Elder Edwards’ childhood aspiration was to become a ballerina, but the Lord saw fit that she dance to His music through ministry. One of the many scriptures that have inspired her life is: “Not I, but Christ that lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 (KJV)