Meet The Pastor

Edward Lee Cushingberry, Jr. gave his life to the Lord at the age of 11. He was baptized into the Kingdom of God at Light of The World Christian Church in June of 1972 under the pastorate of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr.

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Edward faithfully served the ministry of Light of the World in leadership roles to include the Ushers Ministry, Discipleship Training, Evangelism Ministry, and Chairman of the Deacons Ministry, Bishop’s Armorer Bearer, Prison Ministry, and Respect Academy Youth Ministry.

Edward was called into Christian Ministry on August 20, 1995.

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Edward is a charter member of the Christian Ecumenical Covenant Fellowship founded by the Presiding Prelate Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr. An organization that offers training, coaching, counseling, mentoring and fellowship to pastors and other clergy.

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Edward attended Indiana Wesleyan University of Indianapolis, Indiana where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management in 1999.

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Edward received his Masters of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2004.

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Edward is currently enrolled at Lexington Theological Seminary in the Doctor of Ministry program.

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Edward served as an associate pastor for two years at Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church in Indianapolis, IN under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Oliver DeWayne Walker. While serving at Phillips Temple he revitalized the men’s ministry encouraging, equipping and empowering men to pursue their God given roles of provider, protector and priest according to scripture for their families, church and community.

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Edward served as an associate pastor for two years at New Light Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN under the leadership of Rev. Michael Scaife, Founder and Senior Pastor. He served as the Project Impact Youth Mentor (a youth diversion program that ministered to troubled teens referred from the Juvenile Court System and Detention Centers).

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Edward was ordained into Christian Ministry on July 10, 2004 by the Indiana Region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Commission on Ministry at Light of the World Christian Church in partnership with Light of the World Christian Church, New Hope Christian Church and the South Carolina Regional Pastor, Rev. Sotello V. Long.

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In March of 2004 the New Hope Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Burton, South Carolina called Edward to serve as Senior Pastor. He was installed in September of 2004 as the congregations first full time Pastor.

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Edward is a dedicated Servant of the Lord. He has preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ locally and nationally. He has served on the Board of Trustee’s for the National Convocation of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. He has served on the South Carolina Regional Commission on Ministry Board providing leadership and training to ministry leaders. He has served on the South Carolina Regional Transformation Board helping to unite the historical Convention and Assembly churches into one Regional Church. He serves on the South Carolina Regional True Community team helping to foster on-going racial reconciliation.

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Edward has served the community of Beaufort, as President of the Able Foundation helping to raise money to enable persons with disabilities and special needs to live a full life. He works with the Beaufort County School System to evaluate curriculum to enhance student learning. He has also volunteered as a behavioral modification instructor working with at risk students in the schools and has helped to create a love for reading through his efforts to provide as well has read books to the Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Edward is a member of the Beaufort County Ministerial Alliance.

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Edward is married. Together, he and wife Robyn, they are the proud parents of one son, two daughters and the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren.

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Edward desires to be and to be known as a Christian sharing the grace, mercy and love of God to all.