Archbishop C. Nathan Edwers, DMin. is the Senior Pastor of Friendship Worship Center in Mount Vernon, NY. He's held many positions over the past 35 years, including Presiding Bishop of the Middle Atlantic Conference of the UFWB Churches, Inc. and Pastor of the historic Mount Zion UFWB Church in Edison, NJ, since 2002.
On April 30, 2022, Bishop Edwers became the General Bishop of the UFWB Church Inc. The General Conference of the UFWB Churches is one of seven regional conferences of the National Conference of FWB Churches. It is comprised of over 15 churches within the tri-state area.
Bishop C. Nathan Edwers resides in Mount Vernon, NY, with his wife of 35 years, Aro Denise Edwers. He is the father of Sherri and Eric Edwers, father-in-law of Audrey Edwers, and Grandfather of Harper Loraine and Theodore Arthur Edwers.
Born in Newark, NJ, he grew up in the church where his father was pastor. As an adolescent, he heeded the call of God on his life and followed in his father's footsteps. His career began when he left college early to accept the position as Pastor of Calvary UFWB Church in Brooklyn, NY in 1983. In January 1989, he assumed the position as Pastor of Little Friendship UFWB Church in Mount Vernon, NY.
He personally managed to continue his educational pursuits earning his Bachelors' at Nyack College, New York, New York, his Masters' at Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, New York and Doctorate degree at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Under his watch, Friendship has grown in many ways with partnerships with other churches, community, and government leaders.
As the Pastor of Friendship, he made great strides and accomplishments, transforming the church from a small family church to an institution that serves the people of Mount Vernon and beyond. As the longest-serving pastor of the church, he has positioned Friendship as a pillar in the community. During this time, he was elevated to the office of Bishop, being consecrated by his father.
Friendship has opened its doors to international ministries, allowing Bishop Edwers to travel and minister worldwide, including Brazil and China. His outreach allowed Friendship to purchase its current facility and pay off $3.4 million in mortgage and other debts during the pandemic.
The facility, which houses a school, banquet hall, and a newly renovated conference center, has allowed Bishop Edwers to bring his vision of serving the community to life. Thus far, he's created after school wrap-around services and summer programs for children, a warming center for the homeless, a visitation center for foster families through the partnership with the county, and holiday events for community gathering. Bishop Edwers was even able to move Friendship Church into the digital space, allowing audiences to engage virtually.
Bishop C. Nathan Edwers is more than a pastor; he is an influencer. He's had the pleasure of serving on many civic and religious commissions and boards, including being elected President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester in 2011. He's a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., a Master Mason of St. Joseph Lodge #117 Free and Accepted Masonry, a member of the Buffalo Soldiers MC, and the Founder, CEO, and Director of Friendship For Tots Inc.
-
1988 - Preached his first sermon at Little Friendship UFWB Church
-
1989 - Elected Pastor of Little Friendship UFWB Church, Mt. Vernon, NY
-
1991 - Received Bachelor of Science Degree from Nyack College
-
1993 - Received Master's Degree from Alliance Theological Seminary - Appointed Chaplain of Mt. Vernon Police Department
-
1999 - Ordained Bishop by his father the late Bishop Collie Edwers
-
2001 - Elected as the Presiding Bishop of the Middle Atlantic Conference
-
2002 - Elected as the 2nd Vice General Bishop of the Unified Freewill Conference - Additionally named Pastor of Mt. Zion UFWB Church, Edison, NJ.
-
2003 - Published first book Living On The Edge - Operation Faith
-
2007 - Member of Mount Vernon Independent Clergy Group
-
2008 - Published his 2nd book The Power of Determination, Wow, You Can Do It! - Appointed President of Mt. Vernon Civil Service Commission
-
2009 - International Preaching tour in Brazil
-
2010 - Open the doors of Friendship For Tots Early Learning Center
-
2011 - Received his Doctorate Degree from United Theological Seminary - Initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Omicron Iota Chapter
-
2012 - Elected President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester
-
2015 - Established a partnership with the MVCSC to expand the learning center to institute full day Universal Pre K program
-
2017 - Commissioned major renovations to Agape Banquet Facility and the church building
-
2019 - Lead major captial campaign and renovation project to repair the roof and sanctuary
-
2022 - Elected General Bishop of the Unified Free Will Baptist Churches Denomination
- 2024 - Received Apostolic secession and was elevated as an Archbishop within the Holy Catholic Orthodox Christian Community.
