Archbishop C. Nathan Edwers, D.Min. is the Senior Pastor of Friendship Worship Center in Mount Vernon, New York. For more than 36 years, he has served faithfully in various leadership roles within the church, including Presiding Bishop of the Middle Atlantic Conference of the United Free Will Baptist Churches, Inc., and Pastor of the historic Mount Zion UFWB Church in Edison, New Jersey, a position he has held since 2002.
On April 30, 2022, Bishop Edwers was elevated to the esteemed office of General Bishop of the United Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. The General Conference of the UFWB Churches is one of seven regional conferences under the National Conference of Free Will Baptist Churches and encompasses more than 15 churches across the tri-state area. His appointment reflects decades of faithful service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the growth and unity of the church.
Bishop C. Nathan Edwers resides in Mount Vernon, New York, with his wife of 37 years, Aro Denise Edwers. He is the proud father of Sherri and Eric Edwers, father-in-love to Audrey Edwers, and grandfather to Harper Loraine and Theodore Arthur Edwers.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Bishop Edwers was raised in the church where his father served as pastor. From an early age, he embraced his faith and, as an adolescent, heeded the call of God on his life—following in his father’s footsteps in ministry.
His pastoral journey began in 1983 when he left college early to accept the position of Pastor at Calvary UFWB Church in Brooklyn, New York. In January 1989, he was called to serve as Pastor of Little Friendship UFWB Church in Mount Vernon, New York—a ministry that would later become Friendship Worship Center.
Committed to both spiritual and academic growth, Bishop Edwers continued his education while serving in ministry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Nyack College in New York City, his Master’s degree from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York, and his Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Under Bishop Edwers’ leadership, Friendship has flourished through partnerships with churches, community organizations, and government leaders. His dedication to faith, education, and service has shaped both his personal ministry and the lasting impact of Friendship Worship Center on the Mount Vernon community and beyond.
As Pastor of Friendship Worship Center, Bishop Edwers has made remarkable strides in transforming the church from a small family congregation into a thriving institution that serves the people of Mount Vernon and beyond. As the longest-serving pastor in the church’s history, he has positioned Friendship as a pillar of faith, service, and community. During his tenure, he was elevated to the sacred office of Bishop, a consecration performed by his father.
Under Bishop Edwers’ leadership, Friendship has expanded its reach to international ministry, with opportunities for him to preach and serve in countries such as Brazil and China. Guided by vision and steadfast faith, he led the church to purchase its current facility and successfully eliminate over $3.4 million in mortgage and related debts during the pandemic—an extraordinary testament to his leadership and the congregation’s unity.
The church’s expansive facility, which includes a school, banquet hall, and a newly renovated conference center, reflects Bishop Edwers’ commitment to serving both the spiritual and practical needs of the community. Through his guidance, Friendship has launched after-school wrap-around and summer programs for children, a warming center for the homeless, a visitation center for foster families in partnership with the county, and holiday celebrations that foster connection and hope.
Bishop Edwers has also led Friendship into the digital age, extending the church’s ministry to virtual audiences around the world. His dedication to service, vision for growth, and heart for people continue to shape Friendship Worship Center into a beacon of light locally and globally.
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.
