Archbishop C. Nathan Edwers, D.Min., serves as the Senior Pastor of Friendship Worship Center in Mount Vernon, New York. Since January 1989, he has provided visionary leadership in multiple roles, including Presiding Bishop of the Middle Atlantic Conference of the Unified Free Will Baptist Churches, Inc. A dedicated shepherd, he has also led the historic Mount Zion UFWB Church in Edison, New Jersey, since 2002. Through decades of faithful service, Archbishop Edwers has nurtured spiritual growth, strengthened communities, and inspired generations of church leaders.
On April 30, 2022, Bishop Edwers was elevated to the esteemed office of General Bishop of the Unified Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. The General Conference of UFWB Churches, one of seven regional conferences under the National Conference of Free Will Baptist Churches, includes more than 15 churches across the tri-state area. His appointment reflects decades of faithful service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the growth, unity, and mission of the church.
Married to his wife, Lady Aro Denise Edwers, in 1987, Bishop C. Nathan Edwers resides in Mount Vernon, New York. 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 C. Nathan Edwers grew up in the church where his father faithfully served as pastor. From a young age, he felt God’s call on his life and, as a teenager, began following in his father’s footsteps, embracing a path of ministry and service.
In 1983, Bishop Edwers took a bold step in his calling, leaving college early to become Pastor of Calvary UFWB Church in Brooklyn, New York. Just six years later, in January 1989, he was called to lead Little Friendship UFWB Church in Mount Vernon, New York—a ministry that would later flourish into the vibrant Friendship Worship Center we know today.
Even while leading in ministry, Bishop Edwers remained committed to academic growth. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Nyack College, his Master’s from Alliance Theological Seminary, and his Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio—an achievement that reflects his dedication to combining faith with knowledge.
Under his visionary leadership, Friendship Worship Center has grown into a thriving spiritual home, partnering with churches, community organizations, and local leaders to serve the Mount Vernon community and beyond. Through decades of faithful service, Bishop Edwers’ devotion to God, education, and community has left a lasting impact, inspiring generations of leaders and believers alike.
As Pastor of Friendship Worship Center, Bishop C. Nathan Edwers has transformed the church from a small family congregation into a thriving institution serving Mount Vernon and beyond. The longest-serving pastor in the church’s history, he has established Friendship as a pillar of faith, service, and community. During his tenure, he was consecrated to the sacred office of Bishop by his father—a milestone that honors both tradition and legacy.
Under Bishop Edwers’ leadership, Friendship has expanded its reach internationally, with ministry opportunities in countries such as Brazil and China. Guided by vision and steadfast faith, he led the church to purchase its current facility and, remarkably, eliminate over $3.4 million in mortgage and related debts during the pandemic—a 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 meeting 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 worldwide. 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 a leader and influencer in both faith and community. He has served on numerous civic and religious commissions and boards, including being elected President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester in 2011. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a Master Mason of St. Joseph Lodge #117 Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the Buffalo Soldiers MC, and the Founder, CEO, and Director of Friendship For Tots, Inc.
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1988 – Preached his first sermon at Little Friendship UFWB Church.
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1989 – Elected Pastor of Little Friendship UFWB Church, Mount Vernon, NY.
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1991 – Received Bachelor of Science degree from Nyack College.
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1993 – Received Master’s degree from Alliance Theological Seminary; appointed Chaplain of the Mount Vernon Police Department.
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1999 – Ordained Bishop by his father, the late Bishop Collie Edwers.
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2001 – Elected Presiding Bishop of the Middle Atlantic Conference.
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2002 – Elected 2nd Vice General Bishop of the Unified Freewill Conference; also named Pastor of Mount Zion UFWB Church, Edison, NJ.
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2003 – Published first book, Living on the Edge – Operation Faith.
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2007 – Joined the Mount Vernon Independent Clergy Group.
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2008 – Published second book, The Power of Determination: Wow, You Can Do It!; appointed President of the Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission.
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2009 – Conducted an international preaching tour in Brazil.
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2010 – Opened the doors of Friendship For Tots Early Learning Center.
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2011 – Received Doctorate degree from United Theological Seminary; initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omicron Iota Chapter.
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2012 – Elected President of the United Black Clergy of Westchester.
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2015 – Established a partnership with the MVCSC to expand the learning center and institute a full-day Universal Pre-K program.
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2017 – Commissioned major renovations to Agape Banquet Facility and the church building.
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2019 – Led major capital campaign and renovation project to repair the roof and sanctuary.
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2022 – Elected General Bishop of the Unified Free Will Baptist Churches Denomination.
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2024 – Received Apostolic succession and was elevated as an Archbishop within the Holy Catholic Orthodox Christian Community.
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