Pastor Sean Edwards

Founder and Pastor of Empowerment Word Church, a native of Queens, New York but raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Sean has served in several capacities in the local church for many years under the leadership and guidance of Senior Pastor Dr. Michael Moore, of Faith Chapel Christian Center. His journey began when he was saved at the age of eleven and was mentored by his grandfather who would travel from New York to Birmingham often sharing the gospel of Jesus as he visited with old friends during the summer. It was during those early days that seeds were sown into his heart. Sean has spent over half of his life being a servant. Specifically, he served in the United States Army Reserve, where he retired as an Army Major. He also has served over twenty-one years as a Birmingham police officer.

In 2002, while on active duty in Virginia, God spoke to him about his call to the ministry and with a humble heart and like a good soldier he accepted. In 2010, eight years later during a worship service, God spoke to him again but it was more specific. God had called him to Pastor. In 2013, Sean and his wife Gwen began holding a Bible study which lasted only one year until God began speaking to him again. Immediately, he knew that God was leading them to start a church.

In the summer of 2014, after much prayer and counsel from mentors and close friends, God birthed a vision and desire to plant a new church in the Shelby County area. Sean is passionate about seeing people living fulfilled lives that are pleasing to God and believes the local church is the hope of the world. He believes through the local church, people can be empowered with the word of God and in response promote the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sean is excited to serve in ministry alongside his wife Gwen, his high school sweet heart. They have three wonderful children, Sean Emory, Silas, and Starla. In their spare time, Sean and Gwen enjoy spending time together, visiting friends and catching a good movie.