James Edwards, III, BS, MDiv.,
D.Min.
In September 1993, Rev. Edwards became the Pastor of New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA. Previously he served as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Orlando, Suffolk, VA for seven years.
Rev. Edwards also served as the Youth Coordinator and Associate Minister for three years at the church of his youth, the prestigious historical landmark, First Baptist Church, Bute Street, Norfolk, VA.
Prior to accepting his call into the ministry, he and his wife owned and operated the JaDe Daycare Center in Chesapeake for ten years. Prior to that endeavor he was employed as a Zone/District Manager for the Virginian Pilot-Ledger Star newspaper for ten years. Rev. Edwards also served three years in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantry Officer from 1969-1972, rising from the rank of second lieutenant to captain. While on active duty in Vietnam, he was awarded several medals, including two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
He has numerous civic and professional affiliations and currently serves as Chaplain of Lambda Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In addition, he serves as the Chaplain for the 3rd District for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rev. Edwards was inducted into the Norfolk State University Military Alumni Hall of Fame. He served as Chaplain for the Norfolk State University National Alumni Association for six years from 2001-2007. Reverend Edwards is currently the President, of the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers' Conference of VA which is 127 years old and the oldest ministers’ conference in Virginia. He also serves on its Theological Scholarship Foundation Board.
Rev. Edwards has taught undergraduate courses at the Richmond Virginia Seminary, Norfolk Extension, conducted workshops and various revivals across the east coast. He and his wife have conducted many Christian Education and marital workshops together.
Pastor Edwards has been married for forty-six years to the former Delores Hall Winfield, who serves as minister of Christian Education at New Rose of Sharon. Together they have three adult daughters, Mrs. Monica Edwards Ferebee (Raymond), Rev. Donita Edwards, and Mrs. Jaimie Edwards Caleb (Keith), as well as five grandchildren and one great grandson.
Pastor Edwards earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology in Richmond, VA and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA.
