I am Bishop John Edwards, the Senior Pastor here at The Erwin Church of God Spirit Life Center.  I am a 1987 graduate of Unicoi County High School and I attended Draughns Jr. College, East Tennessee State University and the Church of God School of Ministry.  I began ministry in 1986 and have served in nearly all areas of ministry; youth, evangelism, pastoral, education, media, print, publishing, bereavement, administration and many others. My wife, Lori and I have also served the Kingdom of God across the great state of Tennessee, serving Churches in Lafayette, Erwin, Unicoi, Tennessee Ridge, Philadelphia, Westmorland, and Sparta.  This has given us a wide range of experience to bring to bear on the needs of this church and community.  It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will move in me, molding these God given experiences into tools that He can use to win souls in our community.  
My partner in ministry is my beautiful wife, Lori Hire Edwards. Lori grew up in the Southwest Church of God in Indianapolis, IN and we met and were married in 1994 at the Lafayette Church of God in Lafayette, TN where I was serving as youth Pastor. Lori's beautiful voice, musical training and passion for praise and worship have made her a vital part of the ministry that God has called us to. Lori and I have one son, James Ryan and his wife Cindy and three grandsons, Desmond, Dakoda, and William.