Wendell Sumter

Bishop Wendell B. Sumter hails from the Capital City of Columbia, South Carolina.  Bishop Sumter was born in Richland County on February 9, 1968 and is the proud son of Mr. Herbert Neal and the late Mrs. Luella S. Dinkins. His grandparents, the late Mr. Rufus Neal, Mrs. Juliette Neal and his stepfather, Mr. Willie Dinkins, Sr. also hold him dear to their hearts. He is the oldest of five children and a devoted father to his only daughter, Kristin Marleyna Sumter.

Bishop Wendell Bernard Sumter's ministry began at an early age at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina, where he served as Associate Pastor for five years and was actively involved with the youth and the music ministry.  Bishop Sumter was ordained to preach in 1990 and has faithfully served as Pastor of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina since February 1993.

When Bishop Sumter was called to serve at Zion Mill Creek, his desire was to pastor a church that was willing to grow. God has granted him that and every desire of his heart, as he delighted himself in the law of the Lord.Under the leadership of Bishop Sumter, the church has undergone growth in membership, property acquisitions, ministries and countless testimonies of faith. More importantly, lives have been rededicated to Christ and several have become ministers of the Gospel.  Above all, the ministry has blossomed into an abundantly blessed and united family of believers who stand firmly on the promises of God.

Bishop Sumter has devoted his entire professional career to public education and preparing students for the next realm of academic excellence. Bishop Sumter holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Morris College and a Master of Education Degree from the University of South Carolina.Bishop Sumter, a twenty year veteran of education, has taught second, fourth, and sixth grade.  Bishop Sumter was elevated from the classroom into a leadership role as Assistant Principal at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina for five years.  He later became Principal at Great Falls Middle School and currently serves as Principal at Great Falls Elementary School, Great Falls, South Carolina. He is currently the Chief Human Resource Officer for the Chester County School District in Chester, SC

Bishop Sumter is a Pastor, motivational speaker, faculty and staff morale booster, and a confident and proven leader.  He has spoken at many schools, churches and professional conferences.  He believes every child can- and must learn to compete with students world-wide.  Bishop Sumter masterfully practices the art of educating and preparing students to achieve the unreachable, and spiritually guides those who hear the word of the Lord!God has given Bishop Sumter every desire of his heart: a loving and supporting family, a faithful congregation, special friends in ministry and fulfillment of every vision given to him!