Wendell Sumter

Wendell B. Sumter

Pastor | Educator | Leader | Motivational Speaker

 Wendell B. Sumter hails from Columbia, SC, the capital city of the Carolinas, and was born on February 9, 1968. He is the proud son of the late Mrs. Luella S. Dinkins and Mr. Herbert Neal, and the grandson of the late Rubin and Juliette Neal and Julia Dowdy and Joseph Sumter. Wendell is the oldest of five siblings and a devoted father to his only daughter, Kristin Marleyna Sumter, and a proud grandfather to Mariah Trinity Williams.

Growing up in the small, tight-knit community of Hopkins, SC, Bishop Wendell B. Sumter was shaped by humble beginnings. His ministry began early at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, where he served as Associate Pastor for five years, working closely with youth and music ministries. Ordained to preach in 1990, Bishop Sumter has faithfully served as Pastor of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, since February 1993. Under his leadership, the church has experienced remarkable growth in membership, property acquisitions, and ministry initiatives. His passion for fostering spiritual growth has led to many rededications to Christ and the call of several individuals into the ministry, creating a united family of believers committed to standing firmly on God’s promises.

In addition to his pastoral work, Bishop Sumter has dedicated over 30 years to public education, where he has served as a teacher, leader, and advocate for student success. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Morris College and a master’s in education from the University of South Carolina. Over the course of his career, he has taught second, fourth, and sixth grades, always with a focus on preparing students for academic excellence and personal growth.

Bishop Sumter transitioned into school leadership, serving as Assistant Principal at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins for five years. He then became the Principal of both Great Falls Middle School and Great Falls Elementary School in Great Falls, SC. Under his guidance, both schools made significant strides, earning national recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School and receiving the SC Title I Distinguished School for Progress and National Title I Distinguished School awards.

Currently, Bishop Sumter serves as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Chester County School District in Chester, SC, where he leads efforts in educator recruitment, retention, and professional development. His work in human resources supports a district-wide commitment to excellence, ensuring that teachers and staff are equipped and empowered to help students succeed.

Bishop Sumter is a former member of the Microsoft Education Advisory Board, a Learning Specialist with the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), and a Microsoft Innovative Educator and Trainer. He has traveled the world—visiting places like Prague, Spain, Amsterdam, and India—as a consultant with NCCE and Microsoft, presenting at educational conferences and schools to inspire and motivate educators, students, and leaders from diverse backgrounds.

As a motivational speaker, faculty morale booster, and proven leader, Bishop Sumter is passionate about inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. He believes that every child can learn and that every student deserves the opportunity to compete on a global scale. Through his work in both ministry and education, he helps others achieve the "unreachable" and guides them in their spiritual and educational journeys, fostering growth and success at every step.