Pastor Sheldon Southerland attended South Lumberton Elementary, South Lumberton Jr/Sr High School, and graduated from Lumberton Senior High School in the spring of 1971.  Pastor Southerland began his collegiate career at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (NCA&T), where he earned three degrees.  He received a BS in Industrial Arts in 1976, a MS in Industrial Arts in 1982, and a MS in School Administration in 1985.  Pastor Southerland continued to advance his educational background through attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he earned and received an Advanced Specialist Degree, an EDS in Educational Leadership in 2000.  Pastor Southerland’s most recent degree has been obtained from Western Carolina University (WCU), where he earned a MPM, Master in Project Management, December of 2011.

            Pastor Southerland taught Technology Education at Horton Middle School, in Pittsboro, NC for 10 years.  He then taught at Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC for 3 years.  Next he taught at Gibson Middle School, in Danville, VA for 3 years, and is currently teaching at George Washington High School, also located in Danville, VA.  Pastor Southerland has had the opportunity to serve as the Director of Career and Technical Education in Burlington City Schools for 10 years, where he is retired as Program Manager.  He also worked in Career and Technical Education for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for 7 years.

            Pastor Southerland has served as the President of Chatham County Association of Educators, President of the North Carolina Association of Vocational Directors, as well as State Chairman of the North Carolina Ministerial and Campground Association for 5 years.

            Pastor Southerland has served as Pastor at Locke Street Church of God in Salisbury, NC for 7 years.  He then moved on the Church Administer at Stokesdale Church of God in Stokesdale, NC for 3 years.  Pastor Southerland is currently the serving Pastor of Friendship Community Church of God in Greensboro, NC.  He has led this congregation for 17 years and counting.

            When not working, Pastor Southerland enjoys reading, wood working, biking, and fishing.  Pastor Southerland is a member of Sertoma International as well as Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc.

            Pastor Sheldon Southerland is married to Mrs. Deborah Smith Southerland.  They have been married for 42 years.  Pastor and Mrs. Southerland have three children, Lisa, Sharon, and Tavion.  They also have 6 grandchildren

Deborah Southerland

Bio Coming Soon!

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