Our Leaders

fam·i·ly /ˈfam(ə)lē/
To some, the true meaning of family is a group of people related by blood or ancestry.
To St. Paul, it has nothing to do with genes and everything to do with love, compassion,
and support. Meet St. Paul’s first family. While a picture can only show so much, this is
one family that is always a joy to see in action.

Bio: Who’s to say your calling is not your own? No stranger to Central Florida, Pastor Sammie J. Edwards,
Sr. is the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church-Sanford.
Well known for his ability to rewind and press play on any biblical story, pastor Edwards has mastered
the storytelling business. While rearing two sons, being a provider to his wife and devoted full-time to
ministry, Pastor Edwards has walked closer to God day by day for well over 20 years. Let not your mind
get you twisted; Pastor E is not ashamed of his past! What prosperity comes with little to no struggle?
Pastor Edwards frequently reminds others, “It hasn’t all been peaches and cream”! Getting saved well
over 60 times, pastor E continues to thank God for that final time that got him over.
A true visionary, leader and strong man of God, Pastor E has no desire to stop now. Sanford has not
merely seen the beginning, but the end to what was, stay tuned to what is to become!

Bio: Elect Lady Shawntara Edwards affectionally known as “Lady E”, serves as a Spiritual Partner and
Motivator to her husband, Pastor Sammie J Edwards Sr. Through their partnership, her faithfulness and
the immeasurable undying love she exemplifies for God, she has become an upstanding community role
model and leader. Her leadership skills and approachable attitude allows her to have a life changing
impact on others. Maya Angelo may have said it, but “Lady E” lives it, “my mission in life is not merely
to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some
style “.
“Lady E” loves with no expectations. She gets joy out of sharing any opportunity to expound on her
personal experiences, be it shortcoming or praiseworthy. Lady E’s demeanor, maturity and diverse
fashion elicit the youth and elderly. Her Godly presence and radiant smile is sure to illuminate any
room. The love and nurturing she exemplifies to her son’s, prepares her to fulfill her purpose of reaching
the lost at any cost and embracing everyone she encounters.
The summation of her past, future and testimony are captured in one scripture: Proverbs 31-30 “Charm
is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised!”