Biography of Dr. Edward Bland
Edward Bland was born on September 30, 1957 to Johnny (deceased) and Mattie B. Bland in Macon, Mississippi. He was educated in the public school system of Macon and graduated from Noxubee County High School. Edward further his education by attending Mary Holmes College where he earned a degree in Computer Science and further matriculated at Jackson State University. Edward relocated to Haines City, Florida in 1979 and in 1980 received employment with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He quickly worked his way up into a management position and later named a regional team leader.
In 1981 he married Patricia Flewellen and God has blessed them with one child, Edward Bland, II. He is currently living Tallahassee.
Dr. Edward Bland served as senior pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Dundee, FL from 1995 until 2010. During his tenure there Reverend Bland embarked upon receiving a formal Christian education by matriculating at Emmaus Baptist College and Seminary of Brandon, FL, where he earned the Bachelor, Master Degrees of Theology and a Doctorate of Theology.
On September 14, 2010, the Lord reassigned Dr. Bland to the pastoral ministry at the Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Ocala, FL. The Lord is greatly blessing the Church family under his leadership. The church is growing spiritually, numerically and financially. Many souls are being saved and spiritual renewal and transformation is taking place in the body of Christ.
Dr. Bland has a great love for teaching and preaching the Word of God and does it with great zeal and passion. His heart is in church growth and development. Many new ministries have been implemented to grow the members, such as evangelism training; children and youth ministry; athletic, greeters, media, outreach, visitors and other ministries have been enhanced.
Dr. Bland has held and continues to hold many local, associational, and State level positions. He serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Florida General Baptist State Convention, Liason to the Headquarters and Board Member of Florida General Baptist State Convention.
