Bishop Wendell Bernard Sumter's, ministry began at an early age at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC, where he served as Associate Pastor for five years, actively participated in areas related to the youth and music and was ordained to preach in 1990. He faithfully serves as pastor of Zion Mill Creek Baptist Church in Columbia, SC and has done so since February 1993. When he was called to serve at Zion Mill Creek desire was to pastor a church that was willing to grow and God has granted him that and every other desire of his heart as he delighted himself in the law of the Lord.

Under his leadership, the church has undergone growth in membership, property acquisition, ministries and countless testimonies of faith. Additionally, several people have given or rededicated their lives to Christ and others 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.

Professionally, Bishop Sumter has served in the public schools of SC since 1991 and currently serves as Principal of Great Falls Middle School in Great Falls, SC. He holds his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Morris College and a Masters Degree of Education from the University of SC. He also ministers through preaching and song as God opens doors for him to do so.

Personally, Bishop Sumter was born in Richland County on February 9, 1968 and is the proud son of Mrs. Luella S. Dinkins and Mr. Herbert Neal. His grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. 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.

Lastly, 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-personally and spiritually. His life is in God's hand, with Jesus he can make it and with Him he will stand--ministering the Word of God through preaching, teaching and singing to reach the lost for Christ at any cost.