Dr. Teresa L. Bufford is a multi-faceted leader, educator, and the founding senior Pastor of Bethel Impact Church (BIC). With over four decades of ministerial experience, she is dedicated to "Transforming Lives with the Word of God" and fostering community transformation.
Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Bufford serves as a PhD Mentor and Adjunct Professor at Columbia International University (CIU), where she helps shape the next generation of global leaders. She's a scholar with dual doctorates in Ministry and Organizational Leadership, integrating spiritual depth with professional excellence as a Certified Life Coach and business consultant.
Beyond her dedicated services as a servant of God, Dr. Bufford is the devoted and supportive wife of Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr. She is a loving mother of two daughters—cherishing the memory of her eldest, who now rests in the bosom of Jesus—and a proud grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. Through her union with Bishop Bruce, she also embraces the role of 'bonus mother' to three adult children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, finding great joy in her ever-growing family.
Key Highlights:
Driven by her motto, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), Dr. Bufford remains a steadfast mentor to women and a leading voice in spiritual warfare and empowerment.
Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr., is a native of Buffalo, New York. He was born to the parents of Mr. John and Rose Bell Bufford. He is the 2nd of five children and was educated in the Erie County School District in Buffalo, New York.
Bishop Bufford was greatly influenced by his father's role as head of the household. He proudly acknowledges that his father was his greatest hero and mentor, and his mother was his model of knowing what a good wife looks like.
In 1977, Bishop Bufford moved his family (the late Diane Bufford and 3 children) to Greenville, South Carolina. He and his family joined the Lincoln Street Baptist Church under the leadership, spiritual guidance and tutelage of his mentor, the late Reverend William E. Gamble, Sr. While at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, he served as Chairman of Sunday School, member of the Trustee Board, and appointed deacon.
After serving faithfully for ten years at the Lincoln Street Baptist Church, Bishop Bufford moved his membership and joined God's Chosen Assembly Church (formerly, Ambassadors of Christ). In July 1988, he was licensed to preach the gospel through God's Chosen Assembly Church. He served as Senior Pastor to God's Chosen Assembly for 14 years.
On December 31, 2004, Bishop Bufford joined in holy matrimony to the former Dr. Teresa L. Reeves. As the joining of their union, they are the proud parents of 5 children, Minister Dawn Terry (Elder Cory Terry) Minister Bruce Bufford, Jr., (Bridgette), Elder Brian Bufford (Jennifer), Telicia Reeves and Lakeisha Henderson (Elder Myron A. Henderson). They are blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
On October 14, 2006, Bishop Bufford was consecrated as Bishop of the Lord's Church by the laying on of the hands of the presbyter; consecrating Bishops---Bishop Alfred Jackson, Bishop Andy C. Lewter and Bishop Ralph E. Lewis.
Bishop Bufford formerly served on the Bishop's council of Faith and Power Assembly of Churches (FAPAC). Presently, he is the overseer of the Bethel Impact Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he and his wife, Dr. Teresa L. Bufford co-labor together in team ministry.
Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr., is a passionate and prolific preacher who does not live by a motto, instead; he lives and conducts ministry by his passion . . .
"The Man and his Family."