Meet our pastor
Reverend Pierre L. Edmonds was born and reared in Historical East St. Louis Illinois to his Late Father Vernon L. Edmonds Sr. and Barbara J. Edmonds along with his two siblings Gary Cruise (Carla & family), Vernon Jr. (Eunice & family). Currently, he resides in Round Lake, IL; he has two daughters (Alexus and Phallon) and one granddaughter (Skye Imani).
Reverend Edmonds is the Pastor of Eternal Flame African Methodist Episcopal Church, North Chicago, IL. He has served in the itinerant ministry since June 1996. Currently, Pastor Edmonds is pursuing his Masters of Divinity at Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL.
He is currently employed at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep School, Waukegan, IL as the Dean of Students (Student Services). Reverend Edmonds’ academic portfolio includes a Bachelors of Arts (Social Studies) and Masters of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois. In addition, he is a Certified Football Coach through the IHSA. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Varsity Boys Football Coach at Stevenson High School and Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Lake Forest Academy High School.
He is the founder of the Grow to Learn Ministries (GTL) of Zion, Illinois: The ministry provides outreach to the youth throughout Northeast Lake County. GTL Ministries provides African-American students options. Outreach opportunities include: The Historical Black College Tour, Harambee Orientation, Buddy System, CEO program, ERA project for at-risk third grade students in North Chicago, District 187.
He is truly a devoted community activist. Serving on various advisory boards over the years throughout Lake County: Fighting Back (Community Action) committee member, Project Chance, Project Drive, Project Succeed. Boy Scouts of America (Explorer Program). Waukegan Motivational Task Force Chairman, Advisory Board for Barat College (Incentive Program), Academic Advisor CLC (Black Student Union), Higher Education Committee member (Urban League), LCCA (Lake County Community Allegiance), Deputy Voters Registration for Lake County, Warren Township Youth Program, Salvation Army Education Program (advisor), Park City Alderman Candidate, Warren Township Football Coach 1991-94, North Chicago Football Coach 1995-99, Vernon Hills Football Coach 2000-2001, Zion-Benton Football Coach 2001-2008, North Chicago Football Coach 2008-2012, Waukegan Park District Basketball Coach, North Chicago Basketball Coach, Zion-Benton Basketball Coach and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.