Meet the Team

Our Pastor

Pastor Sean Edwards

Founder & Pastor

Founder and Pastor of Empowerment Word Church, a native of Queens, New York but raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Sean has served in several capacities in the local church for many years under the leadership and guidance of Founding Pastor, Dr. Michael Moore, of Faith Chapel.

His journey began when he was saved at the age of eleven, mentored by his grandfather who traveled from New York to Birmingham each summer, sharing the gospel of Jesus with old friends. Seeds were sown in those early days.

Pastor Sean has spent over half of his life being a servant. He served in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as an Army Major, and served over twenty-seven years as a Birmingham police officer.

In 2002, while on active duty in Virginia, God spoke to him about his call to the ministry — and with a humble heart, like a good soldier, he accepted. In 2010, during a worship service, God spoke again, this time more specifically: He had called him to pastor.

He believes the local church is the hope of the world — that through it, people can be empowered with the Word of God and, in response, promote the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Sean is excited to serve in ministry alongside his wife Gwen, his high school sweetheart. They have three wonderful children — Sean Emory, Silas, and Starla. In their spare time, they enjoy spending time together, visiting friends, and catching a good movie.

Church Planter Retired Army Major 27+ Years, Birmingham PD Husband & Father

Serving Together

“In 2014, after much prayer and counsel, God birthed a vision and a desire to plant a new church.”

Pastor Sean & Lady Gwen Edwards · Founders, Empowerment Word Church

Co-Pastor

Lady Gwen Edwards

Co-Founder & Co-Pastor · Church Administrator

Born and raised in Birmingham, AL. The youngest of three and the only girl. Lady Gwen has served in several capacities in the local church for many years under the leadership and guidance of Founding Pastor, Dr. Michael Moore, of Faith Chapel.

Her journey began as early as a preteen searching for more out of life and wanting to experience the fullness of God. She was introduced to church by a friend and classmate in middle school, which led to a wonderful relationship with God.

It was January 1988, during high school, when she met a handsome young man who had transferred from A.H. Parker High School. Little did she know — but God knew — he would be her forever love. She married her high school sweetheart of 29 years, and together they have three amazing young adult children: Sean Emory, Silas, and Starla.

In 2015, Lady Gwen started the life group Strong Bonds, focused on living with the one you love. In January 2019, she started F.L.Y. Girl (Females Love Yourself), born out of a need personal and dear to her heart. So many women need to know: you’re enough, you matter, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Be who God created you to be. Be FREE. Be YOU. Be FLY.

In 2020, everything changed. Focus. Insurrection. COVID-19. Breast cancer. But God. Lady Gwen is a breast cancer survivor — there is nothing too hard for her God.

Lady Gwen is excited to serve in ministry alongside Pastor Sean. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, spending time together, visiting friends, and catching a good movie.

Church Administrator Strong Bonds F.L.Y. Girl Survivor