Senior Pastor, Newness of Life Fellowship
Elder Edward L. Ancrum is a devoted servant leader, educator, and Senior Pastor of Newness of Life Fellowship. A native of Ravenel, Charleston County, South Carolina, he is the youngest of eight children born to the late Mike and Rosa Lee Ancrum. His spiritual foundation was established at Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Joseph Heyward, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1976. From an early age, he demonstrated a heart for ministry by serving as Youth Chaplain and Sunday School Secretary.
Pastor Ancrum earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Newberry College and is a graduate of the Ministerial Education and Leadership Training (MELT) Program. Committed to lifelong learning and biblical scholarship, he furthered his theological education through the Charles Harrison Mason Bible Institute (CHMBI) of the Maryland Greater First Jurisdiction.
In addition to his ministry, Elder Ancrum faithfully served the United States Army for more than 21 years as a Human Resources Specialist, ultimately retiring as Chief, Human Resources Supervisor. Following his military retirement, he continued his commitment to public service and currently serves as a Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist with the United States Department of Defense.
In June 2001, while stationed in Mannheim, Germany, Elder Ancrum answered God’s call to preach the Gospel at Holy Ghost Headquarters Church of God in Christ. During his years there, he faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, including Church Administrative Assistant, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Youth Minister, and District Scholastic Motivation Ministries (SMM) Coordinator.
After relocating to Fort Meade, Maryland, in August 2005, Elder Ancrum and his family united with Kingdom Builders Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Kenneth L. Fowlkes. There, he continued to distinguish himself in ministry as Senior Elder, Church Administrator, Chief Armor Bearer, and Bible Teacher. He also served the Gilbert E. Patterson Memorial District as Chief Armor Bearer under Superintendent James E. Jordan.
Elder Ancrum is widely respected for his leadership, organizational excellence, and dedication to ministry at both the jurisdictional and national levels of the Church of God in Christ. He serves as an instructor for the Charles Harrison Mason Bible Institute, a member of the Jurisdictional Ordination Board, and was appointed by Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr. as Assistant Chief Adjutant and Secretary of the Maryland Greater First Jurisdictional Adjutant Corps. Nationally, he serves as a National Adjutant for the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
In January 2026, Elder Ancrum was appointed Superintendent of the Bishop A. R. Shields Memorial District, Maryland Greater First Jurisdiction, by Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr., further affirming his exemplary leadership and faithful service to the Kingdom of God.
The vision for Elder Ancrum’s pastoral ministry was inspired by Romans 6:4:
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
From this divine inspiration, God gave him the vision and name for Newness of Life Fellowship, where he faithfully serves as Senior Pastor. With a heart for evangelism, discipleship, and servant leadership, Pastor Ancrum remains committed to leading people into a transformed life through Jesus Christ, equipping believers for Kingdom service, and advancing the Gospel with integrity, excellence, and compassion.
Evangelist Missionary | Servant Leader | First Lady
Evangelist Linda Ancrum is a native of Elba, Alabama, and a proud third-generation member of the Church of God in Christ. Her Christian journey began under the leadership of Pastor Willie T. Harris of Harris Temple Church of God in Christ in Elba, Alabama, where she experienced salvation, water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost during a church revival.
A devoted lover of God’s Word and His people, Evangelist Ancrum has dedicated her life to serving in ministry and walking in the gift of helps. She is grateful for every opportunity God has provided to serve, encourage, and support the work of His Kingdom.
In July 2001, Evangelist Ancrum was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary by Supervisor Willie O. Wells under the leadership of Elder Earl Peterson, Jr., Pastor of Bountiful Blessings Church of God in Christ in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During her time there, she faithfully served in numerous ministry capacities, including Praise Team Member, Youth Leader, Finance Committee Member, Youth Sunday School Teacher, and Bible Band Teacher.
While residing in Mannheim, Germany, Evangelist Missionary Ancrum served as the Women’s Representative of Holy Ghost Headquarters Church of God in Christ. Throughout her tenure, she provided leadership in various areas of ministry, including Inspirational Team Leader, YWCC President, Pastor’s Aide Committee President, Assistant Youth Coordinator, Prayer and Bible Band President and Teacher, Hospitality President, and member of the Anointed Voices of Praise Choir and Women’s Choir.
As a member of the Germany Jurisdiction, she served with distinction in several leadership and service roles, including Advisory Board Member, YPWW Chairlady, Inspirational Team Member, Adjutant Sister, Department of Women’s Aide, Hulda Club Member, Scholastic Motivation Ministry Coordinator, Deacon and Ministers’ Wives Circle Member, C. H. Mason Member, and Women’s Choir Member.
In August 2005, Evangelist Ancrum and her family relocated from Germany to Fort Meade, Maryland, where they became members of Kingdom Builders Church of God in Christ in Hanover, Maryland. Under the leadership of Superintendent Kenneth L. Fowlkes, she faithfully served Kingdom Builders Ministries as President of the Hospitality Department, Female Armor Bearer and Pulpit Attendant, President of the Evangelist Board, Sunday School Teacher, and member of the Kingdom Builders Women’s Department and Outreach Nursing Home Ministry. She also contributed her gifts through service on the Trustee Board, Finance Team, KB Choir, and Praise Team.
Evangelist Ancrum was honored to be appointed by Senior Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr., Jurisdictional Prelate, as Jurisdictional Lead Sister for the Greater Maryland First Jurisdictional Adjutancy Corps. She currently serves as a member of the National Adjutancy of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Today, Evangelist Linda Ancrum faithfully serves alongside her husband, Elder Edward Ancrum, as Servant Leader and First Lady of Newness of Life Fellowship Church of God in Christ. Together, they continue to serve God’s people with love, humility, and dedication. Evangelist Ancrum and her husband reside in Severn, Maryland, and are blessed to be the proud parents and grandparents of their family.
Her life and ministry are anchored in her favorite scripture:
**Psalm 32:8**
*”I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”*