Reverend Eric R. Cummings, Sr - Moderator

NEXT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT
Family
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Born in Ocala, FL, on March 12, 1969, to the late Ms. Florine Nivins and the late Mr. Joseph A. Cummings Sr.
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Married to Lisa Colbert Cummings.
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Proud father of six children and grandfather of five.
Education
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Graduated from Ocala Forest High School in 1987.
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Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management, Magna Cum Laude, from Edward Waters University, Jacksonville, FL.
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Achieved both Bachelor and Master of Theology degrees, Magna Cum Laude, from United Theological Seminary and Bible College, Monroe, LA.
Career
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Served 25 years with the Florida Department of Corrections.
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Elected to the Marion County School Board in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
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Chairman of the Florida School Board Association Leadership Committee (2023–2024).
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Vice Chair of the Florida School Board Association Advocacy Committee (2024–present).
Ministry Experience
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Licensed to preach in 2003 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Cecil Wilson.
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Ordained in 2006 by the Second Bethlehem Baptist Association under the leadership of Dr. Fred Maeweathers, Moderator.
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Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church, Dunnellon, FL (2006–2016).
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Pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Ocala, FL (2016–present).
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Chaplain with the Inter-America Chaplains Association (2024–present).
Second Bethlehem Baptist Association (SBBA)
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Assistant Director General (2007–2009).
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Director General (2010–2012).
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General Secretary (2012–2022).
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President, Congress of Christian Education (2022–2024).
Florida General Baptist Convention (FGBCI)
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3rd Vice President, Congress of Christian Education (2017–2022).
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4th Vice President, Congress of Christian Education (2024–present).
National Baptist Convention USA (NBC USA)
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Member of the Advisory Committee to the Sunday School Publishing Board.
Fraternal & Civic Leadership
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Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Psi Chi Chapter); currently serves as Chapter Basileus.
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Director of Religious Affairs, Marion County Branch NAACP.
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Board Member, Transitions Life Center (TLC).
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Member of the Estella Byrd Whitman Advisory Committee.
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32nd Degree Master Mason, Dunnellon Lodge.
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Past Grand High Priest, Carter Royal Arch, State of Florida.
Community Honors
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Inducted into the Marion County Black History Museum and Archives (2024).
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Recipient of the Shiloh SDA-Good Samaritan Servant Leadership Award (2024).
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Awarded the Community Service Superman Award (2023).
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Named Omega Man of the Year (2018).
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Recipient of numerous other honors, awards, and recognitions.