Gaffney native elected to oversee network of 550 worldwide congregations
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

DR. LANCE JETER

Sitting in the pews of Bethel Baptist Church as a child, Gaffney native Dr. Lance Jeter often would sit in awe while listening to sermons being delivered by Dr. J.W. Sanders Sr., sometimes wondering whether he would get his chance when he grew up.

"My grandmother saw to it that I went to Sunday school, church worship service and Bible study every week," Dr. Jeter said. "Those experiences were like experiencing heaven on earth. The sermons by Dr. Sanders were the type to inspire and convict you to maintain a true Christian lifestyle."

Dr. Jeter would get his first notch under his belt in high school, preaching to students and teachers whether in the school bus or inside the building.

The native would leave Cherokee County at the age of 19 for greener pastures in Cleveland, Ohio. However, it did not loosen the roots established while here or take away from his want to serve God.

Dr. Jeter, now 39 and the pastor of Solid Rock Cathedral in Newburgh, N.Y., was recently elected to the position of Chief Prelate, or senior bishop. The minister's job now consists of overseeing the Shekinah Fellowship of Churches, a network consisting of approximately 550 congregations worldwide.

Dr. Jeter said being nominated to the position came as a surprise.

"My childhood friends in Gaffney always would call me "bishop" as a teenager," Dr. Jeter said. "But when the Shekinah Fellowship of Churches met to elect me to the office I was surprised. I was 39 years old at the time and most legitimate bishops are usually 60 and over."

The minister described the process of becoming a bishop as "more detailed than a wedding," with cost and preparation playing a major part.

In addition, two services were held. Church elders, ministers and immediate family members were the only ones allowed to be present at the event in which he signed documents and was clothed with garments signifying Dr. Jeter's promotion to the post.

All were invited to attend the second service as the minister was given the rest of the ceremonial pieces given when taking the office of bishop.

Prior to his promotion, Dr. Jeter planted churches and other ministries in several states including Oklahoma, Florida and Georgia.

"I consider my position to be one of a servant," Dr. Jeter said. "I have a burden for spiritual excellence. So I am planting ministries to ensure that spiritual integrity remain and is restored in some instances back to the church."

However, to bring this to pass the minister believes barriers between races and denominations must be broken down along with Christians taking their walk with God seriously.

"Today's church is not totally sold out to God and what he wants in our lifestyles," Dr. Jeter said. "I once as a 'socalled" Christian was living a life not conducive to the one Christ would like for my life. But I decided years ago that I would allow my talk to line up with my walk with Jesus and hopefully help others reach that point in their lives."

Although he moved many years ago, the minister hopes to come back to his old stomping grounds. Dreams of building a facility in honor of his grandmother and becoming a professional golfer are also on his radar.

But the main thing Dr. Jeter said he desires at this point in his life is the opportunity to begin a family.

"I have no children and I am a widower," Dr. Jeter said. "I desire to get married, but it's hard to find a wife understanding of the things it takes being a servant to the world."