WOODBRIDGE — After 37 years, Michael E. Edwards is retiring from pastoring the flock at Heritage Baptist Church to shepherding his grandchildren after school.
To celebrate the years  Edwards has dedicated to Heritage Baptist Church in Woodbridge, to the surrounding community, and to the service of God, the church  is hosting a Founder Anniversary Celebration beginning on June 2 at 4 p.m. with family activities followed by a dinner at 5:30 p.m. and a tent service at 7 p.m.
Festivities will continue on Sunday, June 3 with worship services at 10 and 11:00 a. m. and 6 p. m. The church asks that anyone attending the dinner contact the church at (703) 680-6629 so they can have enough food.
Dr. Jeff Amsbaugh was named Edward’s successor in September.
While Edwards expressed his enjoyment at being able to spend more time with his grandchildren, his love for the work he did at Heritage Baptist Church is evident.
Edwards, with his wife Nancy, and daughter Melissa, came to Woodbridge in 1981 to plant a church. His goal was to start a church that would impact the local community, government employees, and the world for Christ.
Without a job, Edwards trusted that God would provide for the needs of his family and the church he felt called to begin. The first public meeting of the fledgling Heritage Baptist was held in Potomac Senior High School in Woodbridge with about 40 people from the community in attendance. Average attendance at the church now averages 800 for Sunday morning services.
Edwards expressed his amazement that God allowed him to be part of this effort to reach a community with the gospel of Christ.
In addition to starting and leading Heritage Baptist Church, he also oversaw the beginning of Heritage Christian School. Located on the grounds of Heritage Baptist Church, this school serves over 390 students in grades K-12. Edwards says children and teens need a biblical basis during their formative years that can be provided through a Christian education.
Reaching beyond the community, Edwards has led members of his congregation to plant an additional 12-15 other churches. Edwards has also achieved his goal of having a global impact completing 200 global mission projects, with a $600,000 annual budget.
Edwards gives the recognition for this success to many other people and acknowledges the first pastor that he worked with at Alleghany Baptist Temple in Pennsylvania, the team of people at Heritage Baptist, local county supervisors, and his wife. Planting Heritage Baptist Church “could not have been done without her by my side,” said Edwards.
Edwards sees his legacy as “pioneering the vision that became Heritage Baptist Church and then, without any ego, stepping aside for the second generation to expand on missions work.” He sees his part in all of this as building the base for others to grow on and from. Edwards’ hope for the church as he steps aside is that they now “apply themselves to a focus on missions through world-wide church planting.”
On June 3 Pastor Edwards will transition from Co-Pastor to Pastor Emeritus. However, he is not retiring from ministry completely. After moving to Charlotte, N.C., he will embark on a new career of speaking engagements to help other groups learn how to engage in church planting.
To keep up with Pastor Edwards, visit SharePoint Ministries at sharepointministries.com/blog.
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