In early 1992, Rev. Leroy S. Bowers, former pastor of Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, along with ten faithful members — Miriam Bowers, Jessie Mae Jenkins, Walter Jenkins, Constance “Connie” Brown, Nkechi Brown, David Brown Jr., Cheryl Mills, Charlise Mills, Shari Mills, and Annie Mae Jenkins — began gathering for worship in the conference room of the Marriott Hotel and later at the Felix Pinckney Community Center.
One afternoon, Mrs. Jessie Mae Jenkins and her daughter Connie overheard someone mentioning a building available for rent. They quickly shared the news with Pastor Bowers, who contacted the realtor and was introduced to an even more promising location — a building at 4708 Durant Avenue in the Park Circle community of North Charleston.
On June 10, 1992, under the divine guidance and leadership of Rev. Leroy S. Bowers, El-Shaddai Missionary Baptist Church was officially established.
Laying the Foundation
Rev. Bowers provided El-Shaddai with its firm spiritual foundation. Under his leadership, the church ordained its first deacon, the late Deacon Walter Jenkins, and incorporated in 1995. During his tenure, several vital ministries were formed, including the Deacons Ministry, Usher Ministry, Missionary Board, Trustee Ministry, Sunday School, New Members Class, Nurses Unit, and Youth Ministry.
Seven ministers were licensed under Pastor Bowers’ leadership, including our current pastor, Rev. Cheryl Mills, and one minister, Rev. Genardry Dessasure, was ordained.
In February 2003, God called His faithful servant, Rev. Leroy S. Bowers, home. His vision, leadership, and dedication laid the groundwork for all that El-Shaddai would become.
A New Chapter of Growth
After more than two years without a pastor, in April 2005, Rev. Cheryl Mills was installed as the newly elected pastor of El-Shaddai Missionary Baptist Church.
Since her installation, Pastor Mills has guided the ministry to new levels of growth and outreach. From its humble beginning of ten founding members, the church has flourished to over 238 active members and continues to expand its reach through faith and service.
In honoring the legacy of Pastor Bowers while leading with vision and innovation, Pastor Mills has introduced several new ministries and initiatives, including five choirs, Youth and Adult Praise Dance Ministries, Children’s Church, Sick and Shut-In Ministry, Bereavement Ministry, Brotherhood Ministry, Young Women’s Auxiliary (Y.W.A.), Discipleship Ministry (formerly New Members Class), Media Ministry, and The Academy at El-Shaddai — a Christian early learning center serving children ages two to five.
Continuing the Mission
Pastor Mills’ vision centers on witnessing salvation and spreading the gospel throughout the world. Through this mission, both the “Save a Soul, Change the World” and “G.R.O.W.” ministries were birthed, anchored in the promise of Isaiah 43:19 (KJV):
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Under her leadership, El-Shaddai has remained active in the New Ashley Baptist Church Association, Baptist Ministers Conference & Vicinity, the Park Circle Prayer Campaign, and the Family Stability Group under Trident United Way.
As technology advanced, Pastor Mills ensured that El-Shaddai kept pace with the times — expanding the ministry’s reach through its website, monthly newsletters, and social media presence. In 2011, to better reflect the church’s growing global mission, the congregation voted unanimously to adopt the name El-Shaddai Missionary Baptist Church Ministries International.
Our Legacy
From its humble beginnings to its current impact, El-Shaddai Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand as a testament to God’s grace and faithfulness. What began with a handful of believers has become a thriving ministry rooted in service, worship, and community.
Through God’s mercy, steadfast leadership, and an unwavering commitment to His Word, El-Shaddai Missionary Baptist Church continues to grow — building on a foundation that remains strong and unshakable.