Reverend Dr. Teresa L. Bufford is a Church Planter, Conference Host, Business Consultant, Certified Professional Life Coach, and a native of Greenville, SC. She is the oldest of three children born to Ishman Tate and Ernestine Helliean. She received her early childhood education in the Greenville County Schools. A graduate of Southside High and Greenville Technical College, Dr. Bufford studied Sociology at Lander University, Greenwood, SC, and a graduate of Anderson University, Anderson, SC, where she received degrees in Religion (AA) and Psychology (BA). She received a Master of Ministry degree from Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, and a Certification in Professional Coaching. Dr. Bufford received the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Degree at Clamp Divinity School (Anderson University) and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Organizational Leadership at Columbia University. Dr. Bufford is the recipient of the distinguished South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent Award.

In addition to being God's anointed servant, Dr. Bufford is the loving and supportive wife to Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr. She is also a loving mother and grandmother.

On June 2, 1996, Dr. Bufford planted the Bethel Impact Church (BIC), formally, Bethel Full Gospel Baptist Church. The church opened its doors with no committed members, yet with the heart of God, faith, and prayer . . .“whosoever will let him and her come." BIC is a "ministry of discipleship" with a mission to "Touch Lives With the Word of God." She continues to serve as the lead Pastor of BIC.

In 2015, Dr. Bufford was guided by the Holy Spirit to change the church's name to Bethel Impact Church with a vision to "Impact Lives and the surrounding community" with a focus on BIC to become the nucleus of the community.

Dr. Bufford and BIC held membership with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, where she served as South Carolina State Overseer of Social Action. In September 1998, the Lord added to the work of Dr. Bufford, giving her the assignment to give birth to "The Deborah Generation" Women's Ministry. Her mandate is to unite women annually to equip them for spiritual warfare and empower them for successful living.

 Dr. Bufford is extraordinarily gifted and is a leading mentor to women from all walks of life. She reminds women that "you are fearfully and wonderfully made" and "God has empowered women and men to walk in a life of abundant living, exercising the power of the Holy Spirit and always utilizing  God-given power over all the power of the enemy."

In addition, Dr. Bufford is a participant in the Lott Carey Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving for Black Pastoral Leaders.

A woman of Faith, a Christian counselor, a mentor, and a leading woman of strength and fortitude - Dr. Bufford is passionate about assisting others in walking in their "Divine Purpose."  She lives to rejoice with others in their success.

Fully established in the "Gift of Faith," Dr. Bufford is a testament that nothing is impossible with God. Through life's stresses and disappointments, Dr. Bufford finds strength, comfort, and encouragement from the Holy Scriptures, living by the motto . . .

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

                                                       Philippians 4:13

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Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr., is a native of Buffalo, New York. He was born to the parents of Mr. John and Rose Bell Bufford. He is the 2nd of five children and was educated in the Erie County School District in Buffalo, New York.

Bishop Bufford was greatly influenced by his father's role as head of the household. He proudly acknowledges that his father was his greatest hero and mentor, and his mother was his model of knowing what a good wife looks like.

In 1977, Bishop Bufford moved his family (the late Diane Bufford and 3 children) to Greenville, South Carolina. He and his family joined the Lincoln Street Baptist Church under the leadership, spiritual guidance and tutelage of his mentor, the late Reverend William E. Gamble, Sr. While at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, he served as Chairman of Sunday School, member of the Trustee Board, and appointed deacon.

After serving faithfully for ten years at the Lincoln Street Baptist Church, Bishop Bufford moved his membership and joined God's Chosen Assembly Church (formerly, Ambassadors of Christ). In July 1988, he was licensed to preach the gospel through God's Chosen Assembly Church. He served as Senior Pastor to God's Chosen Assembly for 14 years.

On December 31, 2004, Bishop Bufford joined in holy matrimony to the former Dr. Teresa L. Reeves. As the joining of their union, they are the proud parents of 5 children, Minister Dawn Terry (Elder Cory Terry) Minister Bruce Bufford, Jr., (Bridgette), Elder Brian Bufford (Jennifer), Telicia Reeves and Lakeisha Henderson (Elder Myron A. Henderson). They are blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

On October 14, 2006, Bishop Bufford was consecrated as Bishop of the Lord's Church by the laying on of the hands of the presbyter; consecrating Bishops---Bishop Alfred Jackson, Bishop Andy C. Lewter and Bishop Ralph E. Lewis.

Bishop Bufford formerly served on the Bishop's council of Faith and Power Assembly of Churches (FAPAC).  Presently, he is the overseer of the Bethel Impact Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he and his wife, Dr. Teresa L. Bufford co-labor together in team ministry.

Bishop Bruce Bufford, Sr., is a passionate and prolific preacher who does not live by a motto, instead; he lives and conducts ministry by his passion . . .

"The Man and his Family."