
Meet the Pastor
Hello, my name is Eric Hernandez and I have been a pastor at Evergreen United Methodist Church for the last three years.
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My Life Verse:
Haggai 2:5 – "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."
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This verse has been a guiding light in my pastoral journey. It reminds me of God’s unwavering faithfulness and the abiding presence of His Spirit. In a world of uncertainty, His promise strengthens us to move forward with boldness, trusting in His power and provision.
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Meet My Family!
I have been joyfully married to Aime, a devoted woman of God, since July 2001. We have two children, Eric David, who is currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology at Liberty University, and Anabel, who graduated from high school.
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Aime and I have been faithful partners in both life and ministry. We graduated from the seminary together and have shared pastoral responsibilities in every church we have served. Aime holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling for Families and a Master’s degree in Theology. Her heart for ministry and deep commitment to God's calling continue to bless the life of the church.

About Me:
Shepherding a Christ-Centered Community
As a pastoral leader, my vision is to shepherd a Christ-centered, biblically grounded community that reflects the love, grace, and truth of God. My mission is to equip believers to grow in their faith, fostering discipleship, spiritual maturity, and a heart for service. Through preaching, counseling, and leading by example, I seek to create an environment where individuals are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, live out their calling, and stand firm in their faith in a world that challenges them spiritually.
At the heart of my ministry is a commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission—making disciples who are grounded in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit to impact their communities for Christ.
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Leadership Philosophy
My leadership is rooted in servant leadership, following the example of Jesus Christ. I believe in leading with humility, compassion, and a focus on the spiritual growth of the entire church community. I seek to empower and equip the congregation by fostering an environment of trust, open communication, and collaboration.
I encourage every believer to discover and use their God-given gifts in ministry, whether through teaching, outreach, or service. By nurturing discipleship, I strive to equip individuals to grow in their faith, take on leadership roles, and fully participate in the life of the church. I also provide opportunities for lay leaders to actively shape the mission and vision of the church. Together, we build up the body of Christ, serving God and others in unity.
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Core Theological Commitments
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The Authority of Scripture – God's Word is the foundation for faith, doctrine, and practice. My teaching is firmly rooted in Scripture, guiding our congregation in living out the gospel.
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Balancing Tradition, Reason, and Experience – Faith is enriched by a well-rounded theological perspective that honors both the historical and contemporary Christian experience.
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Practical Theology – The gospel must be integrated into daily life, making biblical truth accessible and applicable for individuals and society.
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Engaging with Societal Needs – Following our Wesleyan Methodist heritage, I believe pastors are called to address both personal and societal transformation through biblical teaching and compassionate service.
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Commitment to Study and Reflection – A pastor must remain devoted to lifelong learning, prayer, and theological reflection to faithfully shepherd God's people.
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Academic Background
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Ph.D. in Theology – South African Theological Seminary (2013-2019)
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Master of Theology – Methodist Theological University, Seoul, Korea (2011-2013)
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Bachelor of Bible Studies – FLET University, Miami, FL (studied in Cuba) (2002-2006)
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Bachelor of Education (English as a Second Language) – Universidad de Cienfuegos, Cuba (1987-1992)
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Ministry Experience
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Pastor (2022–Present) – Piney Ridge and Evergreen United Methodist Churches, Appomattox, Virginia
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Academic Dean (2017–2021) – Methodist Evangelical Seminary, Havana
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Professor of Theology (2011–2022) – Methodist Evangelical Seminary, Havana
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Pastor & Church Planter (1998–2010) – Various Methodist congregations in Cuba
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Interpreter & Translator (2001–2022) – Served in national Methodist Church events and interdenominational theological training programs. Translated books for international ministries (CfaN, Word of Joy, Word and Deed, Langham)
Contact
Please reach out to learn more about the church and my heart behind what I do.
Email: erihdez@gmail.com​
Phone: 434-664-5590