Bishop Edgar L. Vann

Bishop Edgar L. Vann, II of Detroit is a preacher and teacher whose vision for God’s people enables him to build bridges, reach across denominations, generations, gender, race, culture and ethnicity, changing lives and building communities.

Through solemn meditation, Bishop Vann hears the whispers of a powerful voice -– the voice that directs him to lead, teach and preach the word of God. The knowledge and wisdom given to him by the unification of the Holy Ghost continues to reveal impart vision and manifest in him to reach greater heights. On December 5, 1976, he was called to pastor Second Ebenezer Church. During his tenure, the membership of Second Ebenezer has grown from 66 to more than 5,000 committed believers.

Under his dynamic and able leadership, Second Ebenezer has grown in more than just numbers. There are more than 50 active and thriving ministries. This multi-talented man of God uses every spiritual gift given to him to spread the gospel. He preaches, teaches, leads, motivates, sings, directs and plays the keyboards and organ.

Bishop Vann consults to various federal, state and local officials and business leaders on matters of leadership, values and service to the community.

During his years as pastor, Bishop Vann has extensively developed the international ministry of the church and has traveled the country and abroad teaching and preaching to all who desire to know God. A prolific writer, Bishop Vann has penned numerous published articles on a variety of subjects and completed his first book in October 2011, Command Your Destiny; Take Control of Your Life. Bishop Vann has been a featured columnist on faith and policy for The Detroit News and been given the distinction of being one of Metro Detroit’s most influential ministers by the Detroit Free Press. He is recognized for his leadership, his anointed ministry and his continued commitment.

Over the years, Bishop Vann has received numerous accolades and awards for his dedicated service to the church as well as the community at large. Among his recent accomplishments was receiving the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Pastor of the Year in January 2004. He also was inducted into the Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.



Bishop Vann does not limit his ministry to the church. He is founder and president of the Vanguard Community Development Corporation organized in 1994. Currently with a staff of 35, he is leading an entire community in Detroit towards restoration, healing and empowerment. Bishop Vann is also committed to helping individuals destroy the yoke of poverty and affirm themselves with sound biblical principles.



Bishop Vann has preached extensively throughout the United States, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Haiti and Eastern Europe. He fulfills the mission of Second Ebenezer Church as he empowers people everywhere with the Word making a global impact. He is also a mentor, coach and spiritual father to his many sons and daughters in the ministry and pastors throughout the country.


In 2011, Bishop Vann and Second Ebenezer Church embarked on a new ministry to reach further into Metro Detroit and intentionally seek a diverse audience to worship and serve together by planting a church in Macomb County. Ebenezer East offers a fresh and innovative approach to word and worship. It was launched on October 8, 2011 with Saturday evening services at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights. It is Bishop Vann and Second Ebenezer’s first church plant.


Bishop Vann has been married to Elder Sheila R. Vann, a spiritual leader in her own right, since 1978. Together, they have two children, Edgar III and Ericka.

Show full bio

Hide full bio