Rev. Dr. Lehman D. Bates, II is a native of Columbus, Ohio and second-generation Pastor in a long familial lineage of Spiritual Leaders. Dr. Bates numerous residential venues provided him at an early age with a broad and varied perspective of the human dynamic.

With over twenty (20) years in Gospel Ministry, Dr. Bates responded to the Pastoral Call in August 1987 at the First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, where his father still Pastors. He received his Ordination in June 1993, became a full-time Pastoral Assistant in January 1999 and in February 2000, served briefly as Interim Pastor at the New Redeemer Baptist Church, Washington, DC.

In February 2006, Dr. Bates accepted the call to Pastor the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Charlottesville Virginia. Since that time, Dr. Bates has lead a transitional and transformational renaissance of a congregation with over a one-hundred-seventeen (117) year storied history, and one who has been led by only two (2) Pastors in the previous seventy-eight (78) years.

Throughout his life, Dr. Bates has participated in numerous domestic and international humanitarian initiatives spanning over four (4) decades. Domestically, he has participated directly in outreaches which include post-Katrina efforts in Shreveport, Louisiana. Internationally, with travels to over a dozen countries on five continents, Dr. Bates has participated in direct efforts to provide healthcare, critical needs, and spiritual empowerment to ethnic groups within the African Diaspora.

As a former Corporate Consultant, Dr. Bates background of over twenty (20) years in the computer industry includes various capacities as Project Manager, Management Consultant, Senior Systems Analyst, Software Developer and Trainer, and Senior Technical Writer.

Dr. Bates II holds a B.A. in Organizational Behavior, M.A. in Christian Pastoral Counseling, and Doctorate of Divinity (honoris causa). He is Licensed Temperament Counselor (LTC), a Licensed Pastoral Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Clinical Christan Counselor (LCCC), and a Licensed Certified Pastoral Counselor (LCPC), and is currently in pursuit of an Earned Doctorate of Pastoral Theology.

Dr. Bates extensive involvement in the Charlottesville Community is demonstrated in his participation on numerous area boards. Current and past appointments include but are not limited to

• African-American Pastors Council
• PHAR Advisory Board
• 100 Black Men of Central Virginia
• Good News Prison Ministry
• Charlottesville Citizens Advisory Council
• UVA Health Disparities Board
• City of Charlottesville’s Dialogue on Race Initiative
• University Community Racial Reconciliation Project (UCRRP)
• United Way Funding Review Board
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Funding Review Board

Additionally, Dr. Bates is partnered with numerous interfaith and interracial congregations, challenging individuals and groups to seek the ultimate vision and realization that we are all one 'human family'.

Dr. Bates currently lives in Charlottesville with his wife Gloria, and their feisty Labrador Retriever, Caleb.

Ever cognizant of the global human condition, he remains committed to the spreading of truth, and the advancement of the human condition.