Our Pastor
Pastor (Dr.) Gary L. Pemberton, Sr.
Pastor (Dr.) Gary Lewis Pemberton, Sr. is the youngest of ten children. He is the son of the late Mozella and Edgar Pemberton Jr. He was born on August 14 in Troy, North Carolina. He was educated in the Montgomery County Public School system in North Carolina. He attended Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Multi-Channel Communications Operator. A few after serving in the Army, he became an Army Chief Warrant Officer, specializing in Information Technology.
While on active duty, he continued his education endeavors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland University College, a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona. After his retirement from the military, he acquired a Master degree in Information Technology, Webster University and a Master degree in Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, Virginia. He is the Senior Pastor and founder of Unity Church of Fayetteville Inc. (UCFI), located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Over the course of his spiritual journey, he has had the honor of serving alongside several distinguished leaders who possess a deep commitment to their faith. Notably, he has been fortunate to receive guidance and support from the likes of Apostle Bennie L. Kelly of Miracle Temple, Holy Deliverance Church of God (HDCOG), Apostle (Dr.) Nelson K. Williams of Unity Christian Fellowship International (UCFI), and Bishop (Dr.) Glovenia Lewis Williams of Hallelujah International Ministries, (HIM). These individuals have served as invaluable mentors, spiritual role models, and unwavering advocates of his divine calling.
Pastor Pemberton has had the privilege of worshiping alongside individuals from diverse nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities during his travels as part of the military. He also devoted his time to volunteering in the community and mentoring young people of all ages while stationed in South Korea and Naples, Italy. As an Associate Pastor/Lay leader at a local community church (Chapel) in South Korea, and later as the Executive Pastor at Agape Fellowship Ministries, Inc. in Naples, Italy. He played a key role in launching Hallelujah Full Gospel Ministry on a military base, at the request and appointment of a Naval Regional Chaplain. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Pastor for this historic service, which marked the first Gospel service on a Navy base, led by an Active Army Warrant Officer and a Department of the Army civilian, with support from a United States Navy Chaplain's program.
Throughout his tenure in the ministry, he has served in a multitude of roles including Trustee, Chairman Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Executive Administrator, Assistant Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Senior Pastor. He is a dedicated educator and preacher who ardently promotes cohesion among Church members. Pastor Pemberton, a devoted husband to Evangelist Katrina Pemberton, and a caring father to Gary (Omar) Jr., Kaliah, and Kamari. He is also the proud grandfather of four grandsons, Ethan, Josiah, Melquan, and Legend. Additionally, he holds a special place in his heart for his godchildren, who he treasures dearly. Furthermore, he is blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-love, Ebonee and a son-in-love, Brandon.
