Pastor | Educator | Mentor | Advocate

The Reverend Dr. Mary F. Rhodes is a distinguished pastor, educator, and servant leader whose ministry is defined by compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering others through faith and service. With over two decades of pastoral leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she currently serves as the pastor of Friendship AME Church in Pinewood, South Carolina, where her dynamic leadership has fostered spiritual growth, digital literacy, church renovation projects, and self-esteem mentoring programs for women and youth.

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Under her guidance,  as the President of the Seventh Episcopal District Women in Ministry, WIM has flourished through revitalized communications, strengthened associate member engagement, prayer initiatives, and upgraded administrative systems. She has formed meaningful partnerships with AME Church auxiliaries, honored the legacy of WIM trailblazers, and inspired a new generation of women clergy through mentoring and financial support. Her global outreach includes distributing AME Disciplines to Global Districts and sponsoring children in Haiti and the United Kingdom, reflecting a ministry far beyond local borders.

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Previously, Dr. Rhodes served as Central Conference Women in Ministry (WIM) Coordinator, where she led impactful revivals across multiple Presiding Elder Districts, encouraged women to pursue ordination, and expanded associate member engagement. She has also taught classes for the Central Conference Board of Examiners, providing spiritual and academic guidance to candidates answering the call to ministry. Her longstanding commitment to ministerial preparation includes serving both as Secretary and currently as Registrar for the Board of Examiners. In addition, she has held key leadership positions within the Central Annual Conference, including Assistant Secretary and Conference Secretary, where her administrative expertise and organizational insight were vital to the success of conference operations.

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Dr. Rhodes is a faithful and trailblazing pastor who has served multiple congregations—Society Hill, St. Matthew, and Providence AME Churches—where she made history as the first female pastor appointed to each charge. Her ministry has consistently uplifted congregational leadership, strengthened intergenerational relationships, and fostered personal spiritual growth and active community involvement. With a heart for service and a vision for transformation, she has led each congregation with grace, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the holistic well-being of the church.

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Dr. Rhodes is also a respected professional in the field of higher education, serving as Director of Testing at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College since 2005. In this role, she oversees testing operations, supervises staff, maintains technological infrastructure, and supports student success. Her professional background includes over 30 years as a Registered Cosmetologist and Instructor, where she mentored students and built strong client relationships.

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Her commitment to service extends far beyond the pulpit. Dr. Rhodes has volunteered with Agape Hospice, served as an Associate Chaplain in a local hospital, and worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide mentorship and spiritual guidance. She is a certified Mental Health First Aider, continuing to support holistic wellness in her community.

Throughout her ministry, Dr. Rhodes has been recognized for excellence and service, including the Jarena Lee Award, the Hulda Award, Pastor of the Year, the Most Congenial Award, and others that reflect her character, compassion, and calling.

Dr. Rhodes holds a Doctor of Ministry from Hood Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Allen University, and additional Business Administration and Cosmetology credentials.

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She is married to Mr. Larry Rhodes, her loving and supportive partner in life and ministry. A lifelong learner and devoted servant, Reverend Dr. Mary F. Rhodes continues to lead with wisdom, humility, and a heart for ministry—empowering others to embrace their divine purpose and live out their call with courage and faith.