Today we’d like to introduce you to Rev. Dr. Eric George Vickers, Sr.
Rev. Dr. Eric George , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My life has been an adventurous journey of faith and resilience. I was born to a teenaged mother and raised in Pontiac, Michigan just outside of Detroit. Although my early circumstances were less than ideal, I was surrounded by a loving and supportive family who valued the importance of faith and education. My maternal grandmother, Irma Jean Vickers, was the primary agent of my nurture and rearing. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse until an unfortunate work accident forced her to medically retire. As a result, we weathered many tough times, but she made every sacrifice to ensure that I had every opportunity to grow into a well-rounded person. For the entirety of my upbringing, I was active in church, sports, and community-driven youth organizations.
At the age of 16, my mother passed from colon cancer complications at the age of 35. As the eldest of five siblings, I felt a tremendous weight of responsibility upon my shoulders. Additionally, I began to wrestle with a call to the Gospel ministry. After prayer and consultation, I announced my calling before my home church at age 17 and was licensed to preach at 18. After working in ministry apprenticeships and staff positions, my pastoral ministry began at the young age of 24. In my ministry, I have planted a church and pastored two established churches prior to my current assignment: Pilgrim Baptist Church on English Avenue and Beulah Baptist Church of Atlanta. Today, I am blessed to serve one of God’s great churches, Fairfield Baptist Church.
Through determination, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Morehouse College, the Master of Divinity from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry from Duke University Divinity School. In addition to leading Fairfield, I am a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of Prince Hall F&AM, 100 Black Men of Dekalb County, and President of the Baptist State Convention of Georgia. I am happily married to Mrs. Shani K. Vickers and the father of Eric Jr., and Charese Madison Brielle.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the great failures of social media, is that it is often used to illuminate life’s highlights and successes, but rarely to recount the mistakes and challenges that loiter the road to success. Also, many people assume that pastors are without challenges because of our work–but that could not be further from the truth. In my life and ministry, I try to be transparent about my challenges in order to inspire those furthest out and deepest down. I have had to navigate divorce, challenges with a blended family, educational setbacks and delays, financial instability, vocational insecurity, depression, regret, fatigue, and quite simply, failure. I have had to learn how to be gracious with myself by being the first to forgive myself. I am still learning how to balance family and ministry, embracing the reality that pastors should be concerned about their own mental health, and pointing others to an eternal hope in the midst of perpetually blatant despair.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fairfield Baptist Church?
With all prejudice and extreme bias, Fairfield is the greatest church anywhere! Fairfield Baptist Church is a church that lives at the intersection of reverence and relevance. It is a place where everyone in the family can find a place while growing in their faith. We are a church of stability. I am only the 7th Pastor in 140 years. We are a church that places a premium on love and kindness and are always interested in using innovative and imaginative ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For years, Fairfield Baptist Church has been one of Metro Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Since 1885, Fairfield has been a beacon of light and hope and continues to impact families, the Redan community, the city of Lithonia and Dekalb County through spiritual and social transformation. We strive to become, “A Whole People taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World!” Our belief is that the ministry of Jesus Christ brings transformation of the soul and society.
As Senior Pastor, I am often asked from those outside of the church about what makes Fairfield special. For those who are familiar with our ministry, it is assumed that it’s the 2500 members, the 40 acre campus, the social media presence or the financial resources. While we admit these are blessings, our position is that they are merely tools to help us impact people of every nation and generation with the Good News. The best part of our church is the genuine love that is shared among the people. Even if it is your first time, you are immediately treated like family. That’s a rarity in church and society! Fairfield is truly a special place for people who are interested in learning about God, growing in their walk, and looking for a faith place for the entire family.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My recommendation is to submit to an unbiased personal assessment that gages your weaknesses and strengths. Determine what you are most passionate about and where your greatest skills show. Be courageous and humble enough to reach out to people who have done what you would like to do with excellence and integrity. Work as if it depends upon you and pray as if it all depends upon God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fairfieldbc.org
- Instagram: FairfieldBC
- Facebook: Fairfield Baptist Church
- Youtube: Fairfield Baptist Church
