Rev. Dr. Lehman D. Bates, II

Ebenezer Baptist Church Pastor

Rev. Dr. Lehman D. Bates, II is a native of Columbus, Ohio and second-generation pastor in a distinguished lineage of spiritual leaders. His many childhood and adolescent residential experiences afforded him an early, wide range of communities, cultures, and perspectives, shaping in him a broad and insightful understanding of human experience.

With over thirty-nine (39) years in Gospel Ministry, Dr. Bates responded to the pastoral call in August 1987. He received his ordination in June 1993, began serving as a full-time Pastoral Assistant in January 1999, and in February 2000 was appointed Interim Pastor at the New Redeemer Baptist Church, Washington, DC in February 2000.

In February 2006, Dr. Bates accepted the call to become the 17th Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Charlottesville Virginia. Since that time, Dr. Bates has led a transformational renaissance within a congregation boasting a storied one-hundred-thirty-four (134) year history—one that had been shepherded by only two (2) Pastors in the previous seventy-five (75) years.

As a former corporate consultant, Dr. Bates brings a background of over twenty (20) years in the computer industry serving in various capacities including project manager, management consultant, senior systems analyst, software developer, trainer, and senior technical writer.

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

Throughout his life, Dr. Bates has been deeply committed to humanitarian service, participating in local, domestic, and international humanitarian initiatives for more than five decades. His global work has taken him to over a dozen countries across five continents, with direct engagements in Ghana, Haiti, and the Caribbean. Dr. Bates has contributed to efforts providing healthcare, essential resources, and spiritual empowerment to communities within the African Diaspora.

Within the United States, Dr. Bates has served in multiple outreach efforts including Beaufort, South Carolina, post-Katrina relief efforts in Shreveport, Louisiana and post flood recovery efforts in Princeville, North Carolina.

Locally, Dr. Bates’ extensive involvement in the Charlottesville Community is reflected in his service on approximately twenty (20) boards, committees, and organizations. Over the years. His leadership, advocacy, and consistent presence have made him a trusted voice and a respected partner in community advancement. As a result, Dr. Bates has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including, (but not limited to):

LOCAL

2006 Post Katrina Relief – Shreveport Louisiana
2007 Proclamation - City of Charlottesville
2007 Charlottesville Visit of Minister of Health, Federation of St. Kitts
2008 Recognition of Support – Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis
2008 Recognition – City of Charlottesville Police Department
2010 Recognition – Haitian Ambassador to the US
2013 Certificate of Appreciation – City of Charlottesville Dialogue on Race
2016 Commendation by the General Assembly, Commonwealth of Virginia (2016-HR86)
2021 Community Partner Award – University of Virginia Police Department
2021 Community Outreach Award – Friendship Court Residential Community
2022 Appreciation Award – Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Charlottesville VA
2023 Alicia B. Lugo Outstanding Community Service Award
2024 Citizen of the Year Award – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Xi Iota Chapter
2026 Joint Resolution by the General Assembly, Commonwealth of Virginia (2026-HJR294)
2026 Proclamation – City of Charlottesville

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

Dr. Bates’ favorite motto is “True leaders are not measured by what they have accomplished…They are measured by what they have overcome.”

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