OUR LEADERS
Bishop Eric Butler
Bishop Eric. L. Butler is the Pastor and Founder of Joy of Life Ministries, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska. He has been married to Cynthia L. Fancher Butler, Co Pastor at Joy of Life, for 31 years and they have three wonderful children – Erica, Yvette, and Jonathan. Pastor Eric is the third of six children of the late Attorney/Pastor John and Dr. Fay Ellis Butler of Brooklyn, New York. Superintendent John Butler was the founding pastor of Salvation and Restoration COGIC of Brooklyn, New York. Dr Fay Ellis Butler is an international evangelist, author, nutritionist and nurse. Pastor Eric is a third generation Pastor of the Butler/Ellis Family in the Church of God In Christ (COGIC).
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In addition to being Pastor of Joy of Life Ministries, Elder Eric also serves as the Auxiliary Bishop for the Nebraska Jurisdiction of the COGIC under the leadership of Bishop John O. Ford. He formerly served as State Treasurer for five years. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Purpose Driven Advocacy Center, a community outreach agency of Joy of Life Ministries, Inc.
Pastor Eric Butler is a model of powerful, compassionate leadership both in the church and in the community. The Joy of Life Ministries, Inc. COGIC is blessed to have such a generous, humble and capable man of God leading this work of the Lord.
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CoPastor Cynthia Butler
Evangelist Cynthia Butler is Co-Pastor and Vice President of Joy of Life Ministries, Inc. CoPastor Cynthia is the second of six children born to Florence and Donald Fancher of Pittsburg, PA. She is the wife of Bishop Eric Butler and they have been married for over 30 years and have been blessed with 3 children, 2 son-in-laws and 3 grandchildren
Co-Pastor Butler has been serving the Lord since the tender age of 9 and was baptized with the Holy Ghost at the age of 12. She received her call to ministry at the age of 14 and she was licensed as an Evangelist through the Church of God in Christ at the age of 19 years old. Evangelist Butler, then known as Evangelist Cynthia Fancher, was given many opportunities to grow in ministry through the leadership of powerful men and women of God. She has ministered in many states throughout the years and continues to do so as God continues to open doors. Her obedience to the directions of the Lord has allowed her many wonderful experiences of growth and expansion to her ministry and knowledge of the Word of God.
Professionally, Evangelist Butler is an educator. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education; a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. She is currently Executive Director of the Purpose Driven Advocacy Center, which is an Omaha-based 501c3 nonprofit organization and provides tutoring, advocacy, and life-advancement services to the community.