About

Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower, a remarkable man of faith and leadership, was born in Gobler, Missouri, to the late Ed and Daisy Hightower. He later moved to Alton, Illinois, where he was raised until he attended Eureka College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His quest for knowledge and excellence took him to various parts of the country, including Chicago, Illinois, Sacramento, California, and eventually Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he would make a lasting impact.Throughout his professional journey, Bishop Hightower underwent extensive training, including the Tom Hopkins Training for Overcoming Objections, Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich,” W. Clement Stone’s “I Feel Healthy, Happy, Terrific,” Zig Ziglar’s “The World’s Greatest Salesperson,” and Dale Carnegie’s “Motivational Thinking.” His career spanned multiple fields, such as insurance, food services, and senior executive roles, including Troubleshooter for Darden Restaurants internationally.While living in North Carolina, Bishop Hightower accepted Christ as his Savior, embarking on a spiritual journey that seemed impossible for man but possible with God. He joined Spring Lake MB Church, where he served as a Deacon before being ordained as a minister in September 1991 under Rev. John McKoy's leadership. His dedication to the ministry led him to start Salem MB Church on May 5th, 1998, which later became New Salem International Ministries.Under his leadership, the ministry grew from humble beginnings to a congregation of over 200 members. They purchased church property, expanded their reach, and established various community programs, including transitional housing for the homeless and an immigration program. Bishop Hightower's vision and commitment were instrumental in the church's name change to New Salem International Ministries on October 29th, 2002.On October 24th, 2014, Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower was ordained and received the office of Bishop under the International Kingdom Covenant Churches, overseeing 216 churches worldwide. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary on May 22nd, 2015. Bishop Hightower was a loving husband and father, a dedicated pastor, and a community leader. He was an entrepreneur, owning Advance Behavioral Center, Inc., and Variety Sales in multiple locations. He was actively involved in several organizations, including the Network of Churches International, the Missionary Baptist Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and served as a head basketball coach.His legacy as a motivator, teacher, preacher, prophet, and evangelist lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His unwavering faith and desire to please God in all he did remain an inspiration. Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower’s life exemplified the belief that with God, all things are possible.

 

Rest in eternal peace, Bishop Eddie Lee Hightower. Your legacy of faith, leadership, and love will forever be remembered.