Biography 

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Family

Rev. Dr. Bernice Belt is married to Harold Belt (U.S. Army, Retired). She is a proud mother of 3 children by birth and 9 in Christ, with a large and loving family that includes 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

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Ministry

Rev. Dr. Belt accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 9 at Woodlawn Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church. Before her 10th birthday, she received her divine call to the Gospel in her secret place on the family farm.

She has faithfully served in ministry across multiple churches and denominations, walking in obedience wherever God has called her. Her service includes:

• Former servant at Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church (Metropolis, IL) under Pastor Joseph Benberry, where she served as a Life Coach, Praise Team member, and minister.

• Extensive leadership at Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as Senior Associate, facilitator of New Members classes, founder of the Performing Arts Ministry, and overseer of multiple ministries.

• First woman ordained in the history of Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Dr. Belt is currently in covenant with Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Paducah, KY) and has served faithfully since 2016.

She was:

• Licensed and ordained through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

• Approved for Word and Sacrament ministry in 2019

• Ordained by Covenant Presbytery on October 27, 2019

She has served as:

• Supply and Stated Supply Pastor

• Part-time Pastor of Village Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Norris City, IL)

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Rev. Dr. Belt continues to preach, teach, counsel, and serve wherever God opens the door across denominations, communities, and regions.

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Education & Profession

Rev. Dr. Belt is highly educated and equipped for both ministry and service:

• Bachelor of Science – Forensics & Public Address (Austin Peay State University)

• Master of Science – Human Development & Leadership (Murray State University)

• Certified Christian Counselor – American Association of Christian Counselors

• Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) – Newburgh Theological Seminary

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Education

• Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth

She has also served as:

• Adjunct Faculty at West Kentucky Community & Technical College

• Adjunct Faculty at Shawnee Community College

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Community Service & Leadership

Rev. Dr. Belt has dedicated her life to serving both church and community. Her service includes:

• Member of UNITY (appointed by McCracken County Judge Executive)

• Ethics Commission Appointee, McCracken County

• Lifetime Member, NAACP (Paducah/McCracken County Chapter)

• Leadership Paducah Graduate

• Board Member: Paducah Lifeline Ministries, Ladies Living Free

• Former Board Member/Leader across numerous organizations including:

  • Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center

  • Habitat for Humanity

  • Market House Theatre

  • Paducah Human Rights Commission (Chair & Executive Director)

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She has also served in anti-bullying initiatives, community unity efforts, and civic engagement roles throughout the region.

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Ministry & Media Work

Rev. Dr. Belt is the Founder, Host, and Producer of multiple outreach platforms:

• The Heart of Collaboration TV Show

• Stewart Girl Ministries Broadcast (Paducah 2 – currently on sabbatical)

• Former radio host of “Iron Sharpens Iron”

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Through these platforms, she has shared the Gospel and provided a voice for preachers, artists, and community leaders.

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She is also the Founder/Overseer of the Collaborative Women’s Conference (Est. 2008), bringing together women across churches and communities in unity and purpose.

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Affiliations

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Chaplain, Historian, Leadership Roles)

• Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU)

• American Association of Christian Counselors

• “Preaching Woman” Network

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Awards & Honors

Rev. Dr. Belt has received numerous honors, including:

• NAACP “Power of One” Rosa Parks Honoree

• Community Coming Together Role Model Award

• African American Accomplishment Award (Pathfinder & Role Model)

• Woman of Achievement Finalist

• Paducah Human Rights Commission Service Award

• International Who’s Who of Public Service

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A Testimony of Victory

Rev. Dr. Belt is a living testimony of God’s power and grace. She has overcome:

• Stage 4 rare cancer

• Domestic violence

• Homelessness

• Divorce and single parenthood

• Financial hardship and academic struggles

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Yet through it all, she boldly declares:

“Neither had the last word—GOD is my God!”