About Us
What We Believe
WE BELIEVE IN – The Forgiveness of Sin
1st John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
WE BELIEVE IN: One Baptism, One Faith, One God
Ephesians 4:5-6: One Lord, one faith, one baptism: one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
WE BELIEVE IN: The Bible as the Inspired Word of God
2nd Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
WE BELIEVE IN: The Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Our Leaders
PASTOR R. ANTONIO MCDUFFIE
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Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie
A Humble Servant. | A Community Leader. | A Visionary Shepherd.
Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie gave his life to Christ as a young man and renewed his relationship with the Lord in 2004. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to faith, service, leadership, and community impact.
A 1980 graduate of Woodlawn High School, Pastor McDuffie furthered his education at Frostburg State College and later earned his Diploma in Biblical Studies from Life Christian University. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a licensed professional Master Barber.
Community Leadership & Entrepreneurship
In April 2000, Overseer McDuffie and his wife, Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie, founded Antonio Hair Design in the Brooklyn community. Through business ownership, they have consistently served as pillars within the neighborhood.
For over 20 years, he served as President of the Brooklyn Park Broncos Youth Organization, mentoring young men both on and off the field—instilling discipline, integrity, leadership, and faith.
In 2017, he launched “Suits and Supper,” a men’s empowerment initiative designed to strengthen men physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Overseer McDuffie faithfully served at Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church for 15 years in multiple leadership roles, including:
- Elder
- Trustee
- Evangelist
- President of the Men’s Organization
- President of the Ushers Board
In June 2017, he and Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie were called by God to birth Empowered Church Ministries (ECM), Assembly of Christ Inc. (AOCI) under the covering of Bishop Leroy McDuffie Sr.
They were officially installed as Pastor in July 2017. In July 2022, Pastor McDuffie was elevated to the office of Overseer within the AOCI order.
Family
Overseer McDuffie has been united with his God-sent partner, friend, and wife for over 27 years. They are blessed with:
1. Two sons:
- Antonio (wife Honesty), who serves in the United States Air Force
- Aaron, a Penn State graduate
2. Two granddaughters:
- Aaliyah
- Aria
Family remains central to his life and ministry.
Vision & Scripture
Overseer Pastor McDuffie believes the true calling of Empowered Church Ministries is outreach—ministering beyond church walls and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
His vision is to: Empower. Inspire. Encourage.
His life scripture is:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6
Grace and Peace,
Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie

Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie
A Humble Servant | A Community Leader | A Visionary Shepherd
Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie gave his life to Christ as a young man and renewed his relationship with the Lord in 2004. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to faith, service, leadership, and community impact.
A 1980 graduate of Woodlawn High School, Pastor McDuffie furthered his education at Frostburg State College and later earned his Diploma in Biblical Studies from Life Christian University. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a licensed professional Master Barber.
Community Leadership & Entrepreneurship
In April 2000, Overseer McDuffie and his wife, Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie, founded Antonio Hair Design in the Brooklyn community. Through business ownership, they have consistently served as pillars within the neighborhood.
For over 20 years, he served as President of the Brooklyn Park Broncos Youth Organization, mentoring young men both on and off the field—instilling discipline, integrity, leadership, and faith.
In 2017, he launched “Suits and Supper,” a men’s empowerment initiative designed to strengthen men physically, mentally, and spiritually.
In June 2017, he and Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie were called by God to birth Empowered Church Ministries (ECM), Assembly of Christ Inc. (AOCI) under the covering of Bishop Leroy McDuffie Sr.
They were officially installed as Pastor in July 2017. In July 2022, Pastor McDuffie was elevated to the office of Overseer within the AOCI order.
Family
Overseer McDuffie has been united with his God-sent partner, friend, and wife for over 27 years. They are blessed with:
1. Two sons:
- Antonio (wife Honesty), who serves in the United States Air Force
- Aaron, a Penn State graduate
2. Two granddaughters:
- Aaliyah
- Aria
Family remains central to his life and ministry.
Vision & Scripture
Overseer Pastor McDuffie believes the true calling of Empowered Church Ministries is outreach—ministering beyond church walls and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
His vision is to: Empower. Inspire. Encourage.
His life scripture is:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6
Grace and Peace,
Overseer Pastor R. Antonio McDuffie

Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie
Empowered Church Ministries
Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie is truly a woman of God. Affectionately known as “Lady D,” she has devoted her life, time, and energy to building up the Body of Christ and serving God’s people with compassion and excellence.
Her Journey of Faith
In her youth, she developed a relationship with the Lord. Though she strayed for a season, she renewed her commitment to Christ in 2002 and has faithfully walked in her calling ever since. From an early age, she recognized that her love for people extended far beyond family. She embraced a genuine desire and calling to help others—not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually as well.
Born in Cherry Hill, she attended Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served in multiple capacities, including Youth Leader, Chair of the Outreach Ministry, Church Treasurer, Trustee Board Member, Ordained Deaconess, and Elder. Her heart for service has always been evident through her dedication and leadership.
Education & Professional Career
Co-Pastor McDuffie has worked in the medical field for over 35 years and is a Registered Nurse who continually seeks to care for and nurture others.
Her educational accomplishments include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Certificate in Forensic Science
- Advanced Diploma in Theology and Biblical Studies from Life Christian University
Her education and professional background reflect her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, both in healthcare and ministry.
Ministry Leadership
In June 2017, Pastor Antonio McDuffie and Co-Pastor McDuffie were called by God to birth Empowered Church Ministries Assembly of Christ Inc under the covering of Bishop Lee Roy McDuffie Sr., and were officially installed as the shepherds of that house.
She currently serves as:
- Co-Pastor
Family & Community
Co-Pastor McDuffie has been married to Pastor Antonio McDuffie for over 28 years. Together they are the proud owners of Antonio’s Hair Design, faithfully serving the Brooklyn community since 2000.
They are blessed with two sons:
- ·Antonio, who serves in the United States Air Force, his wife Honesty, and their daughters Aaliyah and Aria
- Aaron, a graduate of Penn State University
Her life scripture is:
“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord, to those who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28
Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie believes that this journey is only the beginning of what God has in store. With faith, obedience, and a willing heart, she continues to serve boldly and walk confidently in God’s purpose.
Peace & Blessings,
Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie
Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie
Empowered Church Ministries
Co-Pastor Duanelle McDuffie is truly a woman of God. Affectionately known as “Lady D,” she has devoted her life, time, and energy to building up the Body of Christ and serving God’s people with compassion and excellence.
Her Journey of Faith
In her youth, she developed a relationship with the Lord. Though she strayed for a season, she renewed her commitment to Christ in 2002 and has faithfully walked in her calling ever since. From an early age, she recognized that her love for people extended far beyond family. She embraced a genuine desire and calling to help others—not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually as well.
Born in Cherry Hill, she attended Cherry Hill Community Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served in multiple capacities, including Youth Leader, Chair of the Outreach Ministry, Church Treasurer, Trustee Board Member, Ordained Deaconess, and Elder. Her heart for service has always been evident through her dedication and leadership.
Education & Professional Career
Co-Pastor McDuffie has worked in the medical field for over 35 years and is a Registered Nurse who continually seeks to care for and nurture others.
Her educational accomplishments include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Certificate in Forensic Science
- Advanced Diploma in Theology and Biblical Studies from Life Christian University
Her education and professional background reflect her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, both in healthcare and ministry.
Ministry Leadership
In June 2017, Pastor Antonio McDuffie and Co-Pastor McDuffie were called by God to birth Empowered Church Ministries Assembly of Christ Inc under the covering of Bishop Lee Roy McDuffie Sr., and were officially installed as the shepherds of that house.
She currently serves as:
- Co-Pastor
Family & Community
Co-Pastor McDuffie has been married to Pastor Antonio McDuffie for over 28 years. Together they are the proud owners of Antonio’s Hair Design, faithfully serving the Brooklyn community since 2000.
They are blessed with two sons:
- ·Antonio, who serves in the United States Air Force, his wife Honesty, and their daughters Aaliyah and Aria
- Aaron, a graduate of Penn State University
Her life scripture is:
“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord, to those who have been called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28
Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie believes that this journey is only the beginning of what God has in store. With faith, obedience, and a willing heart, she continues to serve boldly and walk confidently in God’s purpose.
Peace & Blessings,
Co-Pastor Duanelle “Lady D” McDuffie









