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Reverend Dr. Barry O Shoffner
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Rev. Dr. Barry O. Shoffner, the son of Ms. Kate Shoffner, was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is married to the former Ruth Owens of Sanford, North Carolina, and they are blessed with two wonderful sons, Collins and Corey.
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He graduated from Southern Alamance High School in Graham, North Carolina, and Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1983 he was licensed to preach by the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist in Liberty, NC. He was ordained as a minister by the Deep River Missionary Baptist Association later the same year.
Before accepting the call to the Greater Buffalo Springs Missionary Church, Dr. Shoffner served as Pastor of White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, Lillington, NC, and Butler Chapel Missionary Church, Franklinville, NC. Dr. Shoffner serves as full time pastor of Greater Buffalo Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Church membership has increased under his pastorate. Although, he resides in Lee County, he travels to Hoke County daily. He is committed to his church and to the community where he is a shepherd. June 1, 2014 marks Pastor Shoffner’s 20th years of service at Buffalo Springs Church. He has served in the pastorate for 28 years.
Dr. Shoffner earned a Bachelor of Theology from Shaw Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina, a Masters and a Doctorate of Divinity from the Good News Bible College in Greenville, NC.
Dr. Shoffner is very well known in the community. December 2004 through December 2010, he served as President of the Hoke County Civic League. The league has a membership of over 20 churches. The Hoke County Civic League was organized over 33 years ago to work for a better life for the citizens of Hoke County.
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Among the many other leadership roles beyond the church, Dr. Shoffner served as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Hoke Reading Literacy Council, member of the Hoke County Ministerial Alliance, and a member of the Executive Board of Smart Start.
Shoffner served as First Vice-Moderator of the St. John Missionary Baptist Education Association for four years. On October 12, 2010, Dr. Shoffner was elected Moderator of the St. John Missionary Baptist Association at the 77th Annual Session. Dr. Shoffner is cited as a motivator who provides inspiration and encouragement to others, and leads with a participative management style. Specifically, he has been blessed with the gift to inspire others to reach a potential that far exceeds their expectations.
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Dr. Shoffner has a warm servant’s heart, and an assertive mannerism that motivates persons in his company to aspire for greater things. With an easy smile, he has the ability to make others feel comfortable, and enjoys a rapport with people from all walks of life. He is a gifted orator with a passion to be used of God as he serves humanity with a humble spirit. He has taken literally the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who once said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be taken with painstaking excellence.” Dr. Shoffner strives for excellence in his desire to fulfill his purpose for “kingdom building.”
Dr. Shoffner won the Hoke County Volunteer of the Year award in 2005 for his service to the community. Additionally, he was presented with a plaque from the Governor’s office in 2005 for his outstanding volunteer service to the community.
