Reverend Ledlum-Bates is a native of Liberia. He is the fifteenth of sixteen biological children
and five adopted siblings. He is happily married to his beautiful wife of 30 years, Mrs. Weade V.
Bates (Vickie). They are blessed with three wonderful adult children: Valerie (Angel), Ulysses
(Doc), and Shelby (Candice). They have three grandchildren: Paris, Zayn, and Ivy.
Reverend Ledlum-Bates has served as a pastor in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United
Methodist Church for twenty years. He has served on the Eastern Shore District, Rappahannock,
and Fredericksburg Districts, respectively, and the Staunton District. In 2019, he was called to
serve on the Cabinet as the Rappahannock River District Superintendent.
Reverend Ledlum-Bates is a family man who loves to preach and teach. He has traveled and
preached throughout the United States.
His educational accomplishments include two undergraduate degrees in Accounting and
Religious Studies/Judaic Studies. He also holds two graduate degrees in Theology and Clinical
Professional Pastoral Counseling. Reverend Ledlum-Bates also holds a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Scripturally, Reverend Ledlum-Bates is motivated by the Prophet Jeremiah and the Epistle Paul.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
Professional Affiliation: Reverend Ledlum-Bates is a Certified Pastoral Counselor, a member of
the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), formerly the American Association of
Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). He is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), a
member of the American Psychological Association (APA). He is also an associate staff member
at the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Counseling (VIPCare), Richmond, VA.
At VIPCare, Reverend Ledlum-Bates provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and
families. As a therapist, he utilizes his expertise and employs an interactive approach to provide
support and practical feedback to assist clients in effectively addressing personal life challenges.
Hobby: His hobbies are reading and sports, especially soccer.
