Eddie Persinger

Eddie Persinger II is a native of Raleigh County, WV and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He is also a veteran who served as an Airborne Infantryman and Sapper in the United States Army. He is also a combat veteran of Iraq.

Eddie is currently enrolled in the Biblical Studies Program at Liberty University, and he will be continuing his education as he pursues a BS in Biblical and Theological Studies through Liberty University.

Eddie met his wife Cortney Barko in Beckley, WV. Cortney is the Associate Chair of the School of Arts and Sciences and an Associate Professor of English at WVU Tech.

After returning home from the military, Eddie worked in the coal mines in WV for almost 17 years. During Eddie’s time in the coal industry, he served in many positions including Equipment Operator, Section Foreman, Shift Foreman, and Safety Manager. He also served as a mine rescue team member and served on the ICG Black mine rescue team during the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. He is currently a professional truck driver.

In 2023, Eddie and Cortney began attending worship services at First Baptist Church of Shady Spring and soon became members of the church. Eddie felt a call from the Lord to begin serving in the church, beginning with teaching adult Sunday School classes. As he continued teaching, Eddie felt a deeper call from the Lord to begin preaching. Once he filled the pulpit for the first time, Eddie knew that the Lord was calling him to become a pastor. This is when he enrolled in classes at Liberty University.

Eddie and Cortney currently reside in Cool Ridge, WV.

They have four children and soon to be five grandchildren!