Born in Norfolk, VA, Pastor Sivells began his spiritual journey at New Union Chapel A.M.E. Church under the mentorship of the late Rev. Dr. Clifton R. Wilson, who became both a guide and a second father. He attended Norfolk Public Schools, the A.M.E. Church Class of Studies, and Virginia Bible University under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. I. Joseph Williams.

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Ordained in 1996 by Bishop Fredrick Calhoun James, Pastor Sivells received his first pastoral appointment at St. Paul’s A.M.E. Church in Blacksburg, VA, faithfully traveling four hours each weekend for a year before being assigned to Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church in Surry, VA.

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Alongside ministry, he served 26 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2011. His distinguished career included assignments aboard the USS Forrestal, the Pentagon under Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, and the White House for Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He later served with a Special Warfare Group aboard the USS Thunderbolt.

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Following his military career, Pastor Sivells founded Breaking of Day Ministries Church in Virginia Beach, VA, where he continues to serve with guidance from Pastor Peter Evans of Colossians Baptist Church.

Recent speaking engagements include:

• Opening Prayer, Virginia State House of Delegates (2023)

• Veterans Service Day Speaker, Northern Virginia Community College

• Veterans Day Speaker, Norfolk Naval Shipyard

• Veterans Day Speaker, Colossians Baptist Church

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Pastor Sivells has been married for 40 years to his high school sweetheart, Sharon Freeman. They have four children—Dr. LaToya N. Sivells, Leon J. (Shantell) Sivells, ShaRina N. Sivells, and Minister Edward L. (Tiffany) Sivells Jr.—and one granddaughter, Sydney.

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He holds an A.S. in Hospitality Management (Tidewater Community College) and a B.S. in Business (Regent University). A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., his military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

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