Reverend Dr. Bernard Hayes was born in Cumberland County, NC, the son of the late Rev. Dr. Maurice B. Hayes and the late Hazeline M. Hayes, where he completed his elementary and High School education. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; his Master of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, and he completed the requirements for Teacher Certification at Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Rev. Hayes received his Master of Biblical Studies and Doctor of Theology Degrees from the North Carolina Theological Seminary in Clinton, North Carolina.

Reverend Hayes retired as a Special Education Teacher in the Cumberland County School System in 2014. Prior work experiences have included Youth Program Assistant at Cumberland County Mental Health; Director of Student Activities at Fayetteville State University; Director of Outreach Services, California State University, Bakersfield, California and Program Advisor, University Student Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.

Reverend Hayes, from an early age, was involved in the music ministries of the churches he attended. He participated in all the choirs at his home church, Savannah Missionary Baptist Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina. He founded the All-Male Chorus at Wood Memorial Chapel, at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (Currently known as the Voices of Distinction). The group has recorded two CD’s, entitled, “What You Gonna Do With Me?” and “Don’t Leave Me Now.” Rev. Hayes released his initial solo project, entitled, “Let The Healing Begin,” in the fall of 2014.

Reverend Hayes was called into the word ministry in 1998 and preached his initial sermon in December of 1998 at Savannah Missionary Baptist Church. He completed the Ordination Academy of the Union Missionary Baptist Association in December 2000. Rev. Hayes continued to preach at every opportunity during this period of his ministry.

Reverend Hayes was called as the Pastor of Beaver Dam Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton, North Carolina in January 2001 where he remained for fourteen years. Reverend Hayes was called as pastor of South End Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina in September 2015. Rev. Hayes was called as Pastor-elect of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, in Fayetteville, North Carolina in June 2022.

Reverend Hayes is married to the former Angelia Williams of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Reverend Hayes has two sons who both reside in Southern California and is the proud grandfather of a grandson and a granddaughter.