BETHESDA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
COME WORSHIP WITH US!
OUR PASTOR
Reverend Timothy D. Ramsey, Sr. was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the only son of Julius and Emma Sanders. From an early age, he was steeped in the traditions of the Baptist church and shaped by a household of faith and discipline. While attending parochial schools, he wrestled with a fear of public speaking but excelled in Mathematics and Religion—subjects that nurtured both his intellect and a deep compassion for others. Even as a boy, Timothy demonstrated a selfless spirit and a heart for service.
Following high school, he enrolled at Tennessee State University in Nashville, majoring in Business Administration and embracing his HBCU experience with pride. It was during these formative college years that he met his future wife, Mona Ardis, a student at nearby Fisk University.
Upon returning to Detroit, Reverend Ramsey began his professional journey. Although he had long been acquainted with Jesus Christ, it was during this season that he professed Him as Lord and received baptism. One of his first heartfelt prayers—“Lord, use me to my fullest potential for Your glory”—became the seed of his ministry calling. With a hunger for the Word and a desire to serve, he immersed himself in church life, taking part in a wide range of ministries out of gratitude for God’s grace.
As doors of leadership opened, he was called to teach Sunday School, serve as Superintendent, join the Trustee Board, and eventually become a Deacon. Through these experiences, God deepened Reverend Ramsey’s call to pastoral ministry. He surrendered to that call and was licensed and ordained by Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Edwards, Sr., at Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Mi.
In 2009, God led the Ramsey family back to Nashville for new career opportunities. Reverend Ramsey entered the corporate sector in call center management, all while raising their son, Timothy Jr., who was then eight years old. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Master’s in Ministry—both with Summa Cum Laude honors. During this time, he was appointed Assistant to the Pastor at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Darin Freeman, Sr.
Reverend Ramsey’s ministry vision is rooted in equipping both laity and clergy to grow in sanctifying grace and become disciple-making disciples. He longs to see believers move from passive consumption to active, self-giving faith.
On July 10, 2017, he was called to serve as the sixth Pastor of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He considers it a sacred honor to shepherd the people of Bethesda.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Reverend Ramsey serves as First Vice President of the Baptist Ministers Foresight Alliance of Indianapolis and President of the Union District Pastors and Ministers Auxiliary. He is also a certified instructor in the Union District’s Certificate of Progress Program and actively engaged in numerous civic and community initiatives.
Reverend Ramsey has been joyfully married to Mona Ramsey for over 25 years. They are the proud parents of one son and the delighted grandparents of a cherished grandson.
OUR CHURCH
The late Rev. G.L. Lillard organized the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in August 1922. Shortly after the church was organized, plans were made to come into a building of a storefront type located at 934 South Illinois Street. The Church was named by Sis. Emma Lillard, wife of Pastor Lillard.
While the church was undergoing renovation in 1927, Bethesda worshipped in a tent on Maple Street, which later became Kenwood Ave. Rev. Lillard served the Bethesda Church for eight years.
In the early thirties, two pastors were called to serve as our undershepherds. Rev. R.F. Gregory and Rev. Lumpkins both were a blessing to our church.
In the fall of 1935 Rev. G.M. Mimms, Associate Minister of the Mt. Paran Baptist Church was officially called to Pastorship. Pastor Mimms served Bethesda faithfully for fifty-seven years. Under Pastor Mimms’s leadership, the church’s indebtedness was paid off, and a new worship center was built in 1970. Additional Auxiliaries were added, and the church grew spiritually, numerically, and financially. Pastor Mimms was a Pastor who was loved by all and departed this life at the age of ninety-seven and was still active in Pastorship until he died in 1992.
In the summer of 1993, Rev. L.A. Manuel III was called to Pastor our church. He was the fifth Pastor in our 93-year history. Under Pastor Manuel’s leadership, our church has seen significant growth and development spiritually, numerically, and financially.
Under Pastor Manuel’s leadership, the sanctuary was remodeled and properties were purchased. Bethesda became a focused ministry as efforts were made to minister holistically to men, women, and the community. Some ministry-focused programs include the Men's Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Bus Ministry, Tape Ministry, ATM Ministry, Homeless Ministry, Youth Bible Study, Joy In The Journey, Senior Citizens Luncheon, and Dollars For Scholars. These programs were designed so that God would be glorified and to give Bethesda the room it needed for continued growth that would effectively equip the saints for a 21st- century ministry.
Pastor Manuel served Bethesda faithfully for twenty-three years. Pastor Manuel was admired and loved by all. Pastor Manuel departed this life on May 15, 2016, at the age of sixty-three.
In August 2017, Rev. Timothy D. Ramsey, Sr. was called to Pastor the Bethesda Church. He is the sixth Pastor in our 99-year history. Although being a native of Detroit, MI., Pastor Ramsey accepted God’s divine assignment and moved his family from Nashville TN., where he had been serving in the capacity of Assistant Pastor at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Darin Freeman, Sr.
Shortly after installation Pastor Ramsey quickly began with urgency to help strengthen the Christian Education Department and Discipleship efforts by joining as a spiritual partnership with the Union District Baptist Association. Pastor Ramsey immediately introduced membership to The Certificate of Progress Program where he also became a certified instructor.
Several members are currently completing the entire COPP Program and many find the courses to be informative and enlightening as students.
In the Winter of 2018, the Lord placed upon Pastor Ramsey’s heart to start a giving campaign to remodel the sanctuary entitled “New Beginnings.” The Membership responded overwhelmingly, and the project began in Spring of 2020. However, the global pandemic of Covid 19 halted the project and it is scheduled to continue in September 2021 until its completion.
Unfortunately, during the Covid 19 pandemic, the operation of the “Tables of Mercy Food Ministry,” which was renamed in honor of the late Rev. L.A. Manuel III has suspended its operation and has focused its efforts on a new ministry model entitled “Hands of Grace.”
In light of the current progress and many other accomplishments, Pastor Ramsey is proud to pastor such a wonderful congregation as the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.