About Our Pastor
Dr. Micheal C. Ellis Sr. Pastor Mike was born August 2, 1960 in New Orleans, LA. He is the son of Pastor Willie C. Ellis and the late Mrs. Rose B. Ellis. He is the oldest child and only son of five children. He is a graduate of L. B. Landry High School (New Orleans).
Pastor Mike was converted and baptized in 1978 at Saint Stephens Baptist Church (New Orleans) by the late Dr. Arthur Monday, Jr.
Pastor Mike entered the United States Navy in June 1979. His first duty station was in Italy. While stationed in Italy he had the opportunity to fellowship with various Italian Christian Churches. In August 1982, he was stationed in New Orleans where he had the opportunity to serve at Saint Stephens Baptist Church and Saint Mark Baptist Church.
Pastor Mike united in Holy Matrimony with Ms. Angela Mahoney on April 7th, 1984 in New Orleans. To this Spirit filled union God has blessed them with six children: Derrick, LaToya (Ahard), TraDonna (Robert), Santrell (Brian), Michael, Jr. and Marquise and 10 grandchildren: Ares, Amaiya, Malaysia, and Allen, Justice, Harmoni, Marquise Jr., Aidan, Brian Jr., and Michael III.
In January 1986, he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary where he was elected First Vice President of the student body.
In October 1988, he accepted his calling by the Lord to preach the gospel. In February 1989, he was licensed by the late Pastor Willie J. Moore (Saint Mark). While at Saint Mark he served as a choir member, deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant Pastor.
In May 1990, he graduated from Union Theological Seminary with a B.A. in Theology.
In February 1991, he was ordained by the Westside Missionary Baptist Association (Dr. John A. Brooks, President).
In 1991, Pastor Mike and his family were transferred by the Navy to San Diego, CA. where they served as active members of Grace Missionary Baptist Church (Dr. H. L. Ferrell, Pastor). While at Grace Pastor Ellis served as a Sunday School Teacher and Young Adult Minister. Additionally, while in San Diego he attended San Diego Bible College and Bethel Theological Seminary.
In 1994, Pastor Mike and his family were transferred by the Navy to Point Mugu CA. (Oxnard, CA). While stationed on active duty at Point Mugu Pastor Ellis and his family were members of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church (Dr. B. A. Huggins, Pastor). While at St. Paul Pastor Ellis served as a Sunday School Teacher and Associate Pastor. He also taught an extension course for Sacramento Theological Seminary (The Synoptic Gospels).
Also, while stationed in Point Mugu Pastor Mike earned his Master of Arts in Theology and Doctorate of Theology degrees from Golden Grain Bible College and Seminary. He also taught Apologetics and Evangelism at Golden Grain. Additionally, while stationed on active duty at Point Mugu he was elected President of Ventura County Associate Ministers' Ministerial Alliance and selected as Sailor of the Year for entire Navy (TAR).
In 1997, Pastor Mike and his family were transferred by the Navy to Millington, TN. While stationed on active duty in Millington Pastor Ellis and his family became members of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church (Douglass) were he served as Assistant Pastor, Youth Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Minister of Evangelism and Director of the Johnnie Early Family Life Center.
In February 2000, Pastor Mike retired from the United States Navy after Twenty-One years of loyal service. Since retiring from the Navy he has worked as Manager for the Navy's Career Development Resource Center (Conducting resume writing workshops and job search seminars), Youth Villages (Individual/Group/Family Counselor), Porter-Leath Children's Center (Residential Services Supervisor and Social Services Coordinator) and Memphis Athletic Ministries (Director, Brinkley Heights Sports Center).
In 2003, Pastor Mike earned his Doctor of Religious Philosophy in Christian Counseling degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary (Southaven, Ms. Branch).
In 2006, Pastor Mike planted Impact Baptist Church and Ministries (A ministry sponsored by Bellevue Baptist Church).
In 2010 Pastor Mike organized Impact America Ministries a non-profit arm of Impact where he serves as Executive Director.
In 2012 Pastor Mike was elected 1st Vice President of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) (First African American in TBC history).
In 2014 Pastor Mike was elected President of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (First African American in TBC history).
In 2014 Pastor Mike was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for Baptist Hospital Systems.
In 2019 Pastor Mike was appointed by Shelby County's Mayor, Lee Harris as the Veterans Service Officer for Shelby County.
Pastor Mike's mission is to build and train a body of believers who intentionally reach out to the community, city, state, country and world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ
(Matt. 28:19-20).