Ready to explore a beacon of faith? We are standing before the New Samaritan Baptist Church. This isn’t just a church. It’s a vibrant community hub with a powerful vision.
The New Samaritan Baptist Church’s vision pulses through its members. They demonstrate compassion, conviction, and connection. Compassion means serving sensitively. It also means helping those who are hurting. Treating everyone with dignity is a must. Conviction involves teaching biblical truth. The church is governed by God’s authority. It believes every person has value. The New Samaritan Baptist Church celebrates God’s use of men and women in ministry. Connection means developing personal relationships with God. Every person has a place in ministry. The New Samaritan Baptist Church seeks to serve the community. It relies on the partnership between the pastor and the people. Expanding global ministry and missions is essential.
Michael Vernon Kelsey, Sr. leads this charge. He is a Washingtonian. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in 1977. Bishop Kelsey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He earned it from the University of Maryland in College Park. He received formal theological training at Virginia Union University. It is in Richmond, Virginia. He earned a Master of Divinity Degree. Bishop Kelsey also has a Doctor of Ministry Degree. He earned it from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He continued postgraduate studies at Oxford University in England.
For over twenty-eight years, Bishop Kelsey has been the Senior Pastor. The New Samaritan Baptist Church is a leading church in the D.C. area. Bishop Kelsey is a change agent on many levels. He works locally, nationally, and internationally. He was appointed Chair of the Mayor’s Interfaith Council. This was by former Mayor Anthony Williams. He partners with city officials to address crime prevention. He also tackles economic development in Ward 5.
During President Obama’s administration, Bishop Kelsey attended White House briefings. His voice was heard by policymakers. He supports programs that promote health and education. These programs also focus on spiritual development. They help disadvantaged children in 25 countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped provide vaccination services. He also supported programs for the disenfranchised.
Bishop Kelsey was the State Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of D.C. He served from 2000 to 2011. He currently serves on the Cabinet of Full Gospel. He is the Executive Treasurer. Bishop Kelsey founded Michael V. Kelsey Ministries. It has an international scope. He has ministered in many foreign countries. These include Ghana, Liberia, Ukraine, Israel, Cuba, England, Germany, and Jamaica.
Sheila Bowens Kelsey is Bishop Kelsey’s wife. They have been married for over 40 years. She is an ordained Elder. She founded many thriving ministries at the New Samaritan Baptist Church. Together, they have three sons.
Elder Sheila Bowens Kelsey is from Philadelphia. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at age twelve. She is passionate about serving Him. She founded the University of Maryland’s Gospel Choir. Elder Kelsey achieved a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned it from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Elder Kelsey developed a passion for various areas within the church. These include Music Ministry and Women’s Ministry. She also works with mentoring young girls. She was licensed to preach in 1996. She was ordained in 2005. She has preached nationally and internationally.
The New Samaritan Baptist Church embraces compassion and connection. It stands as a testament to faith. It exemplifies service. It embodies community in the heart of Washington, D.C.