Bishop McKissick, Sr.

is the longest serving Pastor in the church’s history. He was raised from a child at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, now known as The Bethel Church. He served as the Assistant Church Clerk, Church School Teacher, and Deacon, before the Lord called him to Pastor his beloved Bethel. He believes the measure of his success in ministry is accredited to his love for people and his hands-on ministry style. His longevity in ministry is attributed not to anything he’s accomplished, but to those he has served and continues to serve.

A passionate scholar and lifelong learner, Bishop McKissick, Sr. earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Edward Waters College and received Honorary Doctoral Degrees from Bethune Cookman University and Edward Waters College. He has also received advanced training at Tuskegee Institute, the Music Institute of Columbia University, Princeton University, and Luther Rice Seminary.

Throughout the years, he has served in a variety of civic capacities. In February 2014 he was the Mayor’s Trailblazer Honoree recipient for the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bishop McKissick, Sr. has traveled to South Africa with Fresh Ministries, Inc., participated in a tour of Turkey as a guest of the Amity Turkish Cultural Center and joined by other diverse members of the clergy, visiting historic cities and sites. He has conducted revivals in Panama and toured the Holy Land twice.

Bishop McKissick, Sr. has impacted the lives of many as a positive role model across this nation. His spirituality and sincerity are evidenced in his work as Pastor for 47 years and in serving the community. God has used his leadership as an instrument in the calling of more than fifty young men and women to the ministry, which proudly includes his own son, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., who now serves as the Senior Pastor of Bethel.

Bishop McKissick, Sr. sees his greatest accomplishment after 47 years of Pastoring as the people—not the buildings. “It is a blessing to see those you’ve mentored play integral parts in ministry at the church and across the nation,” he shares. “Being a people’s person, you learn how to treat people, love people and care for people. And that gives you a Shepherd’s heart.” His perpetual journey has crafted a lifetime filled with respect and adoration across the nation, as well as unimaginable blessings and irreplaceable experiences. He is comfortable in his salvation and confident in a risen Savior, absolute, with no equivocations. His obedient spirit and total reliance on the Holy Spirit have afforded him the opportunity of preaching, teaching, and ministering for over 50 years.

Bishop McKissick, Sr. was married for over 51 years to the late Estelle Teresa Lee Williams, a noted retired school administrator. He is the father of one son, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. (Kimberly), and the grandfather of three, Jocelyn, Janai, and Joshua.