First 15 Power Call -  January 28, 2015

Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, Sr. received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland in College Park and went on to receive his formal theological training at Virginia Union University School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia. There he earned the Master of Divinity Degree, Magna Cum Laude. Bishop Kelsey also received an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He later continued his postgraduate studies at Oxford University in Oxfordshire, England.

Bishop Kelsey’s three decades of pastoral ministry includes two churches in the Richmond, Virginia area.  For the past twenty years he has served as the Senior Pastor of the New Samaritan Baptist Church, one of the leading churches in the Metropolitan Washington area. Bishop Kelsey is committed to making a difference in the community.  An active participant in a variety of faith and community based organizations; he has worked closely with city officials on issues of crime prevention and economic development in Ward 5.  Bishop Kelsey is regularly invited by President Obama’s administration to participate in many significant White House briefings. 

Known for his integrity and emphasis on order, Bishop Kelsey currently serves on the Executive Council of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, International, as the International Executive Treasurer. He is the former State Bishop of Washington, DC (2000 to 2011), and is blessed to serve under Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., International Presiding Bishop, who is his spiritual father and covering in the ministry.

Founder and CEO of Michael V. Kelsey Ministries, LLC, his ministry is international in scope including ministering in Ghana, Liberia, the Ukraine; Israel, Cuba, England and Germany.

Bishop Kelsey’s partner in marriage and ministry, for over 32 years, is the former Sheila Arlene Bowens. She is an ordained Elder, gifted preacher and teacher, and has founded many new and thriving NSBC ministries. Together, they have three sons – Michael Jr. (and his wife, Ashley and daughter Ava); Kevin, and Eric who each have a heart for God and for the work of the ministry.


Bishop Michael V. Sr.