BISHOP RUDOLPH W. MCKISSICK, SR.

Bishop Rudolph Waldo McKissick, Sr. is Pastor Emeritus of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, located in Jacksonville, Florida. On January 31, 2014, Bishop McKissick, Sr., retired after 47 years as the Senior Pastor. However, he now serves as Pastoral Counselor and serves at his leisure.
 

MINDFUL MEDITATION MINISTRY, INCORPORATED is a non-profit corporation established in 2012 and operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of a 501 (c)(3). Our mission is to develop and share a deeper and broader understanding of our connection to GOD through optimizing the balance of Spirit, Mind, and Body.

WHO WE ARE:

FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN

Bishop McKissick, Sr., is the longest serving Pastor in the church’s history.  He was raised from a child in Bethel, served in the Choir, Male Chorus Choir Director, Assistant Church Clerk, Church School Teacher, Assistant Deacon 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, is 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,” 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. is married to the former Estelle Teresa Lee Williams, a noted retired school administrator, for over 51 years. He is the father of one son, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. (Kimberly) and the grandfather of three, Jocelyn, Janai, and Joshua.