St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church of Thomasville

Dr. T. Marquis Ramsey is an American Contemporary Theologian, born in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is the Senior Pastor and Resident Theologian of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, North Carolina. He is  a Master martial artist, and peace advocate. He is also greatly involved in interfaith dialogues and projects that bring awareness of human suffering throuhgout the world. One of his greatest passions is working to decrease human traffiking and slavery. Adjacent to his Biblical scholarship and theological renderings is his passion for ancient martial arts. His Japanese name is Bushi Yamato-damashii, which translates as "Warrior of the Old Japanese Spirit." He is also a former United States Marine, and Department of Defense Close Quarters Combat Instructor.

His nature is most dichotomous, having both a peaceful and loving manner, and a very serious and challenging persona. Dr. Ramsey is an ordained Baptist minister and teacher par excellence. His early education is attributed to the Palm Beach County School System.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the University of Southern California, (Fresno, CA). He later completed his Master of Sacred Theology degree at the University of Brighton (Essex County, England). He earned the Master of Biblical Studies degree with honors (cum laude) from New Hope Bible College (Winston-Salem, NC). He was later awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (D. Phil.)  from the University of Brighton (Essex County, England). Other institutions of which he has studied include: Union Theological Seminary, Bethany Bible College & Divinity School, and Hood Theological Seminary (Livingstone College) and he has completed post-doctoral coursework at Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass).

He has both lived, studied, and trained in Europe, Africa, and the Far East. He has served as a professor of Systematic Theology at Union Bible Institute, and Professor of Black Church Studies, Greek Literature, and Homiletics at Calvary Theological Seminary. Dr. Ramsey is a member of the Baptist Association of Christian Educators (B.A.C.E.), and The Center for Progressive Christianity. His theological affiliations include: The American Academy of Religion, The American Theological Society, and The Association for Practical Theology.

He is a Board Member of The Salvation Army, and the Cooperative Community Ministry (CCM). He is currently the President and professor of Emergent Theology and Divinity at The Institute for Divinity Research (TIDR).

He is a studious and commited preacher and teacher, and a devoted shepherd of his flock. Dr. Ramsey is very touchable, lovable, humorous, and commited to reaching all people regardless of faith or creed. He is married to the beautiful, First Lady Christine LeGrand Ramsey. They have three sons (Aaron, Torrence, and Isaiah).

Dr. Ramsey is an ordained minister and a professional cleric with 20 years of ministry experience.