Biographical Sketch of Dr. Michael Bell

Dr. Michael “M.A.” Bell has served as Senior Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen First Church-Baptist, Fort Worth, Texas, since July 31, 1985.

Pastor Bell has earned degrees from the following colleges and universities: Bachelor of Science, Wiley College, Marshall, Texas; Master of Divinity, Howard University Divinity School, Washington, D.C.; Master of Arts University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas; and a Doctor of Ministry, Interdenominational Theological Center & Morehouse School of Religion, Atlanta, Georgia. He is also an ICF certified life coach.

Pastor Bell has served locally, statewide, and nationally in a number of capacities, including President, Baptist General Convention of Texas 2005-2006 (The first African American to lead the 5,700 churches of the BGCT in its 130-plus years of history); State President, African American Fellowship of Churches 2009-2011; Chairman, Texas Baptist Committed 2010-2012; Chairperson, Black Church Studies Advisory Board, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University (2006-2012). Currently, he is Facilitator of Unity In The Community Coalition, a consortium of 20 community groups/organizations.

A life-long educator, Dr. Bell is a former assistant professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas. Since 2005, he has been an adjunct professor at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth.

In 2002, Dr. Bell was inducted into the Mainstream Baptist Network Hall of Fame, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. In March of 2003, Dr. Bell was the recipient of the Invisible Giant Award, presented by the National Civil Rights Institute and Museum, located in Selma, Alabama. In the summer of 2009, he was recognized by N’Cobra (the National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in America.) His awards and recognitions are too numerous to list.

A notable leadership guru, Dr. Bell is engaged to speak in revivals, conferences, and workshops across the country. He is a featured speaker at college religious emphasis week programs. He has been interviewed for national magazines and newspapers. He has appeared on World News Tonight and other national, state and local television and radio programs. A Human Rights' legend, Dr. Bell is a sought-after resource on issues of race and culture.

Dr. Bell is heard over the airwaves every Sunday in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex over KHVN 970 AM (6-6:30 am); in the Ark-La-Tex region over KJTX 104.5 FM (7-7:30 am); and his weekly political commentary, “I’m Just Saying…,” is heard Saturdays at 10 am on KWBT 94.5 FM in the Waco/Central Texas Area.