Bethlehem Baptist Church

r, Darnell V. Ranson, Sr. Pastor and Founder.

In 1990, Pastor Ranson married Michele Sharon Thomas, and out of that marriage, they had one child named Sharnele. During the early years, he (Pastor Ranson) received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in his apartment at 2210 Pinewood Apt 3B. At the time, he did not know what God was up to. That same year, he joined New Christian Bible Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Hardnett and was baptized and joined the church. After some time, Pastor Ranson joined the mass choir and then the men of Valor chorus. Pastor Ranson (Darnell) was committed to doing God’s will, and as he saw his life change before his eyes and continue to serve, his life was never the same again.

In 1992, Darnell recognized God's gift of administration, and he effectively used that gift in ministry, resulting in him being elected as the church trustee chairman. After a few years had passed, in 1993, very late at night, as Darnell was studying his Bible at home reading the 14^th Chapter of the Gospel of John and around 1:30 am Darnell closed the book and headed upstairs to bed; that’s when God spoke in his Spirit to proclaim the Gospel message. Surprised and humble, Darnell sat on the edge of his bed and told his wife what had happened, but she just turned over and continued to sleep. The next day Darnell sought out counsel, and upon the Godly advice, he called a meeting with his Pastor and elders of the Church. Darnell shared what had happened to him and announced his calling by God to the gospel ministry, but assured all the elders that he was not planning to run to the Pulpit but attend Bible seminary and college.

In 1997, Darnell had his trial sermon and two years later was ordained on November 7^th, 1999, and elevated to assistant pastor. After some years had passed, Darnell received his Associate Degree in Business Science from Essex Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morgen State University, a master’s degree in theology, and a doctoral degree from Philadelphia Bible College and Seminary. Two years later, God spoke to Dr. Ranson again in his office before Sunday Morning Worship Service and told him that it was time to leave his current ministry and begin a new work. Dr. Ranson began a small bible study in his home over the course of five to six months. In December 2001, Dr. Ranson birthed Bethlehem Baptist Church, and in 2002 Dr, Ranson officially incorporated the church and received its charter from the State of Maryland Taxation and Assessment Division of Baltimore, Maryland. During that same year, Bethlehem Baptist Church applied for and received its 501 c 3 non-profit status letter from the Federal Internal Revenue Service, placing the Church in the exemption category as a non-profit faith-based (churches) organization.

January 2003, under the vision and leadership of Dr. Ranson, the church established its core group of believers for Bible Study classes, and within the same month, Bethlehem Baptist Church needed more space for worship services. After much prayer, God touched the hearts of a local congregation and its pastor and leadership to allow Bethlehem Baptist Church to share part of their church lower sanctuary. On February 23, 2002, Bethlehem Baptist Church had its first organized Worship Service in its new place of worship at the “Philadelphia Baptist Church and Ministries under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Rufus Carter.

In April 2004, Bethlehem Baptist Church Incorporated purchased its first Church Building with God’s divine blessing. On the First Sunday of September 2004, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Inc marched into its New Sanctuary located at 6420 Belair Road. To God Be the Glory. In 2005, God sent Pastor Ranson overseas to Africa (Kenya) to minister and to do community work. During his time there, he baptized over 50 new converts, preached several revivals, and, after returning to the United States, Pastor Ranson was commissioned as a North American Missionary and sent across the United States to help other evangelical ministries as the director of community outreach from Embrace Baltimore. Also, serving as the recording Secretary of the Pastor’s Day conference and Vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland, Director of urban community outreach, and 3^rd Vice President of the Progressive Baptist Convention of Maryland men’s Ministry.

In 2007, Pastor Ranson licensed and ordained his first deacon and installed a Deaconess. In 2016 appointed his am Armor- Bearer, than 2018 licensed two ministers into the Gospel ministry; established a community outreach for youth and young people called Kidz Safe Heaven; partnered with like-minded local ministries and the Baltimore Baptist Association; established the Men of Integrity men’s ministry and partnered with other local evangelical churches. Pastor Ran son, also is affiliated with the cooperative program BCMD.

Dr. Ranson has been married to Michele for 30 years. Out of this union, they were blessed with one child named Sharnele Ranson and two grandchildren (Payson, 8 years, and Ashton, 5 years ). Dr. Ranson is currently teaching high school in Baltimore, Maryland, at Fredrick Douglas High located in West Baltimore (reaching and teaching young minds). Dr. Ranson’s life scripture verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. (KJV)

The Biographical Timeline of Pastor Ranson:

1989 Accepted Christ and joined New Christian Bible Baptist Church

1993 Called to the Ministry-Installed as a Trustee, member of the Mass Choir and Male Chorus

1994 Chairman of the Trustee Board

1995 Accepted the calling into the Gospel Ministry

1996 Received an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies

1997 Received a master’s degree in theology

1997 Licensed as a Minister under Dr. Stephen Hardnett

8/15/97 Participated in the funeral of Ralph Barnes in Alexander City, Alabama at the Great Bethel Missionary Church

1998 Ordained by Pastor Stephen Hardnett and Installed as the Assistant Pastor of The New Christian Bible Baptist Church

2000 First baptism and Wedding

2000 Received a Doctorate Degree in Theology, Philadelphia Bible College and seminary

2001 Coordinator for One Church, One Child Adoption Support Group Ministry

2002 Sunday School Superintendent, New Christian Bible Baptist Church and call to plant and Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church, Inc.

2003- Currently- First Service held at Bethlehem Baptist Church

2010- Business Associate Degree, Essex Community College

2014 Bachelor’s degree, Morgan State University

2025 Master of Arts in Teaching, Morgan State University