Our Pastor

Pastor Carnel H.L. Richardson is a passionate preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the past, Pastor Richardson served in dual roles as the Lead Pastoral Minister (interim pastor), and Youth and Young Adult Pastor of the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. “Rev. Carnel” as he is affectionately known by many, has served in the past at Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church, Glory of the Latter House Ministries (People’s Community Baptist), and the Renaissance Church of God in Christ.

As a servant-leader, Rev. Richardson has dedicated much of his career to public service, which has included roles in the non-profit, city government, education, and religious sectors. Educationally, Pastor Richardson earned an Associate’s degree in Teacher Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in Communication from Ferris State University. Pastor Richardson earned a Master’s Degree in Christian Formation and Divinity from Cornerstone Theological Seminary; he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2005, his sermon, More Than a Conqueror was published in the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s devotional, Writings on the Heart.

Pastor Carnel Richardson has received numerous awards and accolades for his leadership in community affairs and humanitarian efforts, which include the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award from Ferris State University, the Whitney Young Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and the Mentor of the Year Award from the State of Michigan. As a prophetic soul who is passionate about social justice and civil rights Pastor Richardson’s spiritual rhetoric, personal hermeneutics, ministerial philosophy and practices all exemplify caring for and meeting the needs of the least, the lost, and the left-out.

Moreover, Rev. Richardson is a progressive advocate for civic engagement; Pastor Richardson makes it a priority to lend his time and talents to serving in both leadership and general capacities for organizations such as the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, American Baptist Churches of Michigan, the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, and the Michigan Business Professionals of America. He is also an alumni of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Citizen’s Academy.

Each time that Pastor Richardson has been asked to take on a challenging task he has committed to it with dignity, endurance, and excellence. His love for humanity is impeccable and his passion for God and community is undeniable.

On July 1, 2024, Pastor Carnel H.L. Richardson became the proud pastor of the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Pastor Richardson is married to the love of his life, Mrs. Sheena Renea Richardson and they have four wonderful children. His favorite scripture is Psalm 37:23- 24.