About Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Ramsdell has been the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Mansfield for thirteen years and has been serving as a United Methodist Pastor for 30 years. While serving here, attendance has increased from 386 to over 1,800 and membership has increased to over 5,000 to elevate this great Church into one of the top 50 attended Methodist Churches in the country.

Mike and his wife Rhonda were married in Key West, Florida while he was serving a six year term of service in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. Following his discharge from the Navy, Mike attended Central Bible College in Missouri before receiving his Masters of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School. Mike is originally from San Angelo, Texas but traveled the world while his father served in the military.

Pastor Mike has served as chairperson of the Division of Elders for the United Methodist Church for eight years, chair of the Church Growth Commission for two years, chaired the committee for the evaluation process for Methodist Ministers, and presently serves on the District Board of Ordained Ministry and mentors candidates for ministry. Mike has also recently has been asked to serve on the Large Church initiative, a body of Large Church pastors asked to help revitalize the Methodist Denomination.

It is a joy for Mike and Rhonda that two of their children, Michael, Kelly, and spouses attend Church with them. Their oldest daughter Julie works for a Hospital in Lufkin and belongs to a United Methodist Church close to her home.

Mike enjoys motorcycle touring, weight lifting, and is a voracious learner and reader. Mike and Rhonda also enjoy a good movie now and again. He is passionate about the church having a strong commitment to evangelism, local and world-wide mission, and transforming worship. Mike believes that all three of these elements have been critical to the growth of First United Methodist Church and essential for the formation of a church that is committed to offering Christ to our world.