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The morning crowd that gathers at Lafayette Square Mall in Indianapolis, Indiana every Sunday isn't there for sales and bargains. It's there for church. Bearing no resemblance to its former retail identity as Lazarus Department Store, New Life Worship Center transformed the 70,000-square-foot vacant space into a 2,500-seat sanctuary within two weeks this past summer. It includes 10 offices, a teen ministry area, and a classroom area where Sunday Academy is held. "Similar to the Bible story of Lazarus' resurrection from the dead, this high-end clothing store that bore the same name is also getting a second chance at life," Ramsey said. "But, this time it rose as a church." It was the only place large enough to house the growing 4-½-year-old 3,000-member ministry. New Life has already outgrown its 8,652-square-foot Kessler Boulevard site, which started in 2001 as a church of 350 members. In June the increasingly racially diverse congregation plans to sell the Kessler church and begin services in a new 1,000-seat sanctuary located on the west side of Indianapolis in a location known as Traders Point. It will continue to be one church with two locations. In the ministry's young life it has already had visits from many well-known pastors. The impressive list includes Dr. I.V. Hilliard of New Light Christian Center in Texas, Bishop Paul Morton of Greater St. Stephen Ministries in Georgia, Bishop Wayne Powell of Straight Gate Church in New York, and Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. of Cathedral International in New Jersey. Gospel artists have included Vickie Winans, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, Kirk Franklin, and Christian variety show Host Bobby Jones. But who knows what direction this ministry would have taken had its dynamic leader, Pastor John F. Ramsey, Sr., not answered his call to the ministry and instead continued on the career path he originally planned. Just before becoming certain about his life's purpose, Ramsey was a student at Miami University in Ohio working towards a bachelor's degree in education to teach elementary classes. His goal was to become a school principal. It had been his dream since early high school because educators had always been the most influential people in his life. "My high school football coach Mike Holly was really a strong example for me," said Ramsey, 41, who formerly served as associate pastor of preaching and development at Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson. "He knew I was being recruited by several universities for football and track, but he also knew that I was weak in the subject of history. So, he would have me come in early in the morning before school started to go over history. I also built a really strong relationship with another coach, Marvin Arnold, and his son and I became really good friends - like family. We still keep in touch to this day. If I don't call them they'll call to check on me." Ramsey, who graduated from Miami in 1988, was partially correct about his calling. He would become a teacher and encourage many, just as his mentors had done for him. But his content would be spiritual instead of academic, his students would vary in age, and his class size would be thousands larger than the dozens he initially expected. Also, instead of teaching from textbooks he'd write books that would serve as teaching guides. His published work includes "Armed and Dangerous: Equipping Leaders for Effective Ministry" and "About My Father's Business," co-authored with Max Siegel, President of Verity Records. "For me it wasn't a burning bush experience," said Ramsey, who became certain of his calling in his early twenties. "It was a deep strong feeling I couldn't shake. So, I went back home to speak to Willie Bolden, my bishop. He and I sat down and before I began to talk he told me everything I was going to say. Then I went back to campus and that pastor told me he had a word from the Lord for me - I was called to preach." Ramsey always knew he was different from other children growing up, but he was never really concerned with fitting into every circle. It all made sense now that he'd received a confirming word from both of his pastors. "My initial reaction was relief because I had a deep conviction that I was called to preach," Ramsey said. "Then there was joy because I'd found my purpose. Then there was fear because I was captain on some of my sports teams in high school and college, but I wasn't really comfortable speaking in front of people. It never bothered me to talk and motivate a sports team. But that was a different thing for me." Despite his fears and concerns he immediately began to operate in his calling by preaching and holding Bible study on his Ohio college campus to an initial audience of three. In 1995, three years after founding his first church Victory Christian Center in Indianapolis, he married his soul mate and helpmeet, Alicia, shortly after meeting her on a blind date. Ten years and two young sons later Ramsey is still thankful for a wife who's loving and supportive. "I don't really know if there's a secret (to marital success)," said Ramsey. "We have a great friendship and great communication. That builds a great foundation of trust. We know how to work together in ministry and get away from ministry." But Alicia is not the typical pastor's wife. In addition to heading New Life Worship Center's Sunday Academy, she is the only African-American principal in Perry Township and a school board member. The ever supportive wife is proud of all of the advancements Ramsey has made as pastor of the church that now has more than 20 ministries. "He has been destined for this and you can tell," said the first lady. "He's giving and humble. Even though we're at 3,000 members each person still feels because of their involvement in ministry and he's approachable. So, I'm excited for him. When you see someone's purpose come to fruition it's awesome." When the church opens its new Lafayette Road location in June additions will include more services, a daycare, and a preschool. Long-time members, like Donna Burks, are excited about the church's future. "I have never seen a church grow this fast in this city," said Burks, who has been a member of New Life since its beginning in 2001. "It's not uncommon to see 20, 30, or 40 (new members join) in a Sunday. Everyone is welcome. I love to see the cornrows and business Armani suits all in one building. It's great to be able to worship as one." New Life Worship Center's "About My Father's Business: Merging Ministry & Industry" takes place from Aug. 24-26 at the Indiana Convention Center; 100 South Capitol Avenue; Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about the church or the 2nd annual leadership conference, call (317) 925-8067 or log on to http://www.amfblive.com/ CONTACT Veda Brown, Publicists |
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