Leadership

Bro. Edward L. Maxwell Sr., Clinton Church of Christ, Clinton MD

Bro. Kevin Bethea, Church of Christ in East Baltimore, Baltimore MD

Bro. Willie L. Rupert Jr., Central Church of Christ, Baltimore MD

Edward L. Maxwell Sr. Was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His father served as an Elder of the Green Pastures Church of Christ in Spencer, Oklahoma. He has a wife of 31 years Jacqueline, and two sons Edward Jr. and Clifton.

In 1973, Bro. Maxwell attended Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas after graduating from Casady Preparatory School. While a student at Baker, Edward served as the Associate Minister of the Baldwin Church of Christ in Baldwin, Kansas.

Upon graduating in 1977 with a Bachelors Degree in science from Baker University, Edward moved to Kansas City, Kansas with his wife of two years (Jacqueline) and his six month old son (Edward Jr). In Kansas City, Kansas he taught at Central Jr. High and served as Assistant Minister at the Roswell Church of Christ.

Bro. Maxwell's further academic experience includes Wichita State Graduate School of Behavioral Psychology, Harding University School of Biblical Studies (major in Ministry and Family Counseling), University of Maryland Graduate School of Biochemistry (while teaching in Prince Georges County), Bowie State Graduate School of Education Administration, and Regent University Graduate School (received Masters in Education and awarded top student of the graduating class in Education).

Bro. Maxwell has had a strong love for God and a desire to serve Him from childhood. He has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over thirty years. He has use the wisdom of God during his 25 years of service in the field of education. He has been the recipient of the Prince Georges County “Teacher of The Year” award for his ability to turn “at risk” students into honor roll students and successful college students. He helped design a Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution program that has been installed in school systems all over the country, and which is currently being used in the Prince George’s County School System.

He is no longer working in the educational field but has turned all his focus and energy into his labor of love at the Clinton Church of Christ where he serves as Minister and Evangelist.

 Bro. Kevin G. Bethea obeyed the gospel of Christ under the leadership of the Glen Burnie Church of Chris. He was converted and retrained at the School of External Studies, Sunset International Bible Institute and the leadership of the Metropolitan Church of Christ. He received a masters degree from Cornerstone University and an honorary masters degree from the University of Bible in Baltimore. Bro. Bethea became assistant minister under the tutelage of Bro. Elmer Sembly Jr. at the Metropolitan Church of Christ in 1992. During this time he gained a reputation for strong biblical teaching and evangelistic ability. In December 1985, with a vision to plant a new work in Baltimore, a small group of around 35 members  became the East Baltimore Church of Christ, now a healthy congregation of 225 members, where Bro. Bethea currently ministers. He is also a certified Sunset Satellite School Administrator of the Northeast Baltimore Bible Institute & College, (using the Sunset curriculum). . 

Bro. Bethea has held meetings all over the U.S., primarily on the East Coast, and was a speaker for many regional Lectureships. Under his leadership, the East Baltimore Church of Christ has planted 3 works in Baltimore with a membership of about 65 members, has helped develop 2 others and established many workable programs that have enhanced the East Baltimore church; such as evangelistic ministries, men’s fellowships, path to maturity development, benevolent ministries, circle of purpose, and the His Needs/ Her Needs marriage enrichment program, for which Bro. Bethea is a trained facilitator.

​

 For 20 years, Bro. Bethea has hosted a live call in radio program entitled “Search the Scriptures” which has been instrumental in increasing the kingdom of God in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  

Bro. Willie L. Rupert Jr. is a respected gospel preacher among the churches of Christ. His straightforward presentation of the gospel is heard on the radio program "Back to the Bible" on Sunday evenings in Baltimore and from the pulpit in many cities throughout the nation where he has preached the word of God at Gospel Meetings, Minister Institute Conference and numerous lectureships in the Mid-Atlantic region.

He is a native of Mississippi, a graduate of Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi with a degree in Management. He received his theological degree from Magnolia Bible College in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor and board certified in Marriage and Family therapy from National Christian Counseling Association in Sarasota Florida.
 

Brother Rupert was installed as minister of the Central Church of Christ in Baltimore, Maryland on September 14, 2008. Prior to his installation, Bro. Rupert served as the minister of the Overbrook Church of Christ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; North Green Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi; Martin Street Church of Christ in Water Valley, Mississippi. His theological-spiritual-professional journey has given him experience in understanding of the truths of the Bible and wisdom of life experiences.
 

In 1985, Brother Rupert married Celeste (Moore) of Houston, Mississippi. They have two children: Emmanuel and Kimberly Symone.  Brother Rupert has regular spiritual counseling and understands his primary role as a spiritual leader and mentor.