In 1983, Dr. Sykes graduated from Luther Rice Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey where he received his Master of Divinity (1987), Master of Philosophy (1993), and his Ph. D in Religion & Society (2000). Dr. Sykes has also earned an Educational Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University (2019).
Rev. Sykes served as Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey from 1987 – 1992, and simultaneously served as a Battalion Chaplain from 1989 – 1993, for the Army National Guard’s 50th Armored Division. In 1992, the Lord opened doors for him to move to St. Petersburg, Florida; and in 1993, he began serving as Pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church. This year, the Pastor and people celebrate 30 years of pastoral care and leadership, Pastor Sykes has given to the congregation and community.
Shortly after making “St. Pete” his home away from home, Pastor Sykes founded and became C.E.O. of the Bethel Community Baptist Christian School (1995) and Bethel Community Foundation (1997), to supplement the needs of the students. Both are still thriving and serve as valuable resources in the educational and social arenas.
In 2004 – 2006, Rev. Dr. Manuel L. Sykes made history when he became the first African American President of the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. Prior to ascending to this post, he served as the seminary’s Dean of Graduate Studies. Dr. Sykes has also served as an Adjunct Professor of African American History & Ethics, at St. Petersburg Junior College. He is a Drum Major for Social Justice and a Pillar in both church and community affairs.
Rev. Sykes joined the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International in 1994. The Lord has kept His hand upon Rev. Dr. Manuel L. Sykes, and in 2020 he was elevated to the office of State Bishop, where he currently serves the great State of Florida in that fellowship.
Bishop Sykes recently married Rev. Durrell (Knight) Sykes, and together they have been favored with A Tribe of Five children, who are all talented and productive.
Our Beliefs
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“The purpose of this Church shall be the advancement of God’s Kingdom and the promotion of the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Economic Welfare for its’ members and community. The Church shall seek further to attain these ends through the public worship of God, the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, consistent living by its’ members, personal evangelism, mission endeavors, Christian education and charitable contributions.”
OUR VISION STATEMENT
“To advance God’s Kingdom by reaching the hurt, lost and blind through the spreading of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; To promote Christian public worship and the study of God’s Word; To encourage and equip the believer for Christian service and to be an untiring ear and voice for unity. righteousness and justice in our local environment and abroad.” – Matthew 6:10; 25:31-40; John 4:23, 24; II Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 4:11-16
STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE that the Bible is God’s Word, that it was written by men divinely inspired, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. II TIMOTHY 3:16 WE BELIEVE in God, the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in all wisdom, measureless in power and presence. EXODUS 33:14; 18-23; NEHEMIAH 9:32; JOB 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
WE BELIEVE in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, miraculous in His birth, sinless in His life making atonement for the sins of the world by His death. We believe in His bodily resurrection and in His personal visible return to the world according to His promises. JOHN 3:16; LUKE 1:30-31; ROMANS 5:8; JOHN 11:25, 26; REVELATION 1:7
WE BELIEVE in the Holy Spirit who came to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ. JOHN 16:7, 8:1; I CORINTHIANS 6:11; ROMANS 15:16; JOHN 1:12
WE BELIEVE that all men by nature and by choice are sinners, but that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. PSALM 51:5; JOHNS 3:16
WE BELIEVE that the Church is a living spiritual body of which all regenerated people are members. We believe that a visible Church is a company of believers in Christ, baptized in the way He commanded on a credible confession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship, and for spreading the gospel abroad. MATTHEW 16:15-18; JOHN 3:1-8; EPHESIANS 4:16; 5:23-25; COLOSIANS 1:18-24; MATTHEW 28:18-20; ROMANS 10:9, 10
The church of Bethel Community Baptist is a family, exalted by God. We care for each other, pray for each other, and serve together.
2901 54th Avenue South
Saint Petersburg, FL 33712
Fax: 727-866-9968
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