Why an Elder led Church?
We believe this to be an important Biblical approach to the roles set forth and established by the early church. We find examples of this throughout scripture. Some of the most recognizable examples of this Elder led Church model can be found in: 1 Timothy 3:1-12, 5:17-18, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:17, Acts 16:4, & Philippians 1:1
Meet the Elders of Reformata Baptist Church
Pastor/Elder
Claude Ramsey
Pastor Claude Ramsey is an expository preacher from Maryville & Seymour TN area. He is the founder of Reformata Baptist Church from 2009 which started as a small gathering in his home living room. As the church grew the locations changed but The Gospel proclamation has remained the same. Claude was called into the ministry at the age of 17. He spent much of his early ministry years preaching the gospel message at various churches and conferences throughout the southeast as a guest speaker. He pastored and served his first church in 2003 for 5 years before being called to plant Reformata Baptist Church.
Pastor Claude and his faithful wife April Ramsey have a beautiful testimony of God’s providence in placing them together as husband and wife. They have been married for 30 years, have one son and currently live in the Seymour TN area.
Claude is known throughout the reformed community as “The Happy Calvinist” which can be easily understood upon meeting the joyful, Pastor Claude Ramsey.
Pastor/Elder
Alex Smith
Alex, better known as “Sir” to family and friends is an East TN native and has served in a variety of ministry related roles throughout the area for close to 50 years.
Sir is one of three Elders serving at Reformata Baptist Church and has been in a leadership position here for close to 12 years. Saved as a teenager and after much prayer & study, Sir felt called into active ministry, where he has devoted his life to furthering the Gospel message. His love for The Lord and The Lords people is clearly seen in his service of others. He and his wonderful Wife Kathy (also known as “Ma’am”) have been married for 50+ years and together they have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Teacher/Elder
Kenny Christopher
Kenny and his lovely wife Sueann are East Tennesseans located in the Seymour TN area. Kenny has a heart for ministering by teaching the word of The Lord. He is also known to many throughout the community for his outreach through the automotive industry.
Coming to Reformata in 2009 The Lord gave Kenny a newly found conviction to learn, to serve and to help grow others in a way he hadn’t previously experienced. Kenny has served in the role of Church Elder since 2020 and as the Adult Sunday School teacher since 2015. As teacher of the Adult Sunday School class Kenny has helped disciple much of the Reformata church body over the span of the last decade. Kenny says he “Thanks God for the privilege to serve a church body that truly loves The Lord and each other”.