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 a plurality of elders 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 Elder Body 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.
Follow Pastor Claude Ramsey on the
“Here I Stand Theology Podcast”
Where he tackles culturally relevant topics, dives into important theological discussions and interviews a host of Christian speakers from around the world.
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.
Pastor/Elder
Troy Dickerson
Troy Dickerson has assisted in many different ministerial roles throughout local churches of TN but he always sensed a deeper calling and burden for the Word of The Lord. In the fall of 2019 becoming convinced of The Lords calling to teach and preach, Troy surrendered his will to the will of The Lord.
Coming to Reformata in April 2023 The Lord gave Troy a deep love for the people there and the love for Troy & his warm hearted wife was reciprocated by the church in return. Troy’s high energy personality is balanced by his loving wife Karissa, in which he often reminds everyone that “he has definitely married up with her”. His youthful spirit is matched with their son Mason and their playful bond.
Troy’s dedication and faithfulness to the preaching and teaching of the word was quickly noticed and became a pathway for Troy’s Eldership at Reformata. After a long year of guidance and mentoring, the church elders were ready to put Troy before the congregation to consider him for eldership. On October 12th, 2025 Troy was affirmed by the congregation and he then was ordained on October 26th as an Elder at Reformata Baptist Church.
Troy can be found teaching and moderating debates with several online ministries. He is also the host of the self title podcast
“The Humble Baptist”.
Meet the Deacon Body of Reformata Baptist Church
