Bishop C. L. Carter, Sr. has been the spiritual Pastor and Founder of the First Missionary Baptist Church since 1982. Bishop Carter is married to Elder Deborah V. Carter.  He is a native of Atlanta where he attended Carver Bible Institute and College.  He furthered his studies at Morehouse College School of Continuing Education.  He has been in the ministry for over 50 years. Pastor Carter received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree on March 3, 1992, from World Changers Ministries Christian Center where Dr. Creflo Dollar, Jr. is the pastor.  Pastor Carter was consecrated as a Bishop on April 8, 2002.   On March 16, 2005, he was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Christ United Theological School in Cleveland, Ohio where Bishop J. Delano Ellis, II is the president.  Currently he is associated with Kingdom Connection Fellowship International in Columbus, Ohio where Bishop Jerome Ross is the Presiding Prelate. Bishop Carter serves as the Bishop of Episcopal Affairs.

Bishop Carter has made an incalculable contribution to the creation, the promotion and the maintenance of a healthy spiritual atmosphere in the community and at First Missionary, where he has the responsibility for the teaching, training and guidance of the ministers under his care and leadership.  He has constantly encouraged and actively assisted over twenty-five pastors in the establishment of their own churches.

Bishop Carter, a godly man, exhibits the heart of a true shepherd. Just like the shepherd, Bishop Carter is available to his flock 24/7. He is a Bishop who is interested in every area of his members’ lives. His love and concern for God’s people are not confined to the walls of his church only.  Through the media ministry of the church as well as his prayerful counseling of other pastors and ministers, Bishop Carter’s impact upon the spiritual welfare of this church, this community, this state and this country is as far reaching as it is immeasurable.  He is dedicated and committed to serve as a voice of the voiceless.

Bishop Carter’s unlimited love and devotion to the First Missionary family and the community is a precious gift from God to us. Bishop Carter is truly God’s Minister, Counselor, Teacher, Healer, Prophet, Evangelist and Preacher to every man, woman, boy and girl.    

Bishop C. L. Carter, Sr.