Our Leader
Education: Rev. Dr. Rabon L. Turner, Sr. has a passion for God’s Word and is a proponent of education. He has earned multiple Degrees including a Doctor of Theology from International Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Religion from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with an emphasis in Social Work from Wiley University.
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Ecclesiastical: Dr. Turner started his Pastoral Ministry as Pastor of Ware Chapel C.M.E. Church in Earlsboro, Oklahoma. His knowledge of God’s Word and down to earth personality allowed him to grow the church exponentially. He was later called to the First Baptist Church South in Weleetka, Oklahoma where he led the church to being debt free and introduced the church to several new ministries.
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He served faithfully until the Lord called him to serve as Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana. Believing the Lord was “ordering his steps,” he humbly accepted in December of 2004 and became the seventh pastor in their 135-year history.
Rev. Rabon Turner
Senior Pastor
Under his leadership the church grew exponentially, 40 new ministries were added and the Lord richly blessed this union. After 15 years of faithful service, in January 2020, Dr. Turner was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church and he officially took the helm on August 20, 2020.
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Denominational: Dr. Turner is a renowned Pastor and Preacher and is active in numerous Baptist Organizations at the National, State and Local level. As a result of his leadership skills, and faithfulness to God, he has taught in the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc., served as Vice President at Large of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, President of the Southern District Congress of Christian Education, Founder and Executive Director of New Hope Community Development Corporation and an Instructor in the Great Lakes District Baptist Congress.
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Community: Dr. Turner is no stranger to public service and in a short period of time, he has impacted the Flint community greatly. Dr. Turner has led the congregation in renovating the Brady Center, turning it into a state of the art venue, he has established the Hem of His Garment which provides clothes and necessities to those in need, founded Bridge Builders Transportation which provides transportation services to and from work for those who do not have transportation and he is most proud of leading Grace Emmanuel retiring $1,000,000 dollars of medical debt to people in Genesee County.
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Accolades: Dr. Turner has received many awards and has been recognized for his leadership and vision. Dr. Rabon L. Turner, Sr. is a 33rd degree Mason, a Shriner, a Knight’s Templar and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.. At his core, Dr. Turner is a family man. He is married to Florence “Mia” Turner; a God fearing, spirit filled First Lady in her own right. Together they have been blessed with two children, Raylin and Rabon II.