Bishop Kenneth W. Carter

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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Biographical Snapshot

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter was elected the 55th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in June 2006 during the Thirty-Sixth General Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. A native of Corinth, Mississippi, he is a seasoned itinerant minister and academic who currently serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District.

Current Roles & Leadership

Presiding Prelate: Eleventh Episcopal District, CME Church.
Episcopacy: Elected in 2006; has served as a general officer for nearly two decades.

Ecclesiastical Career

Pastoral Leadership: Prior to his election, he served for 10 years as the pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Regional Oversight: Served as Presiding Elder in both the Greenwood-Jackson and Columbus-Meridian Districts in Mississippi.
Itinerant Ministry: Over several decades, he has provided pastoral guidance to congregations across Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Texas.
Early Ministry: His first pastoral appointment was at Jones Chapel CME Church in Iuka, Mississippi.

Education & Academic Background

B.A. degree: University of Mississippi.
Master of Music Education: Delta State University.
Master of Divinity: Howard University.
Doctor of Divinity: Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas).
Ordination: Licensed to preach in 1973; ordained Deacon in 1976 and Elder in 1978.

Historical Service & Contributions

Full Connection: Admitted into Full Connection in 1979, marking a lifelong commitment to the CME itinerant ministry.
Foundational Roots: Began his spiritual journey and education in the public schools of Corinth, Mississippi, eventually being licensed to preach at City Road Temple CME.

Personal Life

Born on July 12, 1957, to Willie and Stella Carter, Bishop Carter is known for his "tenacious pursuit of learning." He is married to Rosia Hunter Carter, and they are the parents of two daughters, Jill Lynette and Stacy Marie.