First United Methodist Church Waco
Staff & Leaders

Stephen Ramsdell

Pastor Steve Ramsdell came to First United Methodist Church in May of 1997. As Senior Pastor of a congregation that began on the banks of the Brazos River in 1850, Steve casts the vision for the church and sets the overall direction for the congregation while actively participating in the life of First Methodist. Steve has been serving as a United Methodist pastor since 1979 and served eight churches in Coleman county, as well as Itasca, Osceola, Ovilla, Britton, Mexia and Killeen. While serving as Senior Pastor of First Methodist in Waco, the church h as grown to be included as one of the top 100 attended Methodist Churches in the country. Steve and Susan were married in Bangs, Texas during his first pastorate. Steve served prior to his call to ministry, in the United States Navy, on the USS John F. Kennedy, an attack aircraft carrier. His service years were during the Viet Nam era from 1971 – 1975. His days on the carrier took him to the Mediterranean for two tours during the height of the cold war, as well as the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. Steve earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 1983. Steve is originally from San Angelo, Texas, but traveled the world while his father served in the Air Force. Pastor Steve has served on the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits for the Central Texas Conference for eight years, and currently serves on the District Board of the Ordained Ministry and mentors candidates for ministry. Steve has also recently been asked to serve on the Large Church Initiative, a body of United Methodist large church senior pastors asked to help revitalize the denomination. He also serves on the Waco Community Development Corporation. It is a joy for Steve and Susan, that two of their sons, Matthew and Christopher, and their spouses Beth and Raschael attend church with them. It is a special joy that their first grandchild, Levi is also part of the church. Their daughter Deborah lives in Washington, D.C. and is the manager of a retail store. Steve enjoys athletics, weight lifting, reading, history, fishing, and mission work. Steve and Susan also enjoy family time, gardening, travel, and investing in friendships. He is passionate about growing the church through a strong commitment to evangelism, local and world-wide mission, and powerful worship. He is committed to growing people spiritually so that a transformed people can transform the world.