OUR PASTOR & FIRST LADY
REV. DR. SHELBY L. TATE, SR.
SENIOR PASTOR
History: Pastor Shelby L. Tate, Sr., is from D’Lo, Mississippi and his family later moved to Mendenhall, Mississippi. His parents were the late, Deacon A.J. and Mother Juanita Tate. In 1954, to improve their quality of life, Pastor Tate’s Family would move to the Pacific Northwest, residing in Pasco, Washington.
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Family: In 1960, Pastor Tate would marry Doris Willingham and have been married for nearly 60 years! The Lord blessed them with 4 biological children, Sherry, Shelby, Jr. (Lisa), Steven and Shannon (Danielle). They also have an adopted daughter, Cynthia (Rodney), Cleo (Allen) and adopted son, Anthony. They are blessed with 7 biological grandchildren, Johnnie, Brian (Denise), Doris-Jeanea (J.B.), Joseph, Ashlee, Timothy and Stefan, and 3 great-grandchildren
Education: Pastor Tate attended the Northwest Bible College and South Seattle Community College to become certified as an Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship, he also received his Management certification.
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In May 1985, Pastor Tate received his Teaching and Ministers Certificate, Bachelor of Theology and his Doctor of Divinity from the International Seminary of Florida. On Sunday, July 7, 1986, Pastor Tate received his Ph.D., in Biblical Studies through Survine Ministries in Denver, Colorado.
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Career: In1966. Pastor Tate moved his family to Seattle, Washington, to continue his career with the Boeing Company. Pastor Tate would leave the Boeing Company, and eventually work 23 years for Seattle City Light, from Lineman’s Helper to Electrical Apprentice, ending his career as a Supervisor.
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Community Service: Pastor Tate has served as Congress of Christian Education President, President and 2nd Vice President of the North Pacific Baptist Convention. He was also on the Board of Directors for the National Congress Christian Education, U.S.A., Inc. He continues to be a member of the Greater Seattle Area & Vicinity Minister’s Conference. Pastor Tate has also worked with the Seattle Police, South Precinct on improving police accountability. Pastor Tate was also an instructor for United Theological Seminary Bible College.
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Christian Walk: Pastor Tate accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall, Mississippi. After moving to Pasco, Washington, the family united with New Hope Baptist Church. Pastor Tate served as Superintendent of Sunday School and he was an Usher. He also served a Treasurer of the General Baptist Convention of the Northwest.
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After relocating to Seattle, Washington, Pastor Tate became a member of New Hope Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. C.E. Williams. Pastor Tate would continue serving in many capacities, such as Youth Director, Choir Director, Superintendent of Sunday School, Department Coordinator, Deacon. In 1975, Pastor Tate accepted his call to ministry, serving as an Associate Minister. In 1977, Pastor Tate became the Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church where he served until 1986, when he founded Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church.