Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
5001 Cumberland Drive - Tampa,FL 33617
Ph: 813-321-6215
Email: Bethelamectampa@gmail.com
Rev. R. A. Polk, Pastor
Rev. R. A. Polk, Pastor
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“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord,” (Luke 4:18-19) is the witness of Reverend Ricky Anthony Polk.
Pastor Polk’s ministry roots were grounded at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, (Lakeland) under the leadership of Bishop LueRay Norris. Under his tutelage, Rev. Polk matured in the things of God by serving. Pastor Polk answered the call of God to “Preach the Good News,” in 1985.
In 1998 Rev. Polk was admitted to the Tampa Annual Conference of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His first pastoral assignment came in 2001 to Gregg Temple AME Church, (Tampa). His tenure consists of appointments to the following churches; Zion Hill AME Church, (Tampa), Unity AME Church, (Seffner), and Allen Chapel AME Church, (Plant City) and Greater Mt. Carmel AME Church, (Tampa). In October 2019, he was appointed to his current charge as Shepherd of Bethel AME Church, (Tampa).
Rev. Polk is an anointed preacher, gifted teacher, and a man of faith. God has gifted him with the ability to apply biblical principles in ways that are relevant and easily understood by people of all ages and walks of life. He is known to give a straightforward, yet challenging message that is filled with grace and love. He has a genuine love for God's Word, a passion to live in His presence, and a fervent desire to see lives transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). He is totally committed to building God’s Kingdom through the Words of faith he preaches.
As a visionary leader, he is leading the congregation of Bethel AME Church to new beginnings of revival, relationship building, and community engagement. He embodies all the qualities of the Pastor that the Lord promised in Jeremiah 3:15…“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Pastor Polk operates with the agreement between the Word, Spirit and the Love of God that must exist among believers who abide in the presence of God. He declares that we must operate in the fulfillment of divine destiny in discovering our purpose in life, making sure not one day is wasted in unfulfilled living.
His faith in action is demonstrated as a son, and father. He is the son of Mrs. Charlie Mae Hughes, Plant City, FL.
“…Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me, (Isaiah 6:8),” is the living testimony of Rev. R. A. Polk.