Pastor Rickardo Taylor, Sr.
Reverend Rickardo Taylor, Sr. is the fifth pastor of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana.
​
He answered the call to gospel ministry at the age of 28 under the guidance of his late father, Reverend Dorsey Taylor, and the loving support of his mother, Geraldine Taylor. In 1998, twenty-five years after his father’s faithful service, Reverend Taylor
was appointed to lead Mount Carmel, carrying forward a legacy of pastoral leadership rooted in faith, humility, and service.
Under his 27 years of leadership, God’s favor has been evident in the growth and expansion of Mount Carmel’s ministries. The church now thrives with Youth, Drama, Women’s, Men’s, Health & Wellness, and other ministries—all with the purpose of reaching and teaching people about Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Reverend Taylor is a passionate preacher and a crier for God, moved deeply by the power of the Holy Spirit. His ministry is marked by a profound love for God and for His people, and by a relentless desire to see lives transformed through the Word of God. His ministry is spirit-filled and centered on teaching, preaching, and equipping believers with God’s Word. His vision focuses on restoring men to their God-ordained roles as leaders in their homes, churches, and communities.
Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Reverend Taylor studied at Grambling State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Bethel College (now Bethel University). In 2016, Reverend Taylor founded 466 Works Community Development Corporation, where he serves as President. With a mission to revitalize South Bend’s Southeast neighborhood, 466 Works has already built more than two dozen homes providing stability, hope, and opportunity through homeownership. He also serves as a teacher in the South Bend Community School Corporation, where his Building Trades students not only gain valuable skills but also build homes for families—preparing young people for their futures while serving the community.
Reverend Taylor is also a devoted and compassionate husband to Lady Marcia Taylor, and the loving and proud father of three children: Rickardo Jr., Aundrea, and Marlon. He is committed to serving God and the needs of the congregation he has been appointed to lead.
It is through his use of universal principles regarding spirituality that he shares practical tools for all of God’s children to live joyous, abundant, peaceful, and truly blessed lives. His favorite book of the Bible is Psalms 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?
First Lady Marcia Taylor
Lady Taylor is an advocate of God’s teachings and a devoted servant to His people.
As the wife and ministry partner of Pastor Rickardo Taylor Sr., she serves faithfully as his helpmate, confidant, and encourager while also leading and supporting several ministries at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
She directs the Women’s, Youth, and Health & Wellness Ministries, where she shares her passion for education, child development, sisterhood, and helping others embrace healthy living. A gifted vocalist, she also sings with Mount Carmel’s Mass Choir and uses her God-given talents to educate and inspire others.
Lady Taylor began her professional career as a Special Education Teacher in 1984 and has dedicated nearly four decades to serving students and families in Elkhart, South Bend, and Indianapolis. She also extends her servant leadership beyond the church walls as Chair of the Southeast Neighborhood Advisory Council, member of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Community Advisory Board, and former board member of the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana.
At home, Lady Taylor is a loving wife and devoted mother of three—Rickardo Jr., Aundrea, and Marlon. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading, listening to music, and watching sports with herhusband.
Her guiding scripture is Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”