Pastor Timothy Hawkins was born in Cleveland, Ohio. From his early days, the role of a pastor intrigued him; and his childhood pastor, who walked with humility, gentleness, and strength, inspired him. In 1983, Pastor Hawkins answered God’s call to preach the Gospel at Second Mount Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland. Since answering that call, his life has been an example of how the Lord will move and use those dedicated to serving Him.
As a member of the United States Military, Pastor Hawkins was moved to California, where he and his family became members of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Oakland, California. In September of 1985, Reverend Hawkins was placed into service as an Associate Minister under the leadership of the Late Dr. Herbert Guice.
The Lord moved the Hawkins family to Oceanside, California, where Pastor Hawkins was stationed at Camp Pendleton. The family united with the Second Missionary Baptist Church, Oceanside, California, where he served as an Associate Minister from 1987-1989, under the leadership of Pastor W. W. Wright. On November 13, 1988, Reverend Hawkins was officially ordained into the Gospel Ministry.
After 5 years in the Military (Hospital Corps and Surgical Technologist), Pastor Hawkins received an Honorable discharge. In December 1989, he returned to Oakland, California. He and his family reunited with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Late Reverend Dr. Herbert Guice; there, Reverend Hawkins resumed the duties of an Associate Minister.
In September 2001, God led Pastor Hawkins to Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist church, where at the invitation of Reverend A. Q. West, he stepped into an actively supportive role and, as Pastor West’s chosen assistant, took on many of the burdens and joys of guiding a church. Eleven months later, Reverend West retired after thirty years of faithful service. On November 17, 2002, God blessed Bible Fellowship with its third leader as Reverend Timothy Hawkins assumed the position of Pastor.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Pastor Hawkins is married to Rachel Hawkins. His beloved wife assists him with premarital and family counseling, as well as leading the Sisterhood Ministry. They are the proud parents of three sons: Reverend Dewayne Hawkins (married to Krista Hawkins), Timothy Andrew Hawkins (married to Desireé Hawkins), and Reverend Matthew Hawkins (married to Amaria Hawkins). Pastor and Sister Hawkins are doting grandparents of Jaylen, Elijah, and Kyla children of Dewayne and Krista; and Matthew Jeremiah, Maree Jaia-Nachel, and Moriah Joy-Nachel children of Matthew and Amaria.
Pastor Hawkins is blessed with the gifts of preaching and teaching the Word of God. While pastoring ministering to his flock, he strengthens those gifts by continued study. He recently received a Master Arts in Theological Studies from Faith Seminary of Tacoma, Washington, and is currently enrolled in a Doctoral degree program.
Under the leadership of Pastor Hawkins various new ministries have been established to utilize spiritual gifts and serve the congregation, which include: Junior Deacons, Junior Brotherhood, Greeters, Sisterhood, Praise Team, Mime, Audio and Visual, Singles and Marriage, Women’s Choir, Praise Team, Step Team, Dance, Website, Media, Van and Parking Ministries.
While the edification of the human spirit is Pastor Hawkins’ chief concern, he also seeks to provide a physical location that is conducive to learning and Christian fellowship. Through his leadership, many improvements to our beautiful edifice have been completed. In addition, we have acquired computer equipment and automated our record keeping. Now, through his vision and encouragement, we have embarked on a Building Project, which will be a major accomplishment for our church family in the coming years.
The Lord has blessed Pastor Hawkins with a pastoral gift and his life’s experiences have strengthened him to perform this role to the glory of God. For over twenty years, he has been preaching, teaching, watching and warning, evangelizing and counseling. Through his ministry, he has demonstrated the role of a pastor as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7. Pastor Hawkins is a man of personal integrity, family dedication, and good reputation. Bible Fellowship is blessed to have him at the helm!
To God Be the Glory!