​Pastor Timothy D. Careathers is a devoted servant of God, pastor, theologian, author, and community advocate whose ministry reflects a deep commitment to biblical preaching, theological reflection, social justice, and community transformation. He serves as the Senior Pastor and Teacher of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he provides spiritual leadership rooted in the conviction that the Church is called not only to proclaim the Gospel but also to demonstrate God's love through compassion, justice, service, and meaningful engagement with the world.

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A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Pastor Careathers began his preaching ministry in March 2000 at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Willie Paul. Since answering the call to ministry, he has sought to communicate a Gospel that speaks to both the spiritual and practical realities of human existence. His preaching and teaching emphasize the transformative power of faith, the dignity of humanity, and the Church's responsibility to actively express God's love in the world.

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Pastor Careathers earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee, and a Master of Arts in Religion from Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His theological education has complemented more than two decades of ministerial experience, strengthening his commitment to thoughtful biblical interpretation, practical theology, and the ongoing relationship between faith, culture, and community.

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Before accepting the pastoral leadership of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Careathers served faithfully for 15 years as Pastor of Westside Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Throughout his pastoral journey, he has remained committed to helping congregations grow beyond institutional maintenance toward a deeper understanding of their calling to serve God and humanity.

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Central to his ministry is the belief that Christian leadership is not defined by position, power, or control, but by humility, service, and the willingness to empower others. He believes the Church must honor the traditions that have sustained it without allowing those traditions to limit its capacity for growth, renewal, and transformation. His approach to pastoral leadership emphasizes shared responsibility, meaningful participation, and cultivating communities where people are valued, heard, and encouraged to exercise their God-given gifts.

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As a preacher and practical theologian, Pastor Careathers believes that faith should invite both conviction and reflection. He encourages believers to engage Scripture thoughtfully, ask meaningful questions, and remain open to the Holy Spirit's transforming work. His ministry reflects the conviction that spiritual maturity is not simply measured by what one believes, but also by how those beliefs shape one's treatment of others.

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His commitment to social justice and community empowerment extends beyond the pulpit. Throughout his years in Chattanooga, Pastor Careathers demonstrated a sustained dedication to civic engagement, organizational leadership, and community development. His service has included membership in the Clergy Koinonia of Greater Chattanooga; serving as a board member and Co-Chair of the Spiritual Enrichment Department of the Servant Leadership Christian Fellowship; membership on the Governance Committee of the Alternative Seminary; and service on the Boards of Directors of The Sanctuary and The Bethlehem Center.

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Additionally, Pastor Careathers is the Co-Founder and former President of the Hamilton County Black Caucus in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the Founder and former Board Chair of The Net Resource Foundation, an asset-based nonprofit organization dedicated to community development and empowerment. Through these efforts, he has sought to connect faith with practical initiatives that strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and affirm the worth and dignity of all people.

 

Pastor Careathers is also the author of Supernaturally Natural, a book that reflects his passion for helping individuals recognize the relationship between faith and everyday living. His writing, preaching, and teaching share a common emphasis: authentic faith should not be confined to religious expression but should find meaningful application in how people live, lead, love, and serve.

 

As Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Careathers continues to encourage a vision of ministry that is spiritually grounded, intellectually engaged, and socially responsible. He believes the Church is at its best when it creates space for people rather than controlling them, practices compassion rather than merely proclaiming it, and understands that faithfulness to God requires both gratitude for the past and openness to the future.

 

He is married to the former Jill L. Baskerville, who shares in his journey of faith, ministry, and service.

Above all, Pastor Careathers remains committed to serving God, equipping believers, empowering communities, and leading with humility, integrity, and purpose. His personal and ministerial philosophy is grounded in the conviction that the Church must be a living witness to God's love, justice, and mercy.

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His life and ministry continue to be guided by the timeless biblical mandate of Micah 6:8:

 

“Do Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.”

 

Pastor Timothy D. Careathers