Rev. Dr. Filbert Martin was born in Shelby, North Carolina on April 9, 1955. He graduated from Crest High School in May 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo College in January 1981.  In August 1984, he received a Master of Arts degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University. In August 2006, Rev. Martin graduated from Regions University now named Amridge University with a Master of Divinity degree and was honored with Military Scholar Award. Rev. Martin attended the Birmingham Theological
Seminary and graduated in May 2018 with a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership.  

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Dr. Martin entered the United States Air Force in January 1974. After 29 years of active service at various locations, he retired from Maxwell AFB, Alabama on May 1, 2003. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (the highest enlisted grade to be obtained). He was honored as the Military Airlift Command Outstanding Airman of the Year in 1984 and the 7th Air Force Senior NCO of the Year in 1990. He was selected as the Academic Instructor School’s Instructor of the Year in 2000. His military awards include: Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. 

 

In November 1992, Dr. Martin answered the call into the ministry. He was licensed by Rev. Willie Reaves at New Horizon Baptist Church, located in Clinton, Maryland. After transferring to
Maxwell AFB in 1993, he became a disciple at First Baptist Church, Greater Washington Park and was ordained by Dr. Willie Welch, III in May 1997. He served as the President of Westside
Restoration, a non-profit community development corporation; Bible Study and Sunday Church School teacher, and Director of the Readiness Summer Program and wherever he was needed.

On July 9, 2006, Dr. Martin became Pastor of Mobile Heights Baptist Church. He has proven to be community and service minded in his quest to help and assist mankind. He avails himself when called upon to teach, preach and conduct leadership seminars as needed. He supports the idea that an educational agenda based on God’s Word, rather than a secular agenda based on man’s word is the best way to make life work as the Creator intended. Dr. Martin is the author of the book entitled “A Great Opportunity for Today’s Church (Shifting the Mindset from Engagement to Commitment through Sunday Church School & Life Groups)” published in August 2021.  Dr. Martin is married to Jacquelyn Cummings, and they are blessed with four adult children: Marcus, Tommy, Preston, and Katrina. They have 12 grandchildren. Dr. Martin has five godchildren and one foster daughter.