The Beginning of the Church

Ray Hammond is the Pastor of Bethel AME Church in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. Ray and his wife, Gloria, started Bethel AME in their dining room in 1988. They were both trained as medical doctors and served in that capacity prior to planting Bethel. Ray tells the story of following God in a life of service for the past three decades, and he reflects on the church’s role in the community. Mark and Ray also discuss the racial tension of the past year and how the church can be helpful in facilitating understanding in this conversation.  

Bethel AME 

Bethel Social Justice Institute 

BMA TenPoint