Biography…

Personal Background

Kenneth C. Ulmer, a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, began his spiritual journey at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church near his family home, where he accepted Jesus Christ and later served as the pianist and church organist. After graduating from East St. Louis Senior High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting & Music from the University of Illinois. Relocating to California as a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, he served at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Dr. Ulmer and his wife, Togetta Ulmer, have been married for over 47 years and have three daughters, one son, and six grandchildren.

Religious and Ministry Work

In 1977, inspired by a sermon, he accepted his call to ministry and founded Macedonia Bible Church in San Pedro, California. As a prominent religious leader, Dr. Ulmer served as Senior Pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles for 41 years, where he led the congregation to purchase and operate The Great Western Forum. He founded the Macedonia International Bible Fellowship and the Ulmer Institute, a non-profit focused on psychological trauma in urban communities.

Education

Dr. Ulmer pursued extensive post-graduate studies at institutions including Pepperdine University, Hebrew Union College, the University of Judaism, and Oxford University, earning a PhD from Grace Graduate School of Theology with a dissertation on the theology in the music of the Black Church. He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Southern California School of Ministry and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

Academic and Teaching Roles

He has held teaching roles at Biola University, Pepperdine University, and Fuller Theological Seminary, and mentored students in the Doctor of Ministry program at United Theological Seminary. He was a founding board member and former President of The King’s University in Los Angeles and directed The King’s At Oxford summer session.

Leadership and Advisory Roles

Dr. Ulmer has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including Commissioner of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Ad Hoc Committee Member for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and Senior Advisor on Community Reconciliation to the President of Biola University. He has served on various boards, including the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Southern California School of Ministry, and Empowered 21.