Rev. Martha R. Holmes is an anointed, obedient vessel who preaches, teaches, and serves, under the authority of the Holy Spirit.  Her heart's desire is for lives to be empowered through the transformative work of Christ, wisdom of the Word, and emerge as His disciples.  Reverend Holmes is a lifelong resident of the Evanston community and member of Bethany Baptist Church of Christ where she faithfully served in all facets of ministry prior to becoming the fifth pastor in the 89 year history of the church,  on January 2014.  She holds a BS from National Louis University and an MDiV from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Rev. Holmes has been joyfully married to Deacon Rufus Holmes Holmes for 43 years.  Together, they are the Godly proud parents of Rufus Jr. and Tiffini, their daughter-in-love Celeste, and granddaughter Jessica.

Bethany Baptist Church of Christ is a church in Evanston, IL with a vibrant, active, spiritually mature, learning, growing body of believers who by the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit use their spiritual gifts to:

Build up their Christian brothers & sisters. 

Go out and witness the love, grace, and power of God in the world.

Live out their faith in a way that allows others to see and experience God through you. 

God of all power, You called from death the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus.  Send us as shepherds to rescue the lost and heal the injured, and to feed one another with knowledge and understanding; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.