ABOUT
Charles Ritchie served at ABC (Agape Baptist Church), Memphis, Tennessee since 1989, with a brief stint from 1978-81. He was the senior pastor 1990-2020.
Prior to that he served in 11 other churches in various capacities since 1971. He pastored or served in music, youth, recreation, and associate positions in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Indiana.
In 1966, when barely 13 years old, Charles became organist of the Leaclair Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, which averaged 700 in worship attendance at the time. His ability to play and sing landed him on many radio and television shows throughout his teen years. When he was 15 years old, he surrendered to full-time christian ministry and later attended Union University, Jackson, Tennessee, where he met his future wife, Jackie Fowler. They married on Dec. 21, 1973.
While pastoring in Hammond, Indiana in the '80's, Charles served on the Executive Committee and Board for Indiana Baptists as chairman of the State Missions Committee and ultimately was elected to serve as a trustee at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC. He also played during a segment of the Southern Baptist Convention in Pittsburgh, PA during that time.
Having written and recorded many scripture and praise songs which are
available on iTunes and CD Baby, Pastor Ritchie most often sang and played in
the meetings he preached.
For years he played at many national level horse shows a year in 13 different states and also shared in churches throughout the year.
Both of Charles and Jackie's daughters, Tara Tanner and Charlotte Stewart, are worship & praise leaders and vocal instructors in the Memphis area.
After a brave, 3 year battle with cancer, on August 22nd, 2020,
his wife, Jackie, shared this announcement:
"My husband, Charles, would like you to know that he has had a change of address as of 8:39 this morning. He is not suffering and is not confined to a diseased body any more! God has freed him to enjoy what He has prepared for him.
Charles’ desire was that he finish well, and he did!"
Charles' Life Verse was: "For I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet, not I, but Christ lives in me. And, the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". Galatians 2:20
We will all miss you, Charles.