Pastor Ragsdale grew up in North Miami, Florida. His home church was Northwest Baptist Church, North Miami, Florida with former pastor, the late Rev. Homer G. Lindsay, who also led him to Christ at the age of 8. Called into the ministry at the age of 19, he then attended Miami Christian College in Miami, Florida and Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. 

Moving to Alaska in 1981, he faithfully served in layman capacity for many years at Anchorage Baptist Temple, Dr. Jerry Prevo, pastor. Through the evangelism outreach of ABT, he was the men's Evangelism trainer for several sessions and his wife was privileged to lead the ladies group for several sessions as well. Also through another outreach of ABT, the Ragsdale's were honored to hold Home Fellowship Bible Studies at their home for five years. They also travelled together as an Evangelistic team throughout the state of Alaska and in the 'lower 48' holding revival meetings during this time. Many lives were changed and many received Christ as their Savior in each meeting.  After 15 1/2 years in Alaska, they moved back to Florida where he served as an assistant pastor to Dr. Ray Woodward, who then ordained him into the Gospel Ministry.  He then received the "Macedonian Call" from Ghanaian national pastor, Rev. George Dapaah, in Ghana, West Africa. He and his wife traveled twice to Ghana as Missionary Evangelist, church planter and gospel soloist. They helped plant three Independent Baptist Churches there and saw an estimated 10,000+ Ghanaians openly profess their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior - baptizing scores. Several of these young men were called into the Gospel Ministry and now attend the Christian college in Ghana. After graduating, some of these young men are now pastoring churches. Pastor Ragsdale is still available for revival meetings as well as mission conferences in the United States.

December 2010 will mark Pastor Ragsdale's ninth year at West Marion Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church has 'rebuilt' the walls as did Nehemiah. The properties and facilities at WMBC were in much need of repair. Funds for a new roof on the office, church auditorium, fellowship hall, and kitchen were raised as well as funds for a new deck which connects the six portables used for Sunday School classrooms. They have been involved in several community projects, such as raising funds for hurricane Katrina victims in Louisiana and hurricane victims in their own state of Florida.

WMBC has also sponsored an evangelism outreach ministry at the Florida Sheriff's Boys Ranch where 80% of the boys who during that time made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ and many of these same boys were baptized by Pastor Ragsdale. During this same time period, the members and friends of WMBC sponsored Pastor Ragsdale's evangelism Neighborhood Gospel Movie Outreach progams in his own community where he lives, 30 minutes away from the church, and saw several people receive Christ through that outreach ministry.

UPDATE: Continuing to be involved in world-wide evangelism, West Marion Baptist Church's web site has now been viewed in over 170 nations/states/cities and by other various individuals, groups, etc., who have been watching and downloading sermons from the web site. We have entered into this ministry to reach the millions through the internet, sponsored by Det. Sgt. David Taylor - who is currently a professor and supervisor at the Wesleyan College in West Virginia, teaching forensics, etc.

This ministry has expanded to include our audio cd/video dvd mail outreach enabling people to not only hear, but see Pastor Ragsdale preaching live on Sunday Mornings. The Gospel is clearly spelled out in the web site pages, with information on Baptist Doctrine, Baptist History, News and Events of WMBC, Internet Links/Helps, current church bulletin availability, along with several music videos and video clips of interest to those who might be lost and in need of our Savior.

 In March 2008, we began a new television ministry in Marion County, Florida, Alachua County, Florida and in Upshur County, Buckhannon, West Virginia - with plans to pick up more viewer areas as the funds are made available. March 2010 marks our two year anniversary for the WMBC TV Ministry. Please check our church bulletins for local tv listing times right here in our county.

Pastor Ragsdale continues his vision to reach the world for Christ by faithfully and unapologetically preaching the Word of God, verse by verse. He has completed 24 books of the New Testament through Bible study, teaching and preaching and has faithfully taught numerous themes and topics in the Old Testament, teaching 13 books of the Old Testament. He has completed various Bible Study Theme Albums that are offered for inidivdual home library use. His wife continues to help him in the ministry as church secretary, oversees the cd/dvd mailout ministry and web site ministry, weekly tv sermon video editor, church pianist, soloist, and choir director. We continue to seek your prayers as there have been many health problems in the last two years - Pastor Ragsdale with back surgery and Carol with cancer surgery - which God has graciously healed her of this. To God be the glory, great things He hath done! We believe and practice a true biblical method of healing here at West Marion Baptist Church, leaving the ultimate decision to heal and regain health to the Lord Jesus Christ. We covet your prayers for both - not only in the area of health, but in protection and spiritual strength to continue the work here with our dear friends at West Marion Baptist Church.

West Marion Baptist Church has been blessed to see over 300+ people receive Christ with 50+ joining and 50+ following the Lord in Believer's Baptism. To God be the Glory! We thank the Lord for His love, goodness, grace, and neverending mercy in allowing us to have a small part in His kingdom work. We look forward with great anticipation to our continued ministry here at West Marion Baptist Church and to our Lord's soon return!!! Will you join with us in praying for this work?