By Pressley Peters
Ademuyiwa Bamiduro ‘13 M.Div. is an ordained Baptist minister and the Senior Pastor of Walker Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. In January, his congregation celebrated his 10th anniversary at the church. Walker Memorial marked Bamiduro’s anniversary with a $10,000 gift to The Margaret Bamiduro and Rev. Keith A. King Scholarship Fund for YDS students, which Bamiduro set up to honor his mother and his mentor. The endowed scholarship fund is also in its 10th year.
Prior to attending YDS, Rev. Bamiduro graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree and the University of Maryland School of Law with a J.D. At YDS, he was awarded the Charles S. Mersick Prize for effective public address. He and his wife, Portia, live in the D.C. area.
What does the amalgamation of your 10th anniversary at Walker Memorial Baptist Church and the scholarship fund’s 10-year milestone mean to you?
It is fulfilling and exciting to see what God has done in this community church. We have grown in so many ways, impacting our community and helping to transform lives.
The contributions from Walker Baptist to Yale represent a natural connection. The support is a sign that we believe in continuing education and wish to impact the lives of young people who want to go into ministry and carry on the good news of Jesus Christ.
The vision of our church has been to be a prayerful congregation walking in the spirit and bringing souls to Christ. Part of our vision and mission includes the desire to support students through their scholastic pursuits. Education is an important part of the fabric of our ministry. We have a College Bound program, where over 20 students gather every Thursday night at our church. We also support a neighboring public charter school and provide uniforms and other assistance to families, including the homeless and underserved population in that school.
How do you imagine the students who benefit from the endowed scholarship fund might impact our world?
I receive grateful letters from students who are achieving their academic goals and following their call in life. It’s rewarding to know that a thought the Lord planted in my heart over 10 years ago is helping people achieve their goals.
Scholarship recipients also have a chance to meet Pastor King, who the fund is named for, at the Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church about a mile from YDS. Going to seminary and church away from home creates challenges for students. I hope that getting off campus and making a connection with Pastor King might help some of them in their transition through seminary and into ministry.
What motivates you to continue supporting YDS?
I readily support YDS because it is committed to preparing students for congregational settings where they can follow God’s call without compromise.
Student loan burden is immense. It’s important to alleviate that burden because ministry is difficult enough. Ministry is rewarding, inspiring, and encouraging, but it is also challenging because of its uncertainties. It’s a big deal to be a young person seeking to serve God and knowing you are blessed not to have to pay back student loans. In that way, these ministers will have more focus and freedom to preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
I am drawn toward YDS’s focus on congregational ministry. I also believe strongly in theological education. The jelling of these two paths is something that YDS does very well.
Dean Greg Sterling is a minister himself, and part of his background was serving in a congregational setting. He understands that pastoral ministry matters. His experience surely comes into play with his vision of ensuring that students receive scholarships so they can seek their call with full vigor. YDS is training the future leaders of the world. We need to do everything we can to see that they are equipped and provided for, and so they know that they are part of God’s plan.
How has giving has been personally significant to you?
Giving is what we are called to do. The condition of your soul is enriched when you give more than what you’re taking and put others first. It is a joyous feeling that brings you closer to God. Beyond obligation, it is truly having a desire to make the lives of others better. It’s a beautiful thing to meet God in that way.
Gifts to The Margaret Bamiduro and Rev. Keith A. King Scholarship may be made via the YDS We Are Called website. For more information on The Margaret Bamiduro and Rev. Keith A. King Scholarship, read this this 2021 article. For information on giving to this and other scholarship funds, email Barbara Sabia, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Development, at firstname.lastname@example.org.