The Reverend Ulysses Ponder was born January 14, 1948, in Stockbridge, Georgia to the late Reverend J.W. and Elvera Ponder. He graduated from the County Line Elementary School in Ellenwood, Georgia and Hamilton High School in Scottsdale, Georgia.

Theological Education:

He received his theological education from Metro-Atlanta Ministers School of Training, All Saints Theological Seminary, and Bryant Theological Seminary in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Reverend Ponder continues his educational studies through “ITC”, where he has received certifications of completion in various Pastoral enhancement courses. He also continues to further his education through course offerings that enhance his Ministry through the Annual Church Development Conference, held by the Tony Evans Ministries in Dallas, Texas. Reverend Ponder has received an honorary Doctorate degree from Midwest Theological Institute of Georgia.

The Family Man:

Reverend Ponder married the former Annie M. Mack on July 21, 1968. To this union, two children were born: daughter, Yolanda and son Kevin (PerPetue). The Ponders are the proud grandparents of one grandson, Marquise. Pastor Ponder and his family reside in Ellenwood, Georgia, DeKalb County.

Servant of the Lord:

At the age of nine (9), Reverend Ponder joined Floyd Chapel Church. At the age of nineteen (19), he moved his membership to Mount Calvary Baptist Church, College Park, Georgia where he served as a Deacon and a Choir Director for twenty-one (21) years. There he remained a faithful member until he was called to preach the Word of God. In March 1983, he was ordained.

After his calling, he served at Mt Calvary Baptist Church as an Associate Minister under the late Reverend J.T. Alexander for three and a half  months. Being led by the Holy Spirit, he then served as Assistant Pastor at Poplar Springs Baptist Church for nine (9) months.

Reverend Ponder was called to Pastor at Old Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Concord, Georgia from 1983-1987. In two and a half years, the membership grew 50%. Reverend Ponder was instrumental in starting new programs for the young people, which included a scholarship fund for high school seniors. Much was accomplished because of Pastor Ponders’ deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ.

In 1987, Reverend Ponder resigned as a Pastor of Old Mount Calvary Baptist Church to return to Poplar Springs Baptist Church as Pastor. He has faithfully served as Pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church for thirty (30) years. Since beginning this ministry, Pastor Ponder has, again, been able to accomplish many, many things.