Born in Eustis, Florida, he grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, and was an outstanding high school basketball player.  Through this, he received a four-year basketball scholarship to Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies with a minor in Business Administration. In 1986, Dr. Ellis earned his Master of Divinity degree and in 2005 his doctorate of Ministry Degree; both from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.   His travels have taken him to Africa, England, Switzerland, Germany, Hawaii, Canada, and many cities throughout the United States. 

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Dr. Ellis has served in many different capacities: (1) Team Leader, People Group Evangelism and Associate Director Institutional Chaplaincy, North American Mission Board; (2) Regional Chaplaincy Administrator, Southwest Region, Federal Bureau of Prisons; (3)Senior Chaplain, Federal Bureau of Prisons;(4) Pastor, First Baptist Church, Burham, IL; (5) and Associate Pastor/Minister of Education, Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, Chicago, IL.  He has served on various committees and study groups dealing with cultural diversity issues, criminal justice and men’s ministries relevant to the church. Presently, Dr. Ellis is a committee member of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Transition and Reentry. Also, he partners with several community organizations in the Norcross, GA area. His interests include sports, computers, and reading.

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Dr. Ellis is married to the former Ms. Penny Hildreth, and they have three lovely daughters, Imani, Nailah, and Aisha, and one handsome son, Emmanuel. To get in touch, email Pastor Ken at PastorEllis@BeaverRuinBaptist.org.

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