Reverend Dr. Carlos Wesley Perkins, a native of Jamaica, West Indies, is the anointed, visionary leader whom God has sent to lead Bethel Cathedral African Methodist Episcopal Church—Indianapolis to the next level of success and achievement.  Through his bold and principled leadership, Bethel Cathedral has made great strides in spirituality, education, administration, technology, and ministry expansion.  Rev. Perkins readily admits that he is a humble servant whom God has blessed tremendously.  God blessed him with an amazing combination of diverse life experiences, which prepared him for his divine appointment at Bethel Cathedral – Indianapolis. 

Before moving to Indianapolis, Dr. Perkins pastored St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church – St. Croix (2015-2018), served as an Associate Minister at the Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastoral leadership of The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver, and as a Principal with the District of Columbia Public Schools (Washington Metropolitan High School).  Rev. Perkins also served as the Chief Operations Officer at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid, III.  

He graduated with honors from the prestigious Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a Masters of Divinity; from the University of Maryland with a Masters of Education and Counseling; and from Ithaca College (New York) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Sociology.  Dr. Perkins graduated from the Payne Theological Seminary (Wilberforce, Ohio) with a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership and Community Engagement.  

Dr. Perkins is a dedicated and resourceful education professional with proven ability to create and monitor policies and practices that promote a safe learning environment; ensure a school culture that encourages continuous improvements for teachers and students; develop an environment that encourages open communication with colleagues, students, and the community; and mentor educators in the creation and implementation of class instruction, lesson plans, and student assessment in conjunction with the school district’s learning standards. He has a deep educational knowledge and core skills in the areas of improving student-centered instruction, creating and sustaining a safe and effective school climate and culture; and developing educational professionals.  

Called by God, Dr. Perkins works to empower others through the demonstration of the Holy Spirit.  God has used him to powerfully minister to the needs of today’s generation by planning and implementing a number of cutting-edge ministry opportunities and activities.  He has also been blessed to preach to and instruct youth and young adults in spiritual development and leadership around the United States, Caribbean and across the continent of Africa; he has been instrumental in planning spiritual conferences, college tours, mentoring programs, athletic events, and spiritual retreats.  Dr. Carlos led missionary teams of youth, young adults, and youth ministers to Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Rwanda, and Ghana.   

In addition to his work with youth and young adults, Dr. Perkins taught classes in Sociology, Psychology, and Human Development at a local community college.  He is a certified Youth Development Specialist and holds certificates in Diversity Training, and Designing and Implementing Diversity Initiatives.  He is the published author of: Leadership Insights and Applications: African American Students—National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs, and Student Outcomes of Community Service: Assessing the Impact of Service-Learning on Student’s Awareness of and Acceptance of Social Responsibility—University of Maryland Department of Counseling and Personnel Services.

Dr. Perkins is married to Reverend Dr. Carla Sharon Perkins and they have two children, Jebron Carlos and Jemila Carla.  He has a profound love for his family and believes that "Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that Love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Reverend Dr. Carla Sharon Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University at Albany (New York), Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work and a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.  Dr. Perkins is licensed clinical social worker, and has almost 20 years of social work experience, including the provision of individual and group counseling and therapy, case management, crisis intervention, and social service administration. Dr. Perkins has a strong belief in continuing the legacy of cultural competence in social service practice, as such she received education and training in Africana studies, Strengths-based and Empowerment perspectives, and has studied abroad and traveled throughout South America and the Caribbean.  

Dr. Carla is a partner in ministry to her husband, Dr. Carlos W. Perkins, Pastor of Bethel Cathedral AME Church – Indianapolis, IN. In addition to serving as First Lady, she is the Director of Children’s Ministry. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Dr. Carla Perkins and Dr. Carlos Perkins have two children, Jebron Carlos and Jemila Carla. She has profound love for her family, and enjoys cooking, reading and making a difference in the lives of people and the community. She believes that “…To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).