Rev. Dr. Michael A. Noble has been the pastor of the Historic Olivet Baptist Church since 1992. During that time there have been monumental challenges and extreme adversity from which Olivet has emerged unscathed and more grounded than ever in faith as did Daniel from the lion’s den.

Battling two lawsuits, Dr. Noble has relied on his faith in God to sustain and preserve the one hundred and fifty seven year old institution as well as Dr. Noble’s appointment. His faith has held him in good stead. As a result, membership and subsequent ministries have grown proportionally.

He is a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pure, unadulterated, undiluted gospel. Dr. Noble is not a proponent of this age’s penchant for “political correctness” and makes no apologies for it. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe,” he says.

In order to better prepare himself for ministry, Dr. Noble earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts from Denison University, Master’s of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary.

“Educating oneself to the word of God is an absolute necessity because education should stimulate ones’ reflective nature,” says Dr. Noble. “The reflective nature I am referring to here is the spirit of God that exists in all of His children. God speaks to His children through His word. If we don’t study God’s word we cannot hear Him speak.”

A Philosophy Major, Dr. Noble views the Gospel as an education tool for the spirit. “I’m not certain,” he says, “if this philosophy formed me or if I was born this way.” He quotes 2 Timothy 2:15 by way of explanation: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Sermons at the historic church are openly emotional and passionate. Dr. Noble rarely uses manuscripts in delivery of sermons, preaching extemporaneously preferring to allow the Spirit to move him as the Lord sees fit.

“My initial sermon was a divine experience,” he says, “I looked down at my typed, prepared sermon and saw blank pages! There were no words on the pages! After my initial panic, words began to flow out of me. After reflection, I learned through grace that day to be prepared but to always be sensitive to the Spirit and let God speak through you to deliver His words.”

“Every sermon I’ve preached from that day has been done that way.”

When pressed for personal goals Dr. Noble states simply, “Of course, I have personal desires like everyone but, as a disciple of Christ, submitting to God’s will and putting God’s desires above my own is what I strive for."

Ask any member of the Olivet community regarding their perceptions of Dr. Noble and you will hear words like: faithful, god-filled, not easily influenced, etc., to which Dr. Noble replies, “Perceptions aren’t necessarily a bad thing. I will not be moved or influenced by anything other than the word of God. Relationships are necessary to get beyond perceptions. In order for people to receive a message from God from a mere mortal takes faith.”

“My greatest pleasure is God’s love and the love I experience from His people. It is a privilege and an honor of God’s grace when people allow you to share in their lives.”

“My greatest joy would be to get to Heaven and see God smile at me. He doesn’t even have to speak. I rejoice in the promise of eternity to be in His presence.”