Leadership

Suffragan Bishop Walter T. Ragland is a devoted servant of Jesus Christ whose life reflects steadfast faith, disciplined leadership, and a heart committed to advancing the Kingdom of God. He was baptized in the name of Jesus in 2003 and filled with the Holy Ghost in 2004 at Madison Pentecostal Assembly, under the pastoral leadership of his spiritual father, Bishop Eugene S. Johnson.

Under Bishop Johnson’s guidance, Bishop Ragland faithfully served in numerous capacities, demonstrating humility, consistency, and a willingness to work wherever needed. His service included roles as youth leader, gatekeeper, usher, local men’s department chairman, Christian educator, safety and security leader, outreach team member, and baptism committee member.

Among his many acts of service, Bishop Ragland considers his call to preach the Gospel in 2007 to be his most humbling and sacred responsibility.

In 2013, he was installed as Brotherhood Chairman for the Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota Council (MWDDC). His leadership at both the local and district levels soon opened the door for national service.

In 2018, Bishop Ragland was appointed Assistant Treasurer for the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World International Men’s Ministry Auxiliary (IMMA). That same year, recognizing the calling on his life, Bishop Eugene Johnson sent him to serve as Pastor of Appleton Pentecostal Assembly.

In 2024, Bishop Ragland was elevated to Treasurer of the IMMA, and in 2025 he was consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of the West Nigerian Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW).

In 2026, Bishop Ragland was elected President of the International Men’s Ministry Auxiliary (IMMA) of the PAW.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bishop Ragland’s academic background includes an associate’s degree in counseling and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Business. Professionally, he served as an Executive Director for clinics throughout Wisconsin, making a profound impact on individuals battling addiction and mental health challenges.

His community influence has been recognized through several awards, including the President’s Award for Outstanding Service from the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute.

Bishop Ragland has been joyfully married for over 21 years to Lady Tarsha Ragland, and together they are blessed with one daughter.

Lady Tarsha Ragland was baptized in Jesus’ name on Dec 16, 1990, and filled with the Holy Ghost on May 1, 1991, at Madison Pentecostal Assembly (MPA) where Bishop Eugene S. Johnson is the Senior Pastor. Trustee Ragland served in many capacities at MPA; youth leader, Sunday school teacher (youth and adult), gatekeeper and trustee. In 2018, Lady Ragland began serving alongside her husband as he took on the pastoral role at Appleton Pentecostal Assembly (APA). Since then, Lady Ragland has served as a trustee, teacher, historian, leader of the women’s department, director of youth Christian education department and oversight for the In-reach, greeter and usher ministries.

In 2024, Lady Ragland was elevated to Executive Pastor at APA where she continues to maintain good stewardship over the affairs of the church.

Lady Ragland has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Master of Science Degree in Business Management. Lady Ragland has worked for over 25 years for one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country. Lady Ragland was united in Holy Matrimony to Pastor Walter T. Ragland on Dec 11, 2004, and they have one daughter.