WHO WE ARE

Our Mission

The Reid Temple College Outreach Ministry (RTCOM) exists to uphold the spirit of excellence in all aspects of life, by equipping students spiritually as they advance academically. The RTCOM is committed to an A-list ministry.

• Adoring God through Worship
  (John 4:23-24)
• Acquiring lost souls through Evangelism
  (Matthew 5:14- 16; Acts 1:6)
• Assembling with others through Fellowship
  (Hebrews 10:25)
• Altering our thinking through Discipleship
  (2 Timothy 2:15)
• Applying God’s word through Ministry
  (Matthew 25:35-36; Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:18-20)

Our History

The Reid Temple College Outreach Ministry (RTCOM) was established in August 2000, under the leadership of our then Youth Minister Rev. Matthew L. Watley, as a part of the “5 E’s,” (Evangelism, Economics, Education, Expansion, and Empowerment) which is the five-fold vision for Reid Temple as given by God to our Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington. The purpose of RTCOM is to evangelize the Good News to students and faculty at local colleges and universities in the Washington Metropolitan area.

With one driver and two committed volunteers, the RTCOM began to transport students from Howard University, Bowie State University, and the University of Maryland to Reid Temple to participate in the 6pm worship service. Students were fed physically with a hot meal prior to the worship service, and then spiritually fed the Word of God through the powerful and dynamic preaching of Rev. Watley. In the early years, the RTCOM participation was 10-15 students.

Over the last 8 years, the RTCOM has witnessed God’s favor as the ministry has grown abundantly. Last school year alone, we transported over 800 students from their respective campuses to the 6pm worship service, many of whom accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, came for special prayer and re-dedication, and joined under watch-care. One hundred and fifty care-packages were distributed at the end of each semester. Additionally, students were involved in the life of our church through various ministry activities.The ministry is blessed to have a committed team of volunteers who serve faithfully each Sunday. Our devoted volunteers give of their gifts of time and talent to serve as: coordinators, drivers, meal planners, servers, greeters, host families/individuals, and mentors.

As God continues to enlarge the RTCOM territory, we envision bringing the Light of Christ to the campuses by creating community connections.

Our Leadership

Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington, Senior Pastor
Visionary leader of Reid Temple A.M.E. Church, Inc., One Church in Two Locations. Read more >>

Rev. Matthew L. Watley, Executive Minister
Managing Minister of Reid Temple A.M.E. Church’s North location in Silver Spring, MD and presiding minister at the 6pm worship service at the Glenn Dale, MD location. Read more >>

Rev. Hilda L. Hudson, Minister to College Students
The Rev. Hilda L. Hudson is an Itinerant Deacon in the A.M.E. Church, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Reid Temple College Outreach (RTCOM). Read more >>