's ConferenceReverend Wesley Keith McLaughlin was born January 10, 1956, in Danville, Virginia. He is the youngest of four children born to Rev. and Mrs. Ernest C. McLaughlin. He was educated in the Danville public school system, and graduated from George Washington High School. Upon graduation, inspired by his love for the sport of football, and numerous titles and awards, he accepted an athletic scholarship to Elon College, in Elon, North Carolina.

During his first semester in college, he received his call into the preaching ministry. He was licensed in 1974, and began his first pastorate at Berry Hill Baptist Church in Sinai, Virginia. He served his church until graduating from Elon College in 1978, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion.   He was granted a full scholarship to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, in South Hampton, Massachusetts, in the Masters of Divinity Program. 

Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Rev. McLaughlin and his family relocated to Ft. Worth, Texas.  Shortly thereafter, he accepted the pastorate of the First Independent Baptist Church, Corsicana, Texas.  While in Texas, he co-founded Chosen Generation Ministries.  This ministry has traveled across the country, as well as several parts of the world, singing and preaching the gospel. 

In 1984, he was called to Pastor the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, in Petersburg, Virginia.  Under his leadership motto, "Doing it God's Way," the church has increased tremendously in membership and ministries.  The dynamic impact of this church is felt through Radio and Television Broadcasts, Prison  Evangelism, and Outreach Services throughout the community.  Rev. McLaughlin has led this ministry in the successful completion of the first of a three-phase, multi-million dollar building project.    

Rev. McLaughlin is a dynamically gifted Preacher, Teacher, Singer, Counselor, Revivalist, and diligent Trainer of "The School of the Prophets," a growth institute for preachers and teachers.  He was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Virginia Seminary of Richmond, Virginia. 

Rev. McLaughlin, and his wife  Pamela, are the parents of one son, Jamison Keith McLaughlin.