FROM PASTOR RICHARD: 

 

I was saved and baptized June 5, 1977 at the age of 23. In February of 1981, I was called of God to ministry.  I enrolled at Arlington Baptist College, Arlington, Texas and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Theology and Business Administration.   

 

My first pastorate was at Brookshire Avenue Baptist Church in Azle, Texas, where I was licensed and ordained (1983).   I was called next to First Baptist Church of Lakeside, Lakeside, Texas (1985), as Children's Minister.   In 1987, I was called to Midway Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas as Minister of Education and later as their Interim Pastor.   

 

While pursuing my Master of Divinity degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, I felt a call into military chaplaincy.  After the completion of my Masters Degree, I was selected for an appointment in Chaplaincy by both the North American Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and the U.S. Navy.    

 

I have served in a variety of commands while in the Navy Chaplain Corps.  I served as Command Chaplain aboard three ships, a Naval Special Warfare Command, a Marine Corps Air Group, Naval Support Command in Crete, Greece, and Norfolk's Submarine Support Command.  I retired in 2005 after serving twenty years in the Navy.  Before retiring the Lord called me to serve as pastor at Salem Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia (2005-2009).   

 

The Lord has now blessed me to be your Pastor here at Elizabeth River Baptist Church (as of Feb. 7, 2010).  I know the Lord has many great times ahead for us as we continue to serve Him together.