Pastor Paul A. Sheppard

Reverend Paul Anthony Sheppard was born on December 3, 1964 in Fairfax, VA. He is married to the former Ms. Esther Morris whom he cherishes dearly and out of this union they are blessed with one son, Justin Gregory Milton Sheppard. He comes from a very rich heritage and lineage of Baptist preachers. His grandfather, the late Rev. Milton Sheppard, was the pastor for 39 years of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, as well as the Warner Baptist Church in Bailey's Cross Roads, VA, and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA.

Rev. Sheppard was educated in the Fairfax County Pubic School System. After graduating from high school, he went to further his education. In 1991, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Howard University. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Rev. Sheppard matriculated at Howard University School of Divinity where he was an honor student pursuing his Masters degree in Divinity. In June 2003 he received his Master of Theology degree from Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary and he continued his education at Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary pursuing his Doctoral Studies in Theology.

Rev. Sheppard was an instructor at Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary where he taught Ministerial Counseling and Psychology of Religion. He also served as academic advisor. Rev. Sheppard is looked upon by many of his peers as an innovative and analytical thinker. Some of his research papers and theological essays have been presented before educational and religious symposiums and ecumenical forums. He has participated in several symposiums discussing social issues, economic development, and religious thought concerning African-Americans in the 21st century. Rev. Sheppard was a member of the Baptist Minister's Conference of Northern Virginia & Vicinity where he served as Assistant Secretary and served on the Northern Virginia Baptist Association's Commission on Education as a certified instructor. He also served on the Nominating Committee for the Northern Virginia Baptist Association. In August 2006, Rev. Sheppard became a certified instructor with the Sunday School Publishing Board under the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. with the Department of Christian Education.

Rev. Sheppard was licensed to preach the Gospel on March 21, 1993 and was ordained on December 10, 2000 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. He is extremely active in church ministry. He served as Youth Minister at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where he counseled, taught, and coordinated all youth activities. Rev. Sheppard is also active in the community to bring about social and economic change. He has conducted numerous workshops, seminars, Bible studies, retreats, leadership training classes, and revivals. On July 18, 2004, Rev. Sheppard accepted the call to serve as Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Clifton, VA. Under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous growth-spiritually, financially, and numerically.

On November 5, 2006, Rev. Sheppard accepted the divine call to become the Pastor of Third Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. He is active in the Hampton roads area where he is part of the planning committee for "Explore Hampton 2007 Sailing into 2010 & Beyond" serving on the Faith and Diversity Committee. Rev. Sheppard is an active member of the Peninsula Pastor's Council.

Reverend Sheppard received the following honors and certificates:
¢ Washington D.C. Educational Congress of Ministerial Training
¢ The District of Columbia Department of Corrections Office of Religious and Volunteer Services
¢ Certificate: H. Beecher Hicks, Sr., Institute of Great Preaching
¢ Awarded the "Distinguished Speaker Award" from the Fairfax County Government-Youth Division Banquet
¢ Served as a committee member for "Community in Unity, Inc." a religious based youth organization that reaches the youth in the community
¢ Guest Speaker - Department of Defense-Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
¢ Guest Speaker at Amtrak, Inc. - Black History Celebration
¢ Keynote Speaker for the Northern Virginia Baptist Association Youth Department

Reverend Sheppard has a strong compassion for youth and senior citizens. He feels:

"When you bridge the gap between the two groups, you can create a very powerful society with the youth absorbing so much wisdom and knowledge".

How can one best describe Reverend Sheppard? "I am just a humble and committed soldier on the battlefield of life trying to destroy the vicious armies of Satan". His favorite Bible verse:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"
Philippians 4:13