Rev. Dr. Paul A. Sheppard

In 2004, Pastor Sheppard accepted the call to serve as Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Clifton, VA. He successfully led Second Baptist Church to spiritual, financial, and membership growth within 2 years. In 2006, Pastor Sheppard was installed as the Pastor of Third Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Outside of the pulpit, he was active in local initiatives which diversified the Hampton Roads community.

In 2010, Pastor Sheppard was called to serve as the pastor of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church of Savannah, GA. Here, he accomplished one of his most moving missions to date. Pastor Sheppard purchased 19 acres of land to construct “Thankful City”, with a vision to house a new sanctuary, family center, gymnasium, and local businesses. After much prayer and fasting, Pastor Sheppard’s path led him to return home to Northern Virginia where he began his ministry. In 2019, Pastor Sheppard was called to lead the First Baptist Church of Merrifield, VA.

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.

Pastor Sheppard aims to help people apply timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives. He is widely known for his dynamic teaching style. Pastor Sheppard’s theological research has been presented before religious symposiums, revivals, workshops nationwide. He is a certified instructor with the Sunday School Publishing Board under the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. with the Department of Christian Education. Pastor Sheppard served as an instructor and advisor at Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary where he taught Ministerial Counseling and Psychology of Religion.

Pastor Sheppard is the 3rd Vice Moderator for the Northern Virgina Baptist Association and is extremely active in civic organizations that uplift multi-generational interests in topics such as media, politics, and education. He is especially passionate about youth and elders. 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”.

On November 5, 2006, Rev. Sheppard accepted the divine call to become the Pastor of Third Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Under his leadership, many ministries were birthed to meet the needs of the congregation as well as the community. He was active in the Hampton roads area where he was part of the planning committee for “Explore Hampton 2007 Sailing into 2010 & Beyond” serving on the Faith and Diversity Committee. Rev. Sheppard was an active member of the Peninsula Pastor’s Council where he served as Secretary and instructor for the Church-wide Institute. He spearheaded the Voting Restoration Rights for felons through the Peninsula Baptist Pastor’s Council. Rev. Sheppard had a radio broadcast entitled, The Voice of Hope on WTJZ 1270 AM in the Hampton Roads area.

Pastor Sheppard exemplifies effective collaboration and innovation. Pastor Sheppard hosted a transformational radio broadcast entitled “The Voice of Hope” in Hampton, VA, and hosted a television ministry on WJCL in Savannah, GA. Through his servant leadership, he spearheaded Voting Restoration Rights for felons and served on numerous non-profit advisory boards. In August of 2014, Pastor Sheppard was inducted into the Savannah State University Foundation Hall of Fame for his community activism.

Pastor Sheppard attended Howard University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology. He earned his Master of Theology degree from Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion and Theological Seminary. In 2017, Pastor Sheppard received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from St. Thomas Christian University in Jacksonville, Florida.

Reverend Paul Anthony Sheppard is married to the former Ms. Esther Morris whom he cherishes dearly. Out of this beautiful union, they are blessed with one son, Justin Gregory Milton Sheppard. Pastor Sheppard comes from a very rich lineage of Baptist preachers. His grandfather, the late Rev. Milton Sheppard, was the pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, Warner Baptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA, and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA. Pastor Sheppard’s favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me” -Philippians 4:13