250 Years on Old Church Road
Old Powhatan Baptist Church sits along Old Church Road in Powhatan, Virginia, where it has gathered continuously since 1771. The church marked its 250th anniversary in 2021 with a year of monthly celebrations, and the story of perseverance told in those commemorations still shapes the congregation's identity. Its mission is stated plainly: to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus to everyone, especially to those who have never heard.
Affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the SBC of Virginia, Old Powhatan Baptist sends at least ten percent of its general fund offerings through the Cooperative Program to support ministry across the Commonwealth, the nation, and the globe. Locally, the church partners with schools, a prison ministry, Heritage Builders (which advocates for foster teens aging out of care and at-risk youth), and a network of pregnancy and life-affirming ministries.
What Sundays Look Like
Two Sunday services give visitors options. Worship begins at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM in the sanctuary. The 10:15 service is livestreamed, and a sermon audio and video archive is kept online for anyone who wants to catch up or revisit a message.
First-time guests are invited to pull into one of the marked visitor spots in the first parking lot and to stop by the Welcome Table on the front porch (or just inside the front door on bad-weather days), where greeters answer questions and point the way. There is no dress code to worry about: members arrive in everything from jeans to suits, and the congregation is described as a mix of casual and business-casual styles.
An online connect card lets visitors share their contact information so the church can follow up, and prayer requests can be sent directly to the church office.
Music for Every Generation
Music at Old Powhatan is deliberately varied. On any given Sunday the congregation might hear traditional hymns accompanied by the organ, full-band arrangements of newer worship songs, or even bluegrass. The goal is for every person in the room to sing, drawing on the gifts of the people in the pews rather than leaning on a performance. The worship services are designed for the whole church family, with Scripture readings, prayer, singing, sermons, and fellowship woven together across generations.
Children, Students, and Empty Nesters
OPBCKids meets during the 10:15 service for children ages three through fourth grade, with check-in starting at 10:00 AM in the back Children's Hallway. A greeter walks first-time parents to the room. Every OPBCKids volunteer undergoes a background check and training, and the ministry emphasizes age-appropriate Bible teaching in a safe environment. Family devotions and Bible verse videos are also shared online for parents to use at home.
OPBCStudents serves fifth through twelfth graders with connect groups, fellowship, and Bible study. Family Fun Days and similar events round out the year.
Off Our Rockers is the church's senior adult ministry for empty-nesters and retirees who still want to stay active in fellowship and service.
Women, Men, and Prayer
The Women's Ministry and a dedicated Prayer Ministry give women regular opportunities to gather, study, and pray together. The Men's Ministry meets in two distinctive rhythms: Biscuits and Bible Study on the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 AM in the church building (participants bring their own breakfast), and Men's Fireside Chats on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the OPBC firepit, where men gather around the flame with a shared snack to grow in biblical manhood.
A House of Refuge
Old Powhatan Baptist describes itself as a House of Refuge. The ministry is built around pregnancy support and healing from past and present struggles. Women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy or seeking help to carry a child to term are paired with mentors, and the church stands publicly for life in Powhatan and the surrounding community. Inquiries can be directed to the refuge team through the church's contact page.
Missions Beyond Powhatan
Missions and outreach are central to the congregation's identity. Old Powhatan partners with the SBC of Virginia, the North American Mission Board, and the International Mission Board, channeling Cooperative Program support to ministries around the world. Mission trips have been planned to Puerto Rico and to reach North African communities in Western Europe. Closer to home, the church runs backpack projects for Appalachia, fills Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, serves local schools, ministers inside a local prison, and serves as a Ready Church prepared to meet physical needs in the community. The BLESS initiative encourages members to pray for and reach out to their own neighbors.
What the Church Believes
The church holds to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the statement of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention, and posts both that confession and its constitution and bylaws online. The values it highlights - authentic worshippers, growing Jesus followers of all ages, bold witnesses, families of grace and truth, compassionate neighbors, and fervent prayers - reflect a desire to live lives that are God-glorifying, Christ-satisfied, and Spirit-united.
Leadership
Brad Russell has served as Lead Pastor since 2007, with responsibility for preaching and mission. He holds an MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a BA in history from Campbell University. Eddie Urbine, a lifelong member, serves as an elder with responsibility for administration and finance; he is also CFO of the SBC of Virginia. John Hash serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship, bringing prior service as a deacon, small-group leader, teacher, and building and grounds manager. The congregation is also served by a large board of deacons chaired by Mark Lewis.
Practicalities for Visitors
Worship is held in English in a multi-generational setting. The church livestreams the 10:15 service and maintains an archive of past sermons in audio and video. Giving can be set up online with one-time or recurring gifts, text-to-give, or bank drafts. Text updates are available by signing up through the church center. Visitors who want to plug in can fill out the connect form online, and the church calendar lists upcoming events.