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Good Shepherd Baptist Church
1127 N. 28th Street
Richmond, VA 23223 Map

Tel: 804.644.1402
Fax: 804.643.8552

On behalf of the entire membership here at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, "Welcome to GSBC!" We are extremely elated that you have chosen to visit our church's website. Ours is a very rich and treasured history and heritage and we would love to have you as a part of us as we make calculated steps in the direction of the vision that God has given us.

You are invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for Church School and at 11:00 a.m. for Morning Worship Service!

We encourage you to look closely at our many ministries. At Good Shepherd, our endeavor is to minister to the "whole person." In that connection, we feel certain that when you check out our "Food for the Soul" menu, you will find that from the youngest child to the eldest among our seniors, there is a place at Good Shepherd for you. We feel certain that, were you to join us, your addition and contributions to one or more of our ministries would greatly enhance what we are trying to do with the help of the Lord.

From its humble beginnings in 1918 until this present time, the Good Shepherd family has been striving to do God's will God's way. In that endeavor, we provide a place where God's Word and truths are taught and practiced. We also make every effort to nurture the needs and aspirations of our members and others in the community. Being faithful to our commitments as Christians, we respond to the call of God in the observation of all rites of the Church and we earnestly seek to model our lives after the life of Christ. In an ever-changing society inside and outside the church, we demonstrate God's love in our lives through our commitment to service, the giving of tithes, and the use of our talents. As we take the lead in being God's examples in the world, we accept responsibility for our actions by upholding and maintaining ethical and religious standards.

We embrace wholeheartedly our theme as a church family: God's People Moving from Vision to Victory. We earnestly feel that God has truly blessed us with many victories along the way, but there is much more in store for us as we continue to listen to the voice of God and follow His guidance. I feel that God's vision for us here at GSBC includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• A Family Life Center
  
• A Credit Union
  
• A Daycare Service for children and adults
  
• A 24-hour counseling service
  
• Senior housing/assisted living facilities
  
• A safe haven for domestic abuse/violence victims
  

Our earnest desire is to be a beacon light in a dark world, leading men, women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us in our efforts to accomplish this daunting, but vitally necessary task. We are, and shall remain, "God's People Moving from Vision to Victory." To God be the glory!

Good Shepherd Baptist Church had its beginnings in 1918 when a small group of persons separated from Thirty-first Street Baptist Church to form their own church at the corner of 32nd and O Streets. The church quickly out grew that facility and in 1945 purchased the site at 1200 North 28th Street. In 1982 the congregation moved into its current facility.



A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Sunday, May 23, 2004 as Phase 1 of our expansion project began which included the installation of an elevator, administrative offices, additional classrooms, a chapel and a new music/fellowship hall. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Dedication Service were held on Homecoming Sunday, September 24, 2006 marking the completion of Phase 1.



Good Shepherd is affiliated with the Tuckahoe Baptist Association, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, Baptist General Convention of Virginia and the American Baptist Churches, USA. Our pastors from 1918 to 1992 have been the Reverend Robert C. Williams, the Reverend Andrew D. Smith, The Reverend Dr. Paul Nichols and the Reverend Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. The Reverend Dr. Sylvester Thomas Smith was installed as our fifth pastor on June 5, 1994.

In addition to the traditional ministries, various ministries have been instituted: the Scholarship Program which provides scholarship money to members who are seeking their first undergraduate degree; Youth Bible Study and Men's Bible Study; a Golden Age Program allows the church members to show their appreciation to members who are 70 years of age and older; an Aerobics Class for adults and a Summer Day Camp for children. The community is also served through Church-sponsored Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Programs. The Senior Center Program operates each week day to give older persons in the church and community a safe place to fellowship and participate in exciting activities.

We believe the ministry here is fruitful and many lives have been changed through the power of God. Throughout our journey, we have remained a faithful people, magnifying the Lord and exalting His name. We give honor and thanks to God for His grace and mercy.

The Reverend Dr. Sylvester T. Smith is a native of the state of Florida. He is the second of thirteen children born to Willie and Margaret Smith. Dr. Smith received his primary and secondary education in the public schools of Monticello and Dade City, Florida. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In 1981 Reverend Smith was graduated summa cum laude from the School of Theology of Virginia Union University as he earned his Master of Divinity Degree. On December 19, 2002, Dr. Smith completed the requirements for the Ph.D. Degree in Christian Social Ethics at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Smith has given pastoral leadership to the following churches in Virginia: six and one-half years at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cumberland; three and one-half years at the Calvary Baptist Church in Prince Edward; and eight years at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Richmond. He is presently the honored Pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church family in Richmond.

Aside from his responsibilities as Pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Dr. Smith is Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the Virginia Union University and Assistant Professor of Ethics at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. He serves as a board member of the American Cancer Society, the Better Housing Coalition, and the Baptist General Convention of Virginia which consists of over 1100 Baptist churches throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Smith also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Foundation Board of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.

Dr. Smith is a member of several religious, social, fraternal, and civic organizations. They include: East End Ministers Fellowship; the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Boaz Masonic Lodge #212 in Daytona Beach, Florida; and a Life member of the NAACP.



Dr. Smith is married to the former Ruby P. Browne, a retired mathematics teacher. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have been blessed of God with one daughter, Monica Lynn. Monica and her husband, Gerald Carter, are the parents of four daughters: twins, Storm and Cori; Nyema and Neambi and one son, Gerald.

Dr. Smith is a gospel preacher, a friend to all, and, most importantly, a child of God.

Aerobics Promoting healthy minds and bodies through exercise; empowering its participants to make themselves and their well-being a priority; acknowledging that we should be good stewards of all God's gifts, the Aerobics Ministry provides opportunity to control weight, increase stamina and strengthen muscles in a fun atmosphere.

Book Club Ministry Fiction and nonfiction literature is utilized to offer participants fellowship opportunities and to share insights gleamed from engagement in literary works that provide fertile soil for personal growth.

Children Crusaders for Christ is a children 's church ministry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church and is designed to provide children with the opportunity to learn and practice Christian living through worship, study and fun.

Christian Education Ministry promotes activities that will inspire the growth and enhancement of the educational ministry of the GSBC.

Church School provides Bible study opportunities for persons of all ages; structures its teaching ministry so that the Bible is made understandable and relevant to various facets of life (social, economic, political and spiritual); and helps persons to understand and appreciate the meaning and experience of the Christian faith.

Dance

• Praises in Motion Dance Ministry The vision of this ministry is to provide a form of worship by blending various dancing styles to include modern, ballet and jazz in an effort to glorify God. Members serve not only on third Sundays at Good Shepherd but also provide outreach at other churches and detention centers for at-risk teens.
  
  
• Visions Praise Dance Ministry is a group of mature servants using God's gifts and His anointing of the Holy Spirit to minister to God's people by praising God, celebrating His goodness, and expressing the joy of salvation through dance. The ministry is open to all who would care to participate. There is no formal training required but the ministry is continually looking for means by which it can grow in a manner that honors God.

Deaconesses serve God, the church family and the community by assisting the Pastor and deacons in their duties.

Deacons serve God and the church community by providing leadership in areas of membership, evangelism, mission/benevolences, visitation and to provide pulpit ministry.

Dorcas Volunteer Ministry The purpose of this ministry is to:

Evangelism The mission of this ministry is to help people experience the Good News by promoting awareness of evangelism and encouraging outreach throughout the congregation.

Golden Age Program gives the Church an opportunity to show appreciation to members
70 years of age and older. These persons are acknowledged three times a year at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Grief A caring environment is offered to those who desire to share with others when someone significant to him/her dies. Strategies are explored to implement coping and management skills after a loss with the belief that No One Should Ever Journey Alone.

Health & Wellness provides information and support to the congregation related to chronic health conditions. Support is provided by sharing information and personal experiences on chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke and heart disease. Information is provided by sharing resources such as books, periodicals, videos, church bulletins, recipies, snacks and providing speakers on topics of interest.

Imani Singles provide fellowship opportunities to single persons in the church and the community; share the ideas and problems of the single persons in everyday life; provide a Christian, social outlet for singles; educate through the use of various seminars, forums and workshops; provide a means for spiritual growth; and serve the community.

Junior Youth Fellowship The Junior Youth Fellowship is a ministry for children between the ages of 7 and 13 that is designed to provide Christian opportunities for children to learn about Jesus, participate in workshops that will help them to react to church, family, home and school situations appropriately, and provide wholesome recreational opportunities for JYF members and their families. Their activities include various service projects that allow them to help those who are in need.

Leadership The goal of this committee is to provide ministry leaders within the church with information that will enhance their individual ministry in order to meet the needs of the church.

Media

• Audio recordings of the worship services and activities are available at a minimal cost.
  
  
• Mobile Phone communications with members via mobile texting and/or video
  
  
• Newsletter The Messenger is a quarterly, printed publication of events of the ministries of GSBC. Articles are submitted by a designated reporter from each ministry.
  
  
• Social Networks Updating our facebook, twitter, myspace, You Tube, and other social network mediums.
  
  
• Visual video recordings of the worship services and activities are available at a minimal cost.

Men's Fellowship leads men into a more effective Christian service in the church and surrounding community.

Music The music ministry at GSBC is charged with aiding the corporate worship by rendering music of various styles on Sundays and other special occasions.

• Cherubim Choir is designated for children between the ages of 8 and 14. Members of this choir provide service on the third Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  
• Hand Bell Choir enhances the services with music played with handbells on the fourth Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  
• Men's Choir is designated for male members. Members of this choir provide service on the first Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  
• Sanctuary Choir is designated for adults. Members of this choir provide service on the second Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  
• United Voices of GSBC is designated for adults. Members of this choir provide service on the fourth Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  
• Young People's is designated for young adults ages 13 25. Members of this choir provide service on the third Sunday in each month and on other special occasions.
  
  

Nursery is available to provide care for children from birth to age 3 during morning worship service.

Nurses Unit provides medical support during morning worship services.

Scholarship Ministry provides annual scholarship programs which provide money to members who are seeking their first undergraduate degrees.

Scouts build personal character, foster community, national and world citizenship and develop youth physically, mentally and morally.

• Boy Scouts
  Cub Scouts - Ages 6 - 10
  Boy Scouts must be 11 years old or 10 and have completed the fifth grade.
  
  
• Girl Scouts
  Daisy Scouts - Ages 5
  Brownie Scouts - Ages 6 - 9
  Junior Scouts - Ages 9 - 12
  Cadet Scouts - Ages 12 and over
  

Senior Center Program operates each weekday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to provide self-sufficient, senior citizens in the church and community a safe place to fellowship. Low impact aerobics, crocheting, dominoes, bingo, walking, shopping, lunch and Bible study are some of the activities that are available each week for persons who are retired or are 60 years of age and older. Transportation is provided to a limited service area.

Story Hour provides children, ages 4 - 7, with an atmosphere where they can receive age-appropriate Christian lessons. Children leave before the preaching hour of morning worship service to attend story hour.

Supporting And Loving Others During Medical Emergencies (S.A.L.O.M.E.) - Persons serving in this ministry provide assistance, help, presence, transportation, etc., to the members of GSBC whose loved ones are undergoing surgery or are having some other medical procedure done.

Transportation is provided for persons who are in need of a ride to and from worship services. Persons who are in need of this service should contact the church office staff to see if they live in the service area.

Trustee Ministry is charged with maintaining and ensuring fiduciary responsibility for GSBC.

Ushers are charged with being of service to congregational members and guests before, during and after services for the purpose of maintaining an orderly worship experience. Ushers strive to support our Pastor in church ministries and the community in promoting Christian purpose and fellowship

• Friendship Ushers serve on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
  
  
• Ladies Auxiliary Ushers serve on the 4th Sunday of each month.
  
  
• Male Ushers, male members 19 years of age and older, serve on the 1st Sunday of each month.
  
  
• Youth Ushers, members under the age of 19, serve on the 3rd Sunday of each month,
  

Women's Fellowship provides a monthly gathering of women to fellowship spiritually and socially. As a group this organization reaches out to the community by assisting in feeding the homeless, providing necessities for the local battered women's shelter and other organizations as needed. Speakers are invited to discuss health, nutrition, safety, women of the Bible and other topics of interest.

Youth Fellowship This ministry is designed to meet the needs of youth ages 13 - 18 at GSBC and in the community at-large. It enlists youth in spiritual and educational programs and aids and develops youth in the areas of fellowship in social and recreational activities, discipleship, worship, missions, evangelism

Directions to Good Shepherd Baptist Church
1127 North 28th Street Richmond, VA 23223-6624 Map it
(804) 644-1402


From I-64 West: Take I-64 East to the Nine Mile Road West exit. At the end of the exit ramp make a right turn onto Nine Mile Road. Keep Nine Mile Road to 29th Street and make a left. Keep 29th Street to R Street, make a right. You will see the church on your left.

From I-95 North: Take I-95 South to I-64 East. Take I-64 East to the Nine Mile Road West exit. At the end of the exit ramp make a right turn onto Nine Mile Road. Keep Nine Mile Road to 29th Street and make a left. Keep 29th Street to R Street, make a right. You will see the church on your left.

From I-95 South: Take I 95 North to I-64 East. Take I-64 East to the Nine Mile Road West exit. At the end of the exit ramp make a right turn onto Nine Mile Road. Keep Nine Mile Road to 29th Street and make a left. Keep 29th Street to R Street, make a right. You will see the church on your left.

From I-64 East: Take I-64 West to the Nine Mile Road West exit. Keep Nine Mile Road to 29th Street, make a left. Keep 29th Street to R Street, make a right. You will see the church on your left.

Map it

Key Events

Mar 29 2020 - All Church Activities Suspended Due to CoronaVirus - See "Message from Pastor Smith" in announcements Map

March 2020 Newsletter - Download Here

A Message from Pastor Smith
In-person worship service will resume at 11:00 am each 1st and 3rd Sunday beginning in November. Live-stream worship services will continue each Sunday on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).

As a people of faith, we trust God to guide and protect us in the difficult days that lie ahead of us. Let us continue to be vigilant in our efforts to be safe.

E-GIVING IS AVAILABLE!
Text GSBCRVA and the $ amount to 73256
or visit
https://abundant.co/gsbcrva to schedule a donation.

All members are reminded to call the church office to notify the church of a death in their family, hospitalization or changes to their sick-list posting.

GSBC is part of the Kroger Community Rewards program. We can earn points towards monetary donations from Kroger Grocery Stores based on our shopping as a congregation. The more we shop, the more points we earn. Points can be earned on all purchases with the exception of alcohol, tobacco products and gas. Link your Kroger Rewards account to the GSBC account!

Project 500 for 120 has been established to assist us in funding the expansion project. If 500 persons contribute $20.00 per month over and beyond their regular tithes and offerings, at the end of one year we will have donations totaling $120,000.00 for the building project. This will be an on-going project until the mortgage is paid in full. Have you made your commitment for 2021?

The following link is to a simple on-line spiritual gifts test/inventory. The test only has 35 questions and focuses on the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8. At the conclusion of the inventory, it will calculate your results. The top score for the instrument is 15. Please print out your results and click on your top categories so that you will see the definitions and other important information associated with your gift. When you see your results you will be able to see at a minimum your top three spiritual gifts.

http://mintools.com/gifts.htm

This spiritual gifts test/inventory is a start in the exploration of spiritual gifts. The Ministry Tools Resource Center identifies useful books and resources for further study. If you would like to learn more about spiritual gifts, please contact one of the Associate Ministers.