Pastor Russell S. Wilkins has guided St. John Church of Christ and its ministries just short of four decades, a journey that has been marked by the implementation of several ministries and construction of several buildings that have aided in those ministries.

Sunday marks the 38^th anniversary of Wilkins coming to St. John Church of Christ and throughout that time period, he has made many contributions to the church and its ministries, according to 18-year-member Helen O’Neal. Wilkins also stresses the importance of the church striving to be the best it can be, O’Neal said.

“I know that he has a compelling desire to reach the lost; he not only compels us to go out seeking the lost, but gives us the road map by way of teaching and training sessions,” O’Neal said. “He’s one of those people that seeks excellence in everything, and one of the main things he stresses is the importance of treating everyone equally. We’re all the same in God’s eyes. He tell us, ‘The church is the filling station, and then we depart to serve.’”

The calling to preach God’s Word first came in April 1971, and Wilkins preached his first sermon at Bethel Church of Christ in Roper on May 2, 1971, according to a biography about Wilkins. The Washington Norfolk District Assembly subsequently ordained him in April 1973 at Green Memorial Church of Christ in Williamston. Then, on Nov. 6, 1977, Wilkins was installed as Pastor of St. John Church of Christ where he has continued to lead, teach and preach.

“It’s an honor for me to serve there,” Wilkins said. “(My family and I) are excited in our shared vision for the future to advance the ministry of St. John. I am humbled that the congregation of St. John Church has allowed me to serve. As a pastor, I stayed focused in my calling, preach Jesus and love the people.”

Throughout his time at the church, Wilkins has headed many ministries and played a vital role in expanding the church’s capabilities, including a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, educational building and empowerment center, which celebrated its grand opening in 2009. The state-of-the-art facility houses a pastoral study suite, administrative offices, a seating capacity of 1,000 people, a canteen, fitness center, showers, recreation room, nurses center, music and technology room, Christian book store and more, according to Wilkins.

A leadership academy within the empowerment center allows the church’s leadership to train laity, ministers, deacons, trustees and other church leaders and teach them how to be effective servants in the Kingdom of God. Classes are offered throughout the year, giving participants the necessary tools to lead and conduct various mission within the church, Wilkins said.

Another building completed under Wilkins’ leadership is the St. John Housing facility, built to give low-income seniors affordable housing.

“As pastor of St. John and serving within the community, I serve with the thinking that we come to the symbol of church — the building — weekly, but after the benediction, we depart to serve. My philosophy is that the church must impact the community so the community will see the living Christ. As a church, we offer grace, and at St. John, we value what we call being unashamed to meet Jesus. I see with acute clarity, the condition of this world and how much we need Jesus. Year after year, I am energized to lead the people toward Jesus the Christ.”

Wilkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Intermediate Education and Religion and Philosophy from Barton College of Wilson, then known as Atlantic Christian College. After continuing his education at several universities, Wilkins earned a Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary of Newburgh, Indiana.

O’Neal said the church is honored to have Wilkins continue to serve the congregation and the community and appreciates his leadership within the church and leading it, as well as those who don’t know God, closer to Him.

“You can tell he spends a lot of time thinking and exploring ways to bring us closer to Christ and give us that adrenaline rush, as his does,” O’Neal said. “He’s passionate about ministry. He’s truly passionate about those who don’t know Christ becoming followers of the Savior. He’s taught me passion when it comes to God’s work. If I had to sum it up in a nutshell, it’s all about reaching people and leading them to Christ. Anything he presents to us, it’s about showing that love. He emphasizes that over and over.”

St. John Church of Christ is located at 2283 St. John Church Road in Washington.