Rev Wins a Hoodie!

Dr. Lance Watson has been making a positive impact in the Richmond community for more than 20 years. This year, he is being recognized nationally for these efforts. Dr. Lance D. Watson, senior pastor of the Saint Paul's Baptist Church, recently received the "Best Community Leader" award from Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards, Mr. Harvey’s nationwide recognition program designed to celebrate the unsung heroes of African-American communities.


“Service to others has always been a cornerstone of our ministry at the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church,” said Pastor Watson. “We are a big church of small groups, committed to helping transform our communities in a positive manner, so that everyone has a chance to live their best life possible” he continued.


“We follow the lead of our chief visionary, Pastor Watson,” said Patrice Stokes, chief operating officer of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. “Under his leadership, we strategically work to improve the health of our communities- from financial, to emotional to physical health- we work to empower people to grow into what God created them to be.”



Dr. Watson’s work has not gone unnoticed locally. This year Dr. Watson was the only minister to be ranked on the Style Weekly list of the 100 Most Influential People in Richmond. He ranked 43, up several spots from his appearance on the list last year. Dr. Watson currently provides strategic vision and leadership for the following community- based initiatives of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church:

· Nia Incorporated of Greater Richmond- Nia is Saint Paul’s Community Development Corporation which focuses on improving the financial and physical health of the Richmond community
· Destiny Schools- Destiny schools is a conglomerate of six child development organizations which focus on age appropriate education and life enrichment programs for all children, from infant through adolescence.
· Saint Paul’s Federal Credit Union- The Saint Paul’s Federal Credit Union is a member run financial institution that offers a convenient place to save, as well as an easier, ore economical way to borrow.
· Barnabas Counseling Center- Barnabus is a Christian based counseling ministry designed to help members resolve issues resulting from life changes.

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