First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Dr. Dwight Clinton Jones

Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Dr. Dwight C. Jones currently serves as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Although a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has entrenched himself in the Richmond Community serving as an active public servant. Currently the Mayor of the City of Richmond, he in the past year has brought a collaborative and cooperative leadership style to the City, which has helped to move the city forward in many areas.

Dr. Jones is a prolific orator and visionary leader. Most recently he, along with the support of the congregation, implemented a Church Succession plan, in which his son was elected pastor to minister along with him in advancing the ministry of the church. Under the new leadership model the church is realizing tremendous growth in its ministries and membership. He has also led the First Baptist Church in building the Imani Intergenerational Center, a banquet/conference facility and the Imani Mews Apartments & Retail Center, 68 Apartments and 23,000 square feet of retail space. The church has purchased 23 acres in the county of Chesterfield, Virginia, which will house a second worship center. Currently the church holds three worship services each Sunday, two in the City of Richmond and one in the county of Chesterfield.

Dr. Jones is the former Pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Varina where he served for twenty-five years. He earned both a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University and completed his Doctoral degree at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Jones was appointed to the Richmond City School Board in 1979 and served as its chairman from 1982-1985. He continues to serve actively in the Richmond Community. He served in the Virginia State Legislature from 1999 until 2008, when elected Mayor, as an honorable member of the House of Delegates representing the 70th house district. During his tenure he also served as Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

As Mayor of the City of Richmond, Dr. Jones has quickly gained the respect and support of the community. He has a passion for people and a desire to empower others to reach their highest potential.