About DBC
The Reverend Dr. N. Keith Smith
Hi, I'm Keith Smith, and as pastor I welcome you to Derbyshire Baptist Church. We a congregation striving to
become an authentic Church for today’s world. I use the word
“authentic,” because our objective is to be “real” — real persons in a
real community of faith, true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and
relevant to the everyday life situations in which people find
themselves. However, I also use the word “become,” because we quickly
admit we have not arrived. We are always in the process of learning
together what it means to think, believe, and behave as Christians in our fast-changing, complex, often confusing postmodern world.
Our Heritage
Derbyshire's
future began with a handful of pioneers from Woodland Heights Baptist
Church. A new church was needed in Western Henrico County. A 'chapel'
pastor was called and the first prayer service was held in a cozy
living room in April 1958.
A tract of land was purchased on Derbyshire Road and the vision became a reality. The 'chapel' congregation met in homes and later, in a school as they increased in members and in activities. On Sunday, February 10, 1963 Derbyshire was constituted as a church. We are a church that has remained faithful to its commitment to God, with a heart for missions, a love for each other, and an outreach touch of human warmth.
Pastors who have served DBC are:A tract of land was purchased on Derbyshire Road and the vision became a reality. The 'chapel' congregation met in homes and later, in a school as they increased in members and in activities. On Sunday, February 10, 1963 Derbyshire was constituted as a church. We are a church that has remained faithful to its commitment to God, with a heart for missions, a love for each other, and an outreach touch of human warmth.
• Dr. Perry F. Mitchell -- 1958-59
• Dr. Wade H. Bryant -- 1961-1967
• Dr. James R. Copeland -- 1967-1989
• Dr. W. David Sapp -- 1991-1999
• Dr. N. Keith Smith -- 2000-present
Our
congregation is made up of a cross section of ages. We have a
significant population of members in the 30 to 50 age ranges,
complimented by a vibrant youth population and a cadre of seniors who
bring a beautiful balance to our community
We are affiliated with the Richmond Baptist Association, Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Southern Baptist Convention. Our membership is Baptist, although many come from Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions. We are especially attractive to couples who come from differing church backgrounds.
Our theology and polity are grounded in the traditional Baptist distinctive with a moderate approach. We have employed ordained women on the ministerial staff and have ordained women to the Ministry of Deacons.
We are affiliated with the Richmond Baptist Association, Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Southern Baptist Convention. Our membership is Baptist, although many come from Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions. We are especially attractive to couples who come from differing church backgrounds.
Our theology and polity are grounded in the traditional Baptist distinctive with a moderate approach. We have employed ordained women on the ministerial staff and have ordained women to the Ministry of Deacons.
Christian
education is important. In addition to Sunday School for all ages, we
offer special Bible courses, serious study groups, book study and
discussion groups, lectures by Christian professors and scholars,
training workshops, and practical ministry seminars.
In 1995 Derbyshire completed a 2.2 million-dollar addition to its educational classrooms. This was our response to our commitment to educating our children and youth as they learn what it is to be a Christian.In the summer of 2001 the church completed a $400,000.00 renovation of the original classroom area that was built in 1977. Derbyshire has sponsored two missions that have become significant churches in the West End: Cambridge (1981) and Gayton (1989). The Cambodian Mission (1975) continues to meet in Derbyshire.
In 2008 we began hosting the John Leland Seminary classes in our educational wing.
In 2009 we began a Faith Development Seminary where laypeople can take classes from qualified seminary professors and develop their faith.
In 1995 Derbyshire completed a 2.2 million-dollar addition to its educational classrooms. This was our response to our commitment to educating our children and youth as they learn what it is to be a Christian.In the summer of 2001 the church completed a $400,000.00 renovation of the original classroom area that was built in 1977. Derbyshire has sponsored two missions that have become significant churches in the West End: Cambridge (1981) and Gayton (1989). The Cambodian Mission (1975) continues to meet in Derbyshire.
In 2008 we began hosting the John Leland Seminary classes in our educational wing.
In 2009 we began a Faith Development Seminary where laypeople can take classes from qualified seminary professors and develop their faith.