We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the word preached by Dr. J.D. Payne during the month of September. The story of Jonah was a great reminder to our congregation to keep following the path God has called us to. Thank you, Dr. Payne, for filling the pulpit for us. This past Sunday, Dr. Kevin Blackwell began his time of preaching here at Eastmont as we continue to search for our next pastor. Dr. Blackwell has been in ministry for 27 years serving in various capacities including Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, as well as Education and Associate Pastor.
A native of Pleasant Grove, AL, he serves dual roles as both Assistant to the President for Church Relations and as Executive Director of the historic Samford Extension Division (Ministry Training Institute). Before coming to Samford in 2014 he was Senior Pastor of Valley Creek Baptist Church in Hueytown, AL.
Dr. Blackwell has served as an adjunct professor in pastoral ministry at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Extension in Birmingham and is former President of the Alabama Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference. He is the recipient of the Troy L. Morrison award for pastoral excellence through the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
He also assists Samford athletics as the stadium announcer for Samford football and host of the Chris Hatcher Show. Dr. Blackwell received his Bachelors of Science from Samford, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His doctoral work was in the area of church health and revitalization.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since coming to Samford he has served as interim pastor in five churches in Alabama.
He is married to Lorrie and has four children, Maggie, Andie, Averie and Brodie.