Staff

Brent Boatwright has served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Academy since 2003.  Brent earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Carolina at Aiken and spent 4 years teaching secondary math in South Carolina and in Texas. Brent received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000.  Brent served approximately 10 years in youth ministry prior to coming to First Baptist Church of Academy.

Brent has been married to his wife, Katy, since 1999.  Brent and Katy have three boys Brady, Blake and Bradley born in 2002, 2005 and 2008.  Brent loves spending time with his family.  Brent enjoys being outside, especially sitting alongside a stream or lake just relaxing.

Brent views his role as a Pastor as one who sets an example for others to follow, knowing that Jesus is the best and most perfect example to follow.  Brent’s style of leadership is best described as servant-leadership.  Brent believes the mission of the church is to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).  The vision for fulfilling the Great Commission is found in investing in the lives of people to intentionally make disciples, who will make disciples (2 Timothy 2:1-2).  You will not be at First Baptist Church of Academy for too long without realizing that Brent’s favorite verse in the Bible is John 10:10.

Russell believes that people best serve God by serving others. For him, that service began with a simple request to help with our student ministry and with singing special music from time to time. From that simple beginning, God has allowed him to use his gifts in service to the church in ever-expanding ways. Russell's desire is that each student would discover their spiritual gift and would use it to serve God by serving their church, family, and friends. Russell's goal is to provide an environment for each student to grow in their relationship with the Lord and to develop a faith that is lived out in their everyday world.

Russell is happily married to an amazing wife, Gay Lynn, and is father to four very special girls: Selah, Allyson, Lexi and Eleanor.
Russell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been serving as Associate Pastor, focusing on Music and Youth since 2012.