Buford Road Baptist Church
Buford Road Baptist Church is a small place of worship located on the outskirts of Richmond that was established in 1971.. Buford Road originated in the home of Clifford and Thelma Smith. Due to increasing size of the congregation, the small church merged with the Southwest Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church, creating the new Buford Road Baptist Church. The church states that it set out to provide a “Fresh Voice of Ministry” to the surrounding community. The church began with a main sanctuary but eventually expanded to its present five buildings. Most recently erected was its large general purpose building in the rear of the chapel. Membership has grown to approximately 200-300, and is predominantly Caucasian. The church offers a traditional service on Sunday mornings and a prayer service during the week.
The church created the Buford Road Christian Academy in 1995. According to the church, the objective is to provide affordable Christian education for families who want “sound doctrine and moral training” for their children in a secure Christian environment. The academy accommodates children from first through twelfth grades. The school uses the “A-Beka” Book DVD curriculum, which has been used by home-schooling parents and institutions for over 50 years and is considered mainstream in home school and private schooling communities. Classes are taught in a traditional classroom setting by certified instructors of the church . All traditional subjects are taught at the school, and all subjects are taught from a biblical perspective. Classes include daily prayer time, Bible lessons, weekly chapel services, and scripture memorization. The academy was awarded the “2008 Best Religious School in Richmond” by the United States Local Business Association. The school’s 120x80 foot multi-purpose building also houses rooms for various Sunday school classes and a gymnasium.
Buford Road Baptist Church supports a number of ministries. The senior ministry program was set up to encourage seniors to become active in the church and share their wisdom and experiences. One or two days a month, the “senior saints” go on day trips; they also take extended trips periodically. The church encourages any young adults, couples, or young families to take part in their Family Life classes. Sunday schools are held on Sunday mornings and consist of discussion of issues relevant to young families, fellowship, Bible study, and a continental breakfast. Sunday school classes, consisting of fellowship and Bible study, are offered every Sunday morning for the college and career age groups. Programs for teenagers are held every Wednesday evening. Teenagers can also take part in monthly activities annual trips, Christian service opportunities, youth praise, and worship bands. Shining Stars is a program designed for all children between the age of 3 through 4th grade.
The church offers community and ministry programs that actively seek out individuals in the community who are less fortunate. Buford Road Baptist Church offers free transportation to its services on the church buses. The Buford Road Baptist Church also has a full band and a choir. Various Christian bands also frequent the church, offering concerts to the surrounding Richmond community. AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15)) is an international organization dedicated to children's and youth ministry providing local churches with weekly clubs, programs and training for students from preschool through high school. Buford Road Baptist Church’s AWANA meets on Sunday evenings. Finally, the church sponsors a program called “soul winning outreach” that provides information about the church and the word of God to those that may not have the opportunity to attend the church or may have not had the opportunity to have heard the word of God.
Buford Road Baptist Church
819 Buford Road
Richmond, VA 23235
(804)-320-2734
Sources:
Buford Road Baptist Church pastor
Buford Road Baptist Church website
Profile prepared by James Ryan Wilson
September, 2009
