Bishop Clarence V. Russell, III

Bishop Clarence V. Russell III has been fulfilling the call to preach the Gospel and bring healing and hope to people across the country for nearly 28 years. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia, a role he has held for 23 years. Under his leadership, the church has grown and thrived, fulfilling its mission to heal, empower, worship authentically, transition lives, and serve the community—summed up in the church's motto, St. Paul H.E.A.L.S.
 

Bishop Russell's spiritual journey began at a young age when he was baptized by his grandfather and grew up under the guidance of his father. At 18, he felt the call to preach and delivered his initial sermon. Two years later, he was appointed Assistant Pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, which served a congregation of over 2,000 people. In November 2000, he was called to serve as Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, where his passion for God and his people has guided the church's ministry ever since.  

Bishop Clarence V. Russell III's spiritual father and biological father is Bishop C.V. Russell, Jr., a man who has had a profound influence on his life and ministry. As both his father in the natural and his spiritual mentor, Bishop C.V. Russell, Jr. instilled in him a deep love for God, the importance of service to others, and the value of strong leadership within the church. His guidance and support shaped Bishop Russell III's spiritual journey from a young age, providing him with wisdom, encouragement, and an unwavering example of faithfulness in ministry. The legacy of Bishop C.V. Russell, Jr. continues to resonate through Bishop Russell III's work, as he carries forward the principles of integrity, love, and commitment to God's call, passed down from father to son.
 

In addition to his pastoral role, Bishop Russell III is the Virginia District Leader for the Global United Fellowship, serving under the leadership of Presiding Prelate Bishop Joel Peebles and Founder Bishop Neil C. Ellis. He is also an Executive Board member of the Hampton Roads Ecumenical Council of Bishops.

Bishop Russell is the founder of CAPS (Covenant Association of Pastors), an organization dedicated to offering leadership, support, and guidance to pastors in the Hampton Roads area, eastern North Carolina areas and beyond. Through CAPS, Bishop Russell fosters a network of pastors committed to spiritual growth, collaboration, and mutual encouragement in their ministry endeavors.
 

A graduate of Chowan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion, Bishop Russell has also studied abroad in England as a Harris Scholar. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.

Bishop Russell is the author of two books: Transitioning Into Kingdom Living (2012) and Building Families. His leadership and teachings center around equipping parishioners to live out their purpose and embody the five-fold mission of St. Paul Baptist Church.
 

He is married to Elder Jaimi Brown Russell, and together they are the proud parents of four children: Clarence IV, Caitlyn, Casey, and Caleb.