Leadership
Our Pastor
A life marked by God's grace, power, and faithfulness against every odd.
Pastor Russell & Amanda Jones
Pastor Since January 2026
Rev. Russell Jones
Pastor, Blue Branch Baptist Church · Born June 19, 1970
Pastor Russell Jones was born on June 19, 1970, the sole survivor of fraternal twins. From the very beginning, his life was marked by extraordinary challenges. Born with an extremely low birth weight and severe medical complications, doctors gave little hope for his survival.
At just 18 months old, Russell was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and permanent brain damage. Physicians predicted severe cognitive limitations. Yet God had a different plan — Russell began speaking at age one, learned to read by age three, and took his first steps that same year, defying every expectation.
Everything changed at age twenty-four. Broken and desperate, moments away from taking his own life, Russell cried out to God. In that moment, the Lord began a transforming work that led to true repentance, genuine salvation, and a new purpose for living.
His Story
A Testimony of Grace
After graduating from public high school in 1988, Russell attended technical college and spent several years working in manufacturing. Though he pursued success and fulfillment through the things of this world, he found himself increasingly empty and dissatisfied. While he had made a profession of faith as a young child in a Bible-preaching Baptist church, there was little evidence of a genuine saving relationship with Christ.
In 1997, Russell surrendered to God's call to preach and began serving with the Alamance Rescue Mission in Burlington, North Carolina. During his six-and-a-half years there, he ministered to countless individuals and preached in churches throughout the region as an itinerant evangelist.
In 2001, while filling the pulpit at a local church, Russell met Amanda, who would later become his wife and ministry partner. Their friendship grew over the years, and in December 2007 they were married. Together, they have faithfully served the Lord through church ministry, evangelism, and outreach.
In 2003, God directed him to attend Ambassador Baptist College, where he earned a Graduate of Theology diploma in 2006. Following graduation, he served as interim pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, before accepting a ministry position at Lighthouse Baptist Church — faithfully serving as Youth Pastor, Music Director, and teacher at Heritage Christian School.
In 2011, Pastor Jones entered full-time evangelism, a ministry that has allowed him to preach and encourage churches across the Southeast. For more than a decade, he has also faithfully ministered within the prison systems of North and South Carolina through Living Letters Prison Ministry, continuing that work to this day.
In May 2025, God opened the door for Pastor Jones to provide pulpit supply at Blue Branch Baptist Church in Gaffney, South Carolina. What began as temporary ministry soon became an interim pastorate. Then, on January 18, 2026, the congregation called him to serve as their full-time pastor — a call he joyfully accepted.
Pastor Jones' life is a testimony to God's grace, power, and faithfulness. Despite physical limitations and overwhelming obstacles, the Lord has continually demonstrated that His strength is made perfect in weakness.
His Life Verse
2 Samuel 9:13"So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet."
Like Mephibosheth, Pastor Jones never wants to forget where God brought him from, nor the grace that allows him to continually sit at the King's table.
Journey of Faith
Ministry Timeline
Born June 19
Sole survivor of fraternal twins. Born with severe medical complications — doctors gave little hope for survival. His heart stopped beating numerous times in his first days of life.
Defying Every Expectation
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and permanent brain damage at 18 months. Physicians predicted severe cognitive limitations. Yet by age one he was speaking, and by age three he was reading and walking.
High School Graduate
Graduated from public high school and went on to attend technical college, spending several years working in manufacturing — searching for fulfillment through the things of this world.
Salvation
Broken and desperate, moments away from taking his own life, Russell cried out to God. The Lord began a transforming work that led to true repentance, genuine salvation, and a new purpose for living.
Called to Preach
Surrendered to God's call to preach and began serving with the Alamance Rescue Mission in Burlington, NC. Over six and a half years he ministered to countless individuals and preached as an itinerant evangelist.
Met Amanda
While filling the pulpit at a local church, Russell met Amanda, who would later become his wife and ministry partner. Their friendship grew over the years.
Ambassador Baptist College
God directed him to attend Ambassador Baptist College, where he earned a Graduate of Theology diploma in 2006. He then served as interim pastor and later at Lighthouse Baptist Church as Youth Pastor, Music Director, and teacher.
Married Amanda
In December 2007, Russell and Amanda were married. Together, they have faithfully served the Lord through church ministry, evangelism, and outreach.
Full-Time Evangelism
Entered full-time evangelism, preaching and encouraging churches across the Southeast. For over a decade he has also ministered within the prison systems of NC and SC through Living Letters Prison Ministry.
Pulpit Supply at Blue Branch
In May 2025, God opened the door for Pastor Jones to provide pulpit supply at Blue Branch Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. What began as temporary ministry soon became an interim pastorate.
Called as Pastor
On January 18, 2026, the congregation called him to serve as their full-time pastor — a call he joyfully accepted.