James Green Somerville

Here is a biographical and interpretive write-up on James Green Somerville, American clergyman:

James Green Somerville — Life, Ministry, and Legacy

Learn about the life and ministry of James Green Somerville, American Baptist pastor, preacher, and author. This article explores his background, pastoral roles, writing, theological emphasis, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

James Green Somerville (often known as Jim Somerville) is a contemporary American Baptist clergyman and preacher. He is best known as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, and formerly served as pastor in Washington, D.C. and other congregations. His preaching, writing, and public ministry emphasize faithful exegesis, pastoral care, and speaking into both church life and the broader culture.

Though not a historical figure from centuries past, his contributions in recent decades make him a meaningful voice in Baptist and Protestant circles.

Early Life and Education

• James Green Somerville was born on March 14, 1959, in Selma, Alabama.

• His family moved during his youth: in 1961 to Wise, Virginia, and later to Boone County, West Virginia.

• He is one of six sons of a Presbyterian minister who served in West Virginia.

In terms of education:

• He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire.

• He earned his Bachelor of Arts (major in Fine Art, with English minor) from Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he graduated summa cum laude.

• He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with a focus on preaching and teaching from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

• He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in New Testament (major) with a minor in preaching from Southern Seminary (1991).

He was ordained in 1986 by First Baptist Church, New Castle, Kentucky.

Pastoral Career & Ministry

Early Pastoral Roles

While in seminary, Somerville served as pastor of First Baptist Church, New Castle, Kentucky.

He also served as Pastor of Wingate Baptist Church in Wingate, North Carolina, for nine years before moving to the national stage.

Washington, D.C. & National Ministry

Before coming to Richmond, Somerville served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C. for approximately eight years.

During his D.C. pastorate, he preached widely, contributed to theological forums, and extended his influence beyond his local congregation.

Richmond, Virginia

Since May 2008, Somerville has served as Senior Pastor of Richmond’s First Baptist Church (FBC Richmond).

Under his leadership, the church emphasizes both strong preaching and community engagement: he is known for being present, interacting with congregants, and seeking to “bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Richmond” through practical ministry.

Writing, Preaching & Public Voice

Somerville’s influence extends through sermons, published writings, and contributions to religious periodicals:

• His sermons and essays have appeared in Christian Century, The Upper Room, Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching, and other journals.

• He has preached on national radio programs (e.g. Day1) and on 30 Good Minutes.

• He was awarded the Clyde T. Francisco Preaching Award as a student at Southern Seminary.

• He co-founded A Sermon for Every Sunday, an online resource that provides video sermons mapped to the liturgical calendar.

His writing often wrestles with theological, pastoral, and cultural issues—encouraging faithful biblical reflection and engaging the church in its social context.

Theological Emphases & Pastoral Vision

From his public statements, sermons, and church role, several recurring themes in Somerville’s ministry can be discerned:

1. Preaching Centered on Scripture — His doctorate in New Testament and dedication to expository preaching show a commitment to biblical authority and clarity.

2. Pastoral Presence & Relational Ministry — He emphasizes being among the people: visible, accessible, and relational rather than distant.

3. Bridging Contexts — Serving in Washington, D.C., and now Richmond, Somerville ministers in congregations of broad social, racial, and economic diversity, striving to speak to both the powerful and the marginalized.

4. Cultural Engagement — He sees the church as called to engage society, not retreat from it, bringing justice, mercy, and faith into public life.

5. Humility & Self-Awareness — He openly acknowledges the weight and struggle of preaching and ministry, confessing “some Sundays I tremble under the weight of trying to speak a word for God.”

6. Call and Identity — He often reflects on the notion of “calling”—God’s initiative—and affirms the dignity of every person’s vocation.

Quotes & Reflections

Here are some representative quotations attributed to James Green Somerville that capture his heart for ministry:

“As long as I loved and served Christ I could be anything I wanted to be.” “Even more important than what we do, then, is who we are.” “My father was a Presbyterian minister, working among the poor … he had taken what amounted to a vow of poverty … so we never had much money.” “I have to confess … some Sundays still I tremble under the weight of trying to speak a word for God.” “John the Baptist was supposed to point the way to the Christ … So everybody’s calling has dignity to it … God seems to know better than we do what is in us that needs to be called forth.”

These lines illustrate his humility, his roots, and his theological convictions about calling and identity.

Legacy and Influence

Though Somerville is still active, his ongoing ministry already carries elements of legacy:

• Local Church Renewal — His leadership in Richmond has shaped one of Virginia’s prominent Baptist congregations in preaching, community presence, and discipleship.

• Preaching Influence — Through his sermons, online resources, and speaking engagements, his voice reaches beyond his pulpit to pastors, lay leaders, and congregants across the country.

• Resource Contribution — His co-founding of A Sermon for Every Sunday helps churches access quality preaching tied to the liturgical calendar.

• Encouragement to Ministers — His transparency about the burdens of ministry offers resonance to pastors and church workers navigating challenges.

• Cultural Bridge-Building — By engaging both society and church, he models a pastor who does not retreat from complexity but seeks to bring faith into public life.