Brian Dickens
Head Pastor
Brian Dickens and wife Betina have four children: Sadee, Gunner, Gabe, and Sophee. They enjoy living on their farm in Covington County, MS. Pastor Brian has served in various ministries such as worship leader, associate pastor, and lead pastor since 2007. The Dickens family started serving at Centerville in April 2023. Brian loves teaching the Word of God in a practical down to earth way that it can be applied to everyday life. He has a passion not only to see people come to know Jesus Christ, but also become followers day by day. Brian strives to be a pastor that is filled with the Spirit, authentic, and approachable. Brian believes in a very simple and Biblical approach to ministry, Love God, Love People, and Lift up Jesus.
David Blackwell
Worship Pastor
Minister of Music - David Blackwell has been coordinating and leading our worship since 2018. David has been in music ministry at various churches in Mississippi for over 35 years and has a heart for leading the church to seek God through our worship experiences.
David is the husband of the late Shelli Blackwell with whom they ministered together all over the South leading worship, revivals, and other special events. David has two children, Merritt Blackwell who serves on staff at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, MS and Ashlee Kate (Blackwel) Bohna who lives in Corpus Christi, TX and works as a trainer for Chick-fil-A.
David’s favorite passage is John 15:13, “greater love has no man than this, that a someone lay down his life for his friends”. He has challenged the church to memorize scripture even if its’ just one verse during 2023. David has committed to memorizing Philippians chapter 3 this year.
If you have any questions about our music ministry or have a desire to participate and lead in our various adult and children’s ministries, please contact David.
David is the husband of the late Shelli Blackwell with whom they ministered together all over the South leading worship, revivals, and other special events. David has two children, Merritt Blackwell who serves on staff at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, MS and Ashlee Kate (Blackwel) Bohna who lives in Corpus Christi, TX and works as a trainer for Chick-fil-A.
David’s favorite passage is John 15:13, “greater love has no man than this, that a someone lay down his life for his friends”. He has challenged the church to memorize scripture even if its’ just one verse during 2023. David has committed to memorizing Philippians chapter 3 this year.
If you have any questions about our music ministry or have a desire to participate and lead in our various adult and children’s ministries, please contact David.
Richard Gray
Youth Pastor
Rich Gray is the Minister of Students at Centerville Baptist Church. God called Rich to this position in October 2010, and he is about to enter his 13th year leading our student ministry. Rich has a heartfelt desire for our students to become passionate followers of Jesus and for them to seek his will for every facet of their life. Rich is a 2004 Graduate of West Jones High School, a 2006 Graduate of Jones College, a 2012 Graduate of Liberty University with a B.A. in Religion/Biblical Studies, and a 2021 Graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with Master of Divinity in Theology. Rich is married to the former Leah Pitts, and they have two amazing children, Laine (5) and Jett (3). Rich is also employed with the Jones County School District as a Special Education Teacher who focuses on Inclusive Education in Biological Sciences.
Rich’s life verse is found in I Thessalonians 5:23-24: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Rich’s life verse is found in I Thessalonians 5:23-24: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”