-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Demetrius A. Russell Sr.?
I would describe myself as a person who loves Jesus, my wife and children, people and life. I enjoy watching sports as well as listening to and playing music. I am a huge Cleveland Browns fan. I love preaching, teaching and encouraging people to become the best version of themselves.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Hopkinsville, KY, and raised in Cadiz which is roughly an hour from Nashville, TN. I grew up on a large family farm. My great-grandfather bought several acres of land for all his children and grandchildren. My father was a bi-vocational Pastor and my mother was a musician. Because of this, we were in church all the time.
My parents raised my three siblings and me and taught us the importance of valuing family. I was blessed to have an awesome extended family too. Playing sports was expected. My brothers and friends played football, ran track and were also on the powerlifting team. Cadiz wasn’t a large city, but we looked out for each other. The population may be small but its heart, overall, is enormous!
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
After Trigg County High, initially, I was going to attend mortuary school. However, I decided to attend Berea College to study music. Berea is where I grew as a musician. I focused on vocal music, so classical music, opera and spirituals were my focus. Berea is also where I met my wife, Miriam.
I graduated in December 2007 and served as both a minister of music and an adjunct faculty member in the music department. Three years later, I moved so I could be closer to home. That’s where I truly started focusing on ministry. I started my seminary journey, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 2013 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2018.
What is your official title and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the Senior Pastor of Sweet Union Baptist Church.. We strive to embrace the ministry of the total person. I am responsible for the spiritual health of the church, among other things. I preach, teach and encourage believers to make disciples of Jesus, visit the sick and bereaved members and officiate weddings and funerals. I sometimes play for and direct choirs too.
I’m also a funeral service intern at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home and Crematory. I’m studying to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer.
How important is family to you?
Family is everything. As a pastor, I live by the instructions given in 1 Timothy 3 of being able to take care of my home because it’s not impossible to lead the people of God if I don’t take care of my family. I never want to be that pastor who is everywhere for everybody while my family is falling apart. Not everyone agrees with that, but as a pastor’s kid, I know what that can sometimes feel like. I never want my wife or kids to ever feel that I place church over them.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
This is a challenge because I love music. My list would be broken down into categories:
Quartet – The Canton Spirituals, The Williams Singers out of Indianapolis, Lee Williams and the Fairfield Four.
Christian Hip Hop – Red Tips, Don Ready, BrvndonP and a few others.
How would you describe your relationship with the City of Roanoke?
I feel like I have a good relationship with Roanoke. Moving to the Star City during the pandemic/quarantine was challenging, but that feeling didn’t last long. I feel like I’m still learning and adjusting to some extent, but I absolutely love this community! There is so much wisdom, talent… whatever is needed, Roanoke has it! We have received so much love and I hope the city knows and learns that we love being here.
Outside of your profession, what do your hobbies consist of?
Watching movies with my wife is probably a hobby I did not realize I had. From Marvel to her favorite, Rom-Com, we appreciate experiencing a well-produced film. I also enjoy watching highlights of old basketball and football games and analyzing them with my son. Discussing vocal and choral music with my daughter is also a hobby of mine.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of your family?
Those individuals would be my Father in the Ministry, Dr. Frank Larkins, Sr., Mr. Raymond Gamble (funeral home owner back home), Mr. Lee Larry Sr, and Mrs. Christine Gay. They each saw much in me and encouraged me to be the best version of myself.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Other’s experiences are not your reality, so don’t live in fear of experiencing those same struggles. Your stutter will not hinder you from accomplishing goals. What you have to say matters! So, speak with the wisdom and power God has given you.
