Bill’s Bio
Dr. William Michael Nieporte Sr. (Bill) was born in Middletown, Connecticut on September 5, 1963. He became a believer at age nine under the ministry of the First Baptist Church of Ormond Beach, FL. Throughout his teenage years, Bill became an active participant in the life of the church, attending Bible Studies, Mission Trips, Youth Choir, and numerous other activities. Bill preached one of his first sermons at age 13 to a worship gathering with over 600 in attendance.
Feeling called by God to enter the ministry, Bill pursued this call through studies at Stetson University, Deland Florida. While a student at Stetson, he served as a Student Summer Missionary in Canada. He also spent two summers in youth ministry at The College Park Baptist Church in Orlando, FL and The First Baptist Church of Palatka, FL.
Following graduation from Stetson University, Bill attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he concurrently served two rural congregations. While in seminary, he met Jeana Murray, a fellow student. The two were married in 1989 and now have two children.
Michelle, age 19, is good student and a gifted actor and public speaker with an interest in culture and the arts. She is an independent person with a gentle heart for the downtrodden. She is a recent High School graduate and attending Randolph-Macon College in the fall of 2009.
Michael, age 14, is an extremely intelligent child, full of positive energy and a desire to learn. He is very talkative and energetic.
Jeana is a gifted minister, preacher, and educator. Currently she is employed by Huntington Learning Center as an Associate Director.
In 1997, Bill completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
Dr. Nieporte’s Philosophy Of Ministry
A Grace Orientation – I treat others with the same love and acceptance with which God has treated me.
Intimacy With God – I chose a relationship with God over simply being religious.
Biblical Authority – I study the Bible for life transformation, not simply religious information.
Teamwork – I seek to be a part of Spirit-led ministry teams seeking to advance the Kingdom of God.
Dependence On God – I take risks and act with courageous faith.
Outreach – I seek the best methods for penetrating the world with the message of the gospel.
Worship – I lead worship services aimed at bringing honor to God through expressions of gratitude and praise.
Education
1997 – Doctor of Ministry, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC
1989 – Master of Divinity, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
1985 – Bachelor of Arts, Stetson University, Deland, Florida
1981 – Diploma, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach, FL
Congregational Leadership
2007 – Now Pastor, Patterson Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
2000 – 2007 Pastor, Red Bank Baptist Church, Marionville, VA
1996 – 2000 Pastor, Unity Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
1989 – 1996 Pastor, Morattico Baptist Church, Kilmarnock, VA
1985 – 1989 Pastor, Valley City Church, Valley City, IN
1985 – 1989 Pastor, Salem Church, Albany, IN
1985 Youth Minister, Christ Evangelical, Louisville, KY
1984 Summer Youth Minister, First Baptist, Palatka, FL
1983 Ministry Intern, College Park Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida
1982 Summer Youth Missionary to Canada, Florida Baptist Convention
Denominational Leadership
2009 – 2010 Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Committee on Boards & Committees, Chair
2009 – 2010 Richmond Baptist Association, Budget Committee, Chair
2004 – 2006 Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Chair, Courageous Churches Committee
2006 – 2008 Baptist General Association of Virginia, Chair, Christian Life Committee
2004 – 2006 Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Executive Committee
2002 – 2006 Accomac-Northampton Baptist Association, Virginia Baptist Mission Board
2002 – 2006 Accomac-Northampton Baptist Association, Discipleship Director
2002 – 2004 Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Young Leaders Program
2003 – 2004 Baptist General Association of Virginia, Program Committee, Co-Chair
1995 – 1996 Baptist General Association of Virginia, Religious Liberty Committee, Chair
1994 – 1995 Baptist General Association of Virginia, Evangelism Task Force
1993 – 1995 Rappahanock Baptist Association, Discipleship Director
Publications
The Religious Herald, Guest Editorial, “CP Power”
The Religious Herald, Guest Editorial, Kingdom Advance 2.0
The Biblical Recorder, Sunday School Literature
The Religious Herald, Sunday School Literature
Doctoral Thesis, “The Challenge of Post-Modernism: An Anabaptist Response”
Baptist Today, Sunday School Literature
Honors And Awards
Virginia Union Seminary, Evans-Smith Leadership Institute Instructor
The duPont Foundation, Professional Development Grant
The Patillo Foundation, Middle East Travel Award
Civic Involvement
American Red Cross of the Eastern Shore, Board Of Directors
Lighthouse Ministries Homeless Shelter, Board Of Directors