Our Staff

Dr. Walter L. Black
Lead Pastor

Saved at age fourteen and called by God into the gospel ministry at age seventeen, I have ministered to youth for over ten years. I ministered to the youth and single adults at Western Branch Baptist Church from 1998 - 2003 and as Associate Pastor from 2003 until 2005 when I became Lead Pastor.

I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and received my Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1997 and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003. My wife Joyce and I have three children: Charis, Rachel, Joseph.

My philosophy of ministry is based on the example of the apostle Paul as he lead congregations of new believers. I am committed to the complete command of Christ to make disciples which includes evangelizing the lost by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to a lost world. I am convinced that God raises up persons from within the body with specific gifts and abilities to carry out the ministry of the church. I believe a pastor is obligated, by the authority of God’s word, to be an undershepherd for a flock of believers as he leads them to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ so they are prepared as disciples, to make disciples of all the world.

My faith, personal life, and preaching are based in their entirety on the reality that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Thus, it is the source of all truth and is the ultimate authority in all matters.

Contact Walter @ wblack@wbbchurch.net

Reverend Brian Norris
Associate Pastor/ Youth and Single Adults

Saved at the age of 11, and called into the ministry at the age of 16, my journey has been nothing short of an adventure and the ride has been intense. I have worked with youth for over a decade, and have been serving as full time associate pastor of youth and singles here at Western Branch since 2007.

I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Youth Ministries in 2006. I received my Masters of Arts in Religion degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in May, 2009. Also in May 2009, I married my college sweetheart Samantha Huggins (now Norris). I lead a group of vivacious, and energetic 7th-12th graders each Sunday for Sunday School and Wednesday for Youth Group.

I believe in the complete truth that is the Bible, in the Gospel of Christ, and getting the message to the people. That's why my Ministry is focused on helping students and young adults be fully devoted followers of Christ, and sharers of His life saving message of Salvation to the World. Romans 10:9 tells us that "If you confess with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be Saved." This passage truly is the thesis of our faith. That we believe in Jesus. Next, we have to share him with a decaying, dying world in desperate need of a Savior.

In my spare time I am a wiki-pedia enthusiast. Anything I want to know, I can usually find there. You know those moments where your in bed, it's quiet, and suddenly you pop up from a dead sleep, only to find your self curious as to the original air date of Gomer Pile, U.S.M.C.? Well, if your next thought is, "I'll look it up on Wiki-pedia!", then you will not only find your answer, but get back to sleep faster!

I have an extreme passion for Christ and for students. If you have or are a student/single young adult from 7th grade through college (to age 26), come on out to Western Branch and be a part of His Kingdom work at our church.

Check out my Youth Ministry Blog @ uthpastorb.com

Contact Brian @ Brian.Mitch.Norris@gmail.com