Willard Maxwell

When it comes to servant leadership, Dr. Willard Maxwell, Jr. has a simple philosophy: “when you stop struggling, you stop relating.” As the Senior Pastor of New Beech Grove Baptist Church, Dr. Maxwell educates and equips those he is called to serve through Biblical yet practical preaching/teaching. His interactive approach to pastoral leadership includes creating and cultivating a culture of innovation, leadership and a commitment to spiritual and personal growth. Dr. Maxwell is a results-focused leader who trains and empowers those he leads while remaining committed to “getting in the trenches.” Dr. Maxwell diligently partners with and works alongside those whose mission is to serve, protect and strengthen the local community. In addition to pastoring, Dr. Maxwell serves as a volunteer Police Chaplain for the City of Newport News; is a City Planning Commissioner; serves on the board of the Newport News Police Foundation; is an adjunct professor at the William Harvey Leadership Academy at Hampton University; and is a Silver Lifetime member of the NAACP. Dr. Maxwell supports and collaborates with a host of other local and regional community and civic organizations to serve and enhance the community. Dr. Maxwell is a native of Atlanta, Georgia where he served as an educator, administrator, and principal in the Atlanta Public School system. Dr. Maxwell holds a Master of Divinity degree from Morehouse School of Religion, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education from Georgia Southern University and a Pastor Counseling Certification from Emory University.Dr. Maxwell is an entrepreneur with an extensive background in real estate. He holds an active broker’s license and leverages his business skills to conduct workshops for churches and communities on topics such as real estate investing, financial management and community and economic development.

As a respected saxophonist and stand up Christian comedian, Dr. Maxwell makes time to enjoy the arts. When time permits, Dr. Maxwell shares these gifts publicly.