About Greenfield Baptist

About Greenfield

Greenfield is a welcoming congregation that shares the love and the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Greenfield Baptist Church was established in 1800 by Elder Griffith Dickenson, and other Revolutionary War Veterans and their families from Whitethorn Baptist Church. The first few years the Greenfield congregation was known as the Church of Christ at Stinking River Meeting House. In 1816 the name was changed to the Greenfield Baptist Church. Through the years we have been a part of the Roanoke Baptist Association, the Pittsylvania Baptist Association, and founding members of the Staunton River Baptist Association. We have been affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia since its beginnings in 1823. At present we cooperate with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the Baptist World Alliance, an alliance of Baptist churches throughout the world that work together to do mission work among the peoples of the world.

The Greenfield Family of Believers has an active Community Missions Program that helps provide for local families in their times of need. Each year at Christmas, we emphasize providing for local children. (Last year we provided Christmas gifts for thirty-six children in our communities.) Four times a year, we provide a carry-out meal for senior adults and shut-ins of our community—about 450 meals each time. Joining with other local congregations we provide weekend meals for children who meet the criteria at Mt. Airy Elementary School. There are other ministries carried out throughout the year as needs arise. Several times a year we provide sit-down meals for seniors in the communities we serve. Our Youth and Children’s Ministries—nurseries, Children’s Church, and other provisions—make Greenfield a children’s friendly family. We love our children and youth.

Meet Our Pastor

Rev. David Abernathy

Rev. David Abernathy has served as a Missionary / Chaplain for Danville and Pittsylvania County with Good News Global, formerly Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. His ministry includes the Danville City Jail, Pittsylvania County Jail, and the Danville Adult Detention Center since March 1989. He and his wife, Elizabeth, or "Liz" as she's known by many, are Danville natives, where their families were very involved in the life of their churches. Married in 1976, they actively led music and youth programs in area churches.

During his time with Good News, he became well known throughout southern Virginia for his experience, leadership and innovation in jail and prison ministry. He received the Chaplain of the Year Award from Good News Jail & Prison Ministry in 1993 and 2005. In 2015, he was a recipient of the Dr. William L. (Bill) Simmer Award for Excellence in Ministry from Good News Jail & Prison Ministry.

David and Liz reside in Blairs. They are active members of Rivermont Baptist Church in Danville. Their daughter, Hope, lives in Chatham. Their son, Jeremy, his wife, Alyssa and grandchildren Alexander and River Grace live in Mebane, North Carolina.