Pastor Wells

A native of Philadelphia who grew up near Atlanta, Richard Wells served  as Senior Pastor of South Canyon Baptist Church from 2003 until 2008. He served previously on the founding faculty of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama), and for some seven years as President of The Criswell College (Dallas, Texas) until his return to the pastorate. After leaving South Canyon, Pastor Wells joined the administration at Union University (Jackson, Tennessee) as dean of the chapel and professor of Christian studies.

He received a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Florida Southern College (Lakeland), and master's degrees from The Criswell College, and from Setson University (Deland, Florida). He holds doctoral degrees from both Baylor University (Ph.D.) and the University of North Texas (Ph.D.).

He and Carol have been married for almost forty years. A native of Atlanta, Carol as served many years in women's ministries and ministries to senior adults. Dr. and Mrs. Wells have three adult children and five grandchildren.