Pastor Charles R. Whitfield is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church East Martinsville in Martinsville, Virginia, where he has faithfully led for over 28 years. A powerful preacher, respected community leader, and passionate advocate for spiritual and economic empowerment, Pastor Whitfield is known for his anointed preaching, compassionate counseling, and kingdom-minded leadership.

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He answered the call to ministry in July 1994 and has since dedicated his life to preaching, teaching, and transformational leadership. Pastor Whitfield holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, a Master of Arts in Human Services with a focus in Family & Marriage Counseling, and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
 

In addition to his pastoral ministry, he is the author of two inspiring books, Anointed in the Moment and Embracing the Anointing, which explore the power, purpose, and presence of God’s anointing in the lives of believers. Pastor Whitfield is also the President of the Minority Business Consortium, a regional initiative focused on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and expanding equitable opportunities in the business ecosystem.

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A sought-after revivalist, leadership trainer, and Christian counselor, he has been invited to preach across the country and has had the unique honor of delivering the opening prayer for three NASCAR races at the historic Martinsville Speedway.

His leadership extends beyond the pulpit. Pastor Whitfield has served on the Board of Directors for the Harvest Foundation and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. He currently serves with C-PEG (Chamber Partners for Economic Growth) and continues his commitment to education and ministry as a former trustee of both Virginia Union University and Virginia University of Lynchburg.

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He is the former President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention (2018–2021) and currently serves as Moderator of the Smith River Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.

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Married for over 29 years to the lovely Carmela Starkey of Wirtz, VA, they are the proud parents of Chas (Summer) and Charity, and proud grandparents of Monse’ and Cansas, all of whom are actively involved in ministry.

Pastor Whitfield is a servant-leader anointed for such a time as this—called to preach the gospel, lead with integrity, and build both faith and community through love and service.