Dr. Russel Levassar is the Senior Pastor at Vernon Baptist Church. He also serves as a professional Chaplain for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. He holds an Associate of Applied Science from St. Philip's College in Vocational Education, a Bachelor of Applied Science from Wayland Baptist University in Management and Christian Ministry, and a Master of Divinity from Hardin-Simmons University Logsdon Seminary, and a Doctor of Theology from Colorado Theological Seminary. His license and ordination are affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Southern Baptist Convention. Also, he has been an affiliate partner serving in cooperative missions with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in humanitarian services in marginalized communities. In addition, he maintains a professional Chaplain ecclesiastical endorsement from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, specializing in the areas of Mental Health and Forensic behavior. Dr. Levassar is the co-founder of the National Association of Clinical Theology in America and he is a Licensed Christian Counselor with the National Christian Counselors Association. Pastor Russel spent his early life managing leading mega collision repair facilities and assisted in risk management for leading fortune 500- corporations dealing in strategic business operations and casualty claims. In addition, he served in inner-city missions as a bi-vocational minister specializing in poverty, dependency, addiction, and recovery during his professional business career.