Donnette Mills
Apologetics
Elder Dr. Donnette Mills was born on September 13, 1949, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Noretha and Jesse Mills. A 1968 graduate of Huntington High School, he began his studies in Dental School before being drafted into the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War. Elder Mills completed 23 years of honorable military service, retiring in August 1998 as a decorated veteran.
Following his military career, he continued his commitment to public service. He retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections in July 2003 and later from the Department of Defense Joint Staff in Suffolk, Virginia, in September 2016. Elder Mills also holds the distinction of being the first African American firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician in James City County, Virginia, marking a historic milestone in local public safety.
Elder Mills is married to the former Toni A. McClendon, and he is the proud father of four children.
His journey in ministry began at Family Light Baptist Church, where he first served as a Trustee. Under the leadership of the late Bishop Hurley Jones, Sr., he was ordained a Deacon in May 1994. He preached his initial sermon in November 2003 and received his ministerial license shortly thereafter. On February 20, 2005, he was ordained as a minister, and on November 11, 2007, he was installed as the Pastor of Family Light Baptist Church, where he continues to serve with faithfulness and spiritual authority.
Elder Mills’ academic achievements reflect his lifelong commitment to biblical study and ministry excellence. He trained with the Institute of Biblical Studies through Liberty University, earning his diploma, and completed evangelism training at Mt. Carmel Mission School of Evangelism, receiving his Evangelism License in May 2002. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Saint Leo University in June 2007 and completed his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (High Distinction) from Trinity Theological Seminary in September 2016.
Pursuing the highest level of theological scholarship, Elder Mills earned his Doctor of Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary in 2021. In keeping with the biblical charge of 2 Timothy 2:15, he continued his studies and completed a Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership from the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University on December 15, 2023. He is currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Pastoral Care Program at Trinity Bible College and Theological Seminary.
Elder Dr. Donnette Mills is a man of unwavering faith who stands in the fear of God and boldly proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life reflects service, perseverance, scholarship, and a steadfast commitment to rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Amen.
Following his military career, he continued his commitment to public service. He retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections in July 2003 and later from the Department of Defense Joint Staff in Suffolk, Virginia, in September 2016. Elder Mills also holds the distinction of being the first African American firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician in James City County, Virginia, marking a historic milestone in local public safety.
Elder Mills is married to the former Toni A. McClendon, and he is the proud father of four children.
His journey in ministry began at Family Light Baptist Church, where he first served as a Trustee. Under the leadership of the late Bishop Hurley Jones, Sr., he was ordained a Deacon in May 1994. He preached his initial sermon in November 2003 and received his ministerial license shortly thereafter. On February 20, 2005, he was ordained as a minister, and on November 11, 2007, he was installed as the Pastor of Family Light Baptist Church, where he continues to serve with faithfulness and spiritual authority.
Elder Mills’ academic achievements reflect his lifelong commitment to biblical study and ministry excellence. He trained with the Institute of Biblical Studies through Liberty University, earning his diploma, and completed evangelism training at Mt. Carmel Mission School of Evangelism, receiving his Evangelism License in May 2002. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Saint Leo University in June 2007 and completed his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (High Distinction) from Trinity Theological Seminary in September 2016.
Pursuing the highest level of theological scholarship, Elder Mills earned his Doctor of Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary in 2021. In keeping with the biblical charge of 2 Timothy 2:15, he continued his studies and completed a Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership from the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University on December 15, 2023. He is currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Pastoral Care Program at Trinity Bible College and Theological Seminary.
Elder Dr. Donnette Mills is a man of unwavering faith who stands in the fear of God and boldly proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life reflects service, perseverance, scholarship, and a steadfast commitment to rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Amen.