Shawn Blackwelder comes to Genesis as Senior Pastor in July of 2023. He grew up in Florida, but settled in North Carolina in 1994 after he met his wife, Cheryl. A graduate of Webber International University with a degree in Business, Rev. Blackwelder worked in the business world until he had his call to ministry.
He has been a pastor since 1999 and graduated from Duke Divinity School in 2004 with a Master of Divinity degree. He has a passion for linking the church with needs in the community and for rediscovering ancient forms of prayer and Christian practices.
Outside of church, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, kayaking, hiking, and pretty much anything else outdoors. He’s also a big fan of Duke basketball, Jimmy Buffett, and Goodberry’s—not necessarily in that order.