Pastor Bert Cloud

Pastor Bert Cloud serves River Road United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia, with a story rooted in grace. In the 1990s, a profound renewal of faith as a young adult drew him back to Jesus and, eventually, into a life of ministry marked by a deep commitment to loving people to life through hope, healing, and authentic human connection.

Before answering the call to pastoral ministry, Pastor Bert served as a School Psychologist, and that background continues to shape everything about the way he ministers today. His passion is to connect people with Christ, with themselves, and with one another, and he brings to that work a rare blend of spiritual depth, psychological insight, and, by his own admission, a healthy dose of humor.

Pastor Bert holds an M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and was ordained as an Elder in 2005. He is currently a doctoral student at Wesley Theological Seminary, focusing on the care of souls and the ministry of healing. Throughout his ministry he has developed lay congregational care programs, mentored clergy, and guided people discerning their call to ministry.

A native of Southwestern Virginia, Pastor Bert is married to Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud, and together they have three adult children: Kayana, Danielle, and Trae. Outside of ministry, he finds restoration in contemplative photography, long hikes, and a good bowl of soup. His favorite Scripture is Ephesians 2:1-10, his favorite poets are Robert Frost and Mary Oliver, and his favorite pastoral activity, above all else, is celebrating Holy Communion.

River Road is grateful to have Pastor Bert walking alongside us, and we look forward to the journey of faith ahead together.